Internal Medicine

Rotation to Nepal, January 2020

I was impressed by the work ethic and patient care by nurses and residents at Patan Hospital in Kathmandu. The style of rounds and teaching was not very different than my current residency. The humility and selflessness of the residents demonstrated that the needs of the patient came first in every task.

Many residents and staff were helpful in my adjustment to a new culture. One weekend, I joined the intensive care unit team for a day of Nepali food, music, and dancing. (We laughed about how I’m not a good dancer.)

My time in Nepal will benefit my medical practice through an improved cultural competence of people with different beliefs and livelihoods. I was fortunate to participate in patient care utilizing available tools. This incredible experience reminds me of why I practice medicine.

Family Medicine

Rotation to Uganda, February 2020

There were challenges working in the Bwindi Community Hospital — culture, language, resource limitations, and practice limitations. But we worked together to overcome them.

There was an excellent team-based approach to help care for patients. Our days often evolved around the hospital but an important part of the Ugandan culture was spent together eating a meal at the end of the day and then playing games (matatu or Monopoly) or discussing medicine.

It was an amazing opportunity to experience a new culture, the ability to properly care for patients with fewer resources, and gain an appreciation for what we have with medicine in North America.

Neurology

Rotation to Ethiopia, February 2020

The Black Lion Hospital is a government-run hospital affiliated with Addis Ababa medical school and multiple residency programs. It's the only neurology residency program in Ethiopia, started by international neurologists.

It's an impressive program with lectures that include the gold standard recommendations and newest treatments. Patient volume was high (a resident could see 10-15 patients in one morning) with an array of pathology (many cases I had never seen and advanced cases not generally seen in the U.S.).

I’m a better physician because of this experience! I enjoyed immersing myself in a different culture. I received excellent training at Mayo Clinic. I learned to rely more on physical exam skills and less on diagnostic testing, to be more resourceful, and a steward of limited resources. I recommend this phenomenal experience! 

Internal Medicine

Rotation to Malawi, March 2019

I integrated into the Blantyre Adventist Hospital community. I walked the countryside and went on a safari, but the people were the highlight of the experience.

There's a touching system of support for those admitted to the hospital. Without exception, a person staying in the hospital was accompanied by a guardian — family members or friends who helped provide care, encouragement, and a healing atmosphere for their loved one.

The challenges are substantial when providing health care with limited resources, but the rewards are immeasurable. These formative experiences go beyond words and I would not trade them for anything.

Perhaps the best way to describe it is this: there was a part of me I did not realize was missing until I lived and practiced in Malawi for a month. I returned home a more complete physician and person.

Family Medicine

Rotation to Kenya, May 2019

My responsibilities at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet included teaching the residents/interns, assisting with management plans, evaluating patients, and ensuring the medical plans were implemented. The available resources were EMR, full spectrum of labs, X-ray/CT imaging, an ICU, and specialty services.

We used "SPADES" as a template for rounds: Scripture. Reflecting on a Bible verse. Prayer. Time in prayer. Announcements. Discussing new happenings. Death Report. Patients who passed in the past 24 hours. Education. Teaching and learning. Successes. Sharing recent successes.

My time in Kenya has impacted me personally, professionally, and spiritually, and has further solidified my plans to pursue global health and long-term medical missions.

Dermatology

Rotation to Tanzania, September 2019

I can’t say enough praise about my experience in the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi.

I enjoyed getting to know the residents and patients. The people in Tanzania don’t have many resources or amenities, but they're happy. I hope to remember this when I get frustrated about little things or bumps in the road.

Dermatologic conditions can look different on various skin types and being able to rotate in Tanzania was an excellent opportunity to receive training that I would not otherwise receive. I was able to see many dermatology conditions on dark skin types (some I had not seen before).

I connected with residents and consultants at the training center and we plan to continue sharing knowledge. Learning dermatology, the health care system of Tanzania, and their culture was truly unforgettable, and life-changing!