Global Health in Durban, South Africa

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!

Participating in CFHI’s Health Program in Durban was an unforgettable journey in my global health career. CFHI’s structure gave me a unique opportunity to learn about South Africa’s healthcare system not just from a clinical perspective, but also through lived cultural experiences. From our daily clinical shadowing in hospitals and clinics to our immersion in my homestay, CFHI ensured that our learning was authentic, ethical, and grounded in community realities.

My experience in Durban, South Africa with CFHI’s Global Health Program was truly transformative. I gained hands-on exposure to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases, working alongside dedicated local physicians in resource-limited settings. The local team’s passion and willingness to teach made this experience both educational and deeply impactful. Beyond clinical work, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in South African culture and explore its incredible history. From hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town, visiting Nelson Mandela’s historic sites, and spotting rockhopper penguins, to trying Durban’s famous Bunny Chow, every moment was unforgettable. This experience strengthened my passion for global health, patient advocacy, and health equity. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to broaden their medical and cultural understanding while making a meaningful impact.