Internships in South America

No words can fully capture how much this experience meant to me. From shadowing at the hospital to going on safaris and even simply spending time at the residence, every moment of my trip to Mombasa was invaluable. In just three weeks, I advanced my medical and cultural knowledge and built lifelong relationships. At Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH), I shadowed in three departments: Accident & Emergency, Pediatrics, and Surgery. In each, the medical staff were welcoming and eager to teach, taking time to explain their roles on the care team and how they work to provide the best patient care. In Pediatrics, Dr. Ken and Dr. Nancy were excellent mentors, guiding me through how they evaluate, diagnose, and treat each patient. I expanded my familiarity with common pediatric conditions and treatment plans, and—perhaps most importantly—learned by watching how they communicated with families and patients. The school clinics might have been the highlight of the trip. Visiting classrooms and seeing how excited the children were is something I will never forget. Many were studying in challenging conditions, yet they were among the happiest people I’ve ever met. I loved teaching basic hygiene and personal health. Their pure joy left a lasting impression and made the school clinics an experience I will always cherish. I’m deeply grateful for the memories I made in Mombasa, and I owe so much to the wonderful IMA staff. From the moment I arrived at the residence, I was greeted warmly and always treated kindly by program mentors. Their support and hospitality helped our cohort collaborate and form a strong community. From the chefs to housekeeping, everyone worked hard to make our three-week stay feel like home. This journey was truly transformative. Even after three years of rigorous university classes and guidance from great professors, I gained insights in Mombasa that went far beyond the classroom. I’ve wanted a career in healthcare since high school—partly influenced by my parents, who both work in the field, and partly by my desire to build a meaningful life by serving others. I set my sights on becoming a physician assistant (PA). To gain experience, I started volunteering at my local hospital a couple of years ago, mostly answering phone calls and tidying nursing stations. I became comfortable in a hospital setting but wanted a more immersive, hands-on learning environment. I chose Kenya because I believed the shadowing opportunities would be intensive and eye-opening—and they were. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would connect with the local community. From my first day, I was struck by the warmth, kindness, and generosity of both patients and providers. Week 1: Accident & Emergency The emergency department forced me to adjust quickly to a fast-paced environment. Without a formal orientation to the local systems on day one, I learned by observing workflows and team communication. The variety of cases was extraordinary; each shift brought a completely different set of presentations, which expanded my understanding of conditions and corresponding treatment plans. One notable case involved an open femur fracture from a tuk-tuk accident—an injury that clearly required urgent surgical care. I observed the team stabilize the patient, and I also saw how resource constraints and staffing pressures can lead to delays. Having volunteered in a U.S. emergency department, I hadn’t seen patients with comparable injuries wait as long; witnessing this underscored the reality of working in high-volume public hospitals. Throughout the week, I asked nurses how I could help to support flow. They gave me simple but meaningful tasks: attaching monitors for new patients, taking vitals, and transporting trauma patients for X-rays. These responsibilities helped me develop my communication skills and learn how to comfort patients in stressful moments. One case that stays with me involved a toddler who appeared to have been abused. He arrived frightened and silent. I sat beside him, introduced myself, and offered a few high-fives until he managed a small smile. In that moment, I realized how much emotional support matters. Health care isn’t only about physical healing—it’s also about presence and humanity. I’ll carry that lesson into my PA career. Week 2: Pediatrics I spent most of the week in the outpatient unit with Dr. Nancy, observing her examine children with a wide range of conditions. She narrated her reasoning—from exam to diagnosis to treatment planning—which made each encounter a teaching moment. We saw several cases of hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain), and I learned how limited access to neonatal care can increase risk. I also visited maternity during a night shift and became aware of how water and sanitation constraints can complicate sterile technique. These observations broadened my understanding of how resource limitations affect patient safety and outcomes. I also noticed cultural differences in patient-provider dynamics. Families in Mombasa were consistently trusting and collaborative with the care team and respectful with student observers. Compared to my experiences in the U.S., where families may more actively challenge recommendations, this highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity. As a future PA, I want to adapt my communication style to each family’s needs while supporting shared decision-making. Week 3: Surgery Surgery was exhilarating and humbling. At my local hospital in California, I’m not permitted inside the operating theater; at CGTRH, I stood just feet from the field (while maintaining sterile boundaries), asking questions and learning from surgeons and nurses who welcomed teaching. Watching complex procedures up close revealed just how intricate and coordinated surgical care is. One case—an open-heart operation on a young boy—involved a large, highly skilled team. Even with constant movement in and out of the theater, the team’s focus never wavered. Seeing everyone operate as a single unit reinforced the importance of preparation, communication, and mutual trust. It’s a model I hope to emulate in my own practice. Beyond the Hospital While my clinical knowledge grew tremendously, the most profound impact was the people. Driving from the airport, I saw neighborhoods where families lived with limited resources—often without running water or reliable electricity. Yet the everyday joy I encountered, especially among children, was unforgettable. Each week, our cohort visited K–12 schools to teach basic hygiene. I have never been around more enthusiastic kids—dancing, singing, asking questions, and making us laugh. They reminded me that happiness doesn’t come from what you have, but from connection with others. The Kenyan emphasis on community and caring for one another offered a perspective I’ll carry with me. Looking Ahead My three weeks with International Medical Aid changed my life. I came to Kenya to gain clinical exposure, and I left with so much more: stronger patient-care skills, a deeper understanding of global health disparities, and a clearer sense of the kind of clinician I want to be. As I prepare for PA school, I’ll keep prioritizing kindness, cultural awareness, teamwork, and communication. This journey is one I won’t forget—and it has solidified my commitment to provide excellent care while building relationships rooted in empathy and respect.

From the moment I arrived at the airport to the moment I departed, I felt thoroughly supported and guided by the IMA staff. Their attentiveness made me feel safe and ensured a smooth transition throughout my stay. The accommodations exceeded my expectations—exceptional hospitality that made my time comfortable and enjoyable. I have no complaints about the housing. The kitchen staff and the food were outstanding; the chefs prepared delicious meals, greeted us warmly, and accommodated dietary needs. My experience at the hospital was equally positive. The nurses in OB/GYN were incredibly friendly and welcoming to interns. They were open to teaching and involving us in procedures, and I left each day with new knowledge and skills. One highlight was the community outreach initiatives. Whether participating in women’s health and hygiene clinics or mental health education sessions, I felt privileged to contribute to community well-being. The free medical clinic was particularly impactful. As a first-generation college student, I have often felt unsure about which career path to pursue. During a meeting with my advisor, I discovered the physician assistant role and was immediately captivated. When I told my parents, they laughed—reminding me of my fear of needles and anything to do with blood. Despite that, I was determined to explore the field. With no prior healthcare experience, I knew I needed firsthand exposure. I spent hours researching internships that explored different specialties in a hospital setting. When I received my acceptance to International Medical Aid in Kenya, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I had also heard warnings about challenging conditions, crime, and health risks, and as the departure date approached, I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation. The temptation to cancel crossed my mind, but I was committed to facing my fears. Those three weeks turned out to be an eye-opening journey beyond anything I had imagined. On my first day at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, I was assigned to the accident and emergency department with Dr. Anton, who greeted us with genuine warmth and enthusiasm and gave a comprehensive tour. I noticed differences from what I’d seen in the U.S.—from attire to documentation systems and room layouts that offered limited privacy. I also saw the structured ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) used to triage critically ill or injured patients, which underscored how clinical officers prioritize care. While initial assessments were quick, there were often delays before tests or imaging—something I’ve also observed in U.S. emergency departments. Several cases stood out. One involved a young man injured after a mob incident; another, a patient attacked with a machete who required suturing. As days went by, patterns of trauma were common, which prompted me to learn more about local safety dynamics. Clinical officers—who complete several years of training and gain seniority through experience—performed much of the frontline care. Observing this system deepened my appreciation for the range of professionals who keep high-volume public hospitals running. In the pediatric emergency department, I assisted with gentle immobilization for IV placement, sometimes via jugular or scalp veins when needed. I observed variations in technique and equipment usage, which reinforced for me the importance of adhering to evidence-based protocols to minimize infection risk and ensure patient safety. As a future physician assistant, I’m committed to following best practices to provide safe, compassionate care. During my surgery rotation, I worried about fainting at the sight of blood. I walked into the middle of a knee replacement and, despite initial nerves, became absorbed in the teamwork and precision. Later, I observed a hysterectomy and a salpingectomy. Seeing how surgery could restore mobility and health was inspiring and sparked a deeper interest in operative care. In my second week in OB/GYN, I explored the labor ward, High Dependency Unit (HDU), gynecology ward, antenatal ward, postnatal ward, and the theater. On day one, I joined the oncology team. Many patients had advanced cervical cancer in a setting where HPV vaccination was introduced relatively recently. Treatment planning often occurred alongside other health challenges such as acute kidney injury and anemia. One case that stayed with me was a 12-year-old with a newly diagnosed malignancy who underwent surgery. Despite her age and diagnosis, she showed remarkable strength, even comforting her mother. The experience deepened my understanding of the complexities families face and strengthened my commitment to women’s health in resource-limited settings. I spent time in the labor ward and witnessed both a vaginal birth and a C-section for the first time—an almost surreal experience. The ward is divided into first- and second-stage areas; women are placed based on their presentation at admission. Space constraints limited family presence, and immediate newborn assessments sometimes left little room for early skin-to-skin contact. Learning more about the benefits of skin-to-skin reinforced for me how small changes in practice can have meaningful impact for mothers and babies. In the HDU, I joined nurses on rounds and witnessed their gentle, compassionate care. They shared detailed patient histories and kept me updated on ongoing treatments, creating a supportive, non-toxic learning environment. When a new patient arrived, the team quickly focused on her comfort. Another patient developed severe bleeding; I helped by handing gauze while the team stabilized her. A third patient with eclampsia deteriorated and entered a coma. The nurses continued talking to her and offering reassurance, acting as surrogate family when loved ones couldn’t be present. I brought adult diapers as a small contribution—it reminded me of my grandmother’s struggle with an incurable illness and the importance of simple comforts. As my time wound down, I visited the gynecology unit, where I encountered a range of conditions—ectopic pregnancies, incomplete miscarriages, pelvic inflammatory disease, molar pregnancy, and gynecologic cancers. Throughout this rotation, Dr. Rehma was an invaluable mentor. She broke down complex concepts—from disease mechanisms to treatment protocols—and invited me to intern meetings on labor progress. I learned to graph labor curves and present cases, which fueled my passion for OB/GYN and showed the power of great mentorship. This program shaped my future profoundly. Beyond hospital learning, the people I met made a lasting impact. As a first-generation student, I found peers who also hoped to become physician assistants and generously shared practical advice on preparing strong applications—from clinical volunteering to relevant coursework. I returned home determined to gain more experience, pursue additional learning, and build toward PA school with an OB/GYN focus. With each step, I feel more equipped and more passionate about my goals. Overall, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program. It enhanced my professional skills and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the community. The support, safety, accommodations, and enriching clinical experiences have left a lasting impression and clarified the kind of clinician I aspire to be.