Global Health Programs in Delhi, India

I am honored to have received a full scholarship for the Global Health program in India from Child Health Family International (CFHI). During two weeks of clinical training at hospitals and research facilities across India, I gained a broader and more in-depth perspective on the healthcare system and the public health challenges the country is currently facing. This was truly a valuable experience—not only in terms of healthcare exposure, but also in understanding the culture and people of a nation characterized by remarkable religious and ethnic diversity. I was deeply impressed by India’s culture, perfectly captured by the phrase “countries within a country.” With a population of over 1.4 billion people and still growing, along with a long and proud history as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, India continuously revealed its richness to me. My time there truly brought this to life, especially through the striking diversity of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and many others. Indian cuisine, often described as “the kitchen of the world,” also left a strong impression on me. Coming from Vietnam—a country well known for its diverse food culture and rich use of spices—I still had to admit that in India, I encountered countless flavors and combinations that I had never even heard of, let alone experienced before. Indian architecture truly stood out to me. From the marble stones of the Taj Mahal to the grandeur of Agra Fort and the intricate details of Qutb Minar, each structure showcased an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, with carvings so delicate and detailed that they were simply breathtaking.

My experience with Child Family Health International (CFHI) was nothing short of life-changing. As a Ugandan medical officer with a strong interest in global health, I joined CFHI’s Global Health in India program to deepen my understanding of healthcare systems in a diverse cultural context. The CFHI team, led by Mrs. Hema Pandey, provided unparalleled support throughout the application and travel processes, making me feel welcomed and prepared. The program featured enlightening visits to organizations such as Sulabh International, where I learned about groundbreaking sanitation initiatives, and CanSupport, which focuses on holistic care for cancer patients, among others. Observerships at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital and Landou Community Hospital were particularly impactful to me, as I gained valuable insights into India's clinical care and public health practices. Additionally, the cultural experiences, including visits to the Taj Mahal and other iconic sites, as well as partaking in Diwali, enriched my appreciation for India’s heritage. CFHI’s dedication to cultural sensitivity and global collaboration in medicine is truly commendable. I returned home inspired and equipped with knowledge that will inform my advocacy for equitable healthcare in Uganda and beyond. I highly recommend CFHI to anyone seeking to broaden their horizons and make a meaningful difference in global health. Thank you, CFHI, for this incredible journey!

Child Family Health International (CFHI) is a global health education nonprofit that partners with local communities and health systems in underserved regions to provide transformative clinical and public health experiences for aspiring health professionals. With a strong emphasis on ethical engagement, cultural humility, and sustainable development, CFHI offers immersive programs that expose participants to real-world healthcare challenges while supporting local providers and promoting global health equity. The CanSupport–Cancer program in New Delhi, India, is one such offering—focusing on palliative and cancer care in a resource-constrained setting. It offers students firsthand experience in home-based care, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the social determinants of health affecting vulnerable populations. As a Medical Observer through CFHI’s CanSupport–Cancer program, I had the privilege of working alongside physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals providing end-of-life care to patients in their homes and local daycare centers. We served individuals facing advanced-stage cancer, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and other serious conditions. I witnessed the importance of dignity, emotional support, and cultural sensitivity in palliative care, and developed a deeper understanding of pain management, family dynamics, and ethical decision-making. This experience not only strengthened my clinical observational skills but also taught me how to provide holistic, patient-centered support during life’s most vulnerable moments. In addition to community-based care, I completed a one-month clinical observership at Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, one of India’s leading private healthcare institutions. Under neurologists Dr. P.N. Renjen and Dr. Avinash, I observed diagnosis and treatment approaches for strokes, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s, gaining familiarity with neurological exams, neuroimaging, and acute care. I also rotated in pediatric cardiology with Dr. Reetesh Gupta, where I observed echocardiograms, EKG interpretation, and pediatric cardiac surgeries. These combined experiences gave me a holistic view of both public and private healthcare delivery in India and deepened my passion for compassionate, interdisciplinary, and culturally competent medical care.