Global Health in Durban, South Africa

I signed up for the CFHI Durban program in April 2026, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a whole new world. Forget the dry program descriptions—this was real life, full of warmth, culture, and a few surprises along the way. My homestay with the Siwela family was unforgettable. Picture evenings filled with indigenous meals, laughter, and stories that made me feel like part of the family. I didn’t just learn about Zulu traditions—I lived them. And in the clinics, I saw doctors who didn’t just treat patients, but truly knew them. Their empathy and non‑discriminatory approach was inspiring, and it reminded me why I chose medicine in the first place. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. My exams back home shuffled around, so I arrived late and had to play catch‑up. But CFHI staff were absolute lifesavers, helping me settle in quickly. If anything, I’d say clearer orientation materials for late arrivals would make things even better. Overall, this program gave me more than just clinical exposure—it gave me perspective. It was about health, yes, but also about justice, equity, and community. If you’re looking for an experience that challenges you, feeds you (literally and figuratively), and leaves you with stories worth telling, CFHI Durban is it.

I signed up for the CFHI Durban program in April 2026, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a whole new world. Forget the dry program descriptions: this was real life, full of warmth, culture, and a few surprises along the way. My homestay with the Siwela family was unforgettable. Picture evenings filled with indigenous meals, laughter, and stories that made me feel like part of the family. I didn’t just learn about Zulu traditions—I lived them. And in the clinics, I saw doctors who didn’t just treat patients, but truly knew them. Their empathy and non‑discriminatory approach was inspiring, and it reminded me why I chose medicine in the first place. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. My exams back home shuffled around, so I arrived late and had to play catch‑up, but CFHI team were absolute lifesavers, helping me settle in quickly. If anything, I’d say clearer orientation materials for late arrivals would make things even better. Overall, this program gave me more than just clinical exposure—it gave me perspective. It was about health, yes, but also about justice, equity, and community. If you’re looking for an experience that challenges you, feeds you (literally and figuratively), and leaves you with stories worth telling, CFHI Durban is it.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in CFHI’s Global Health Program in Durban. I spent most of my time in the internal medicine wards where I saw a wide range of patient presentations, including patients with end-stage AIDS, TB, hypertension, oncologic conditions, and neurologic pathologies. I learned directly from the house staff and faculty on the ward and also had the opportunity to attend journal clubs and Morbidity & Mortality conferences. A particular highlight was being the first person to see a patient who was coming in with headache and chest pain and presenting her to the medical officer! Outside of the hospital, I had the opportunity to learn more about South African history and culture as well as visit the beautiful beaches, cities, and mountains of the province! I left the program even more dedicated to advocating for patients and to building a career focused on advancing global health equity!