Every October, Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa becomes the center of an extraordinary medical event, the annual Open-Heart Surgery Camp. This initiative brings together a team of international and local cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who work together to perform life-saving surgeries for patients in need.

For healthcare students on their Elective Africa internships, October is a truly unique time to be at the hospital. It’s an opportunity to observe complex open-heart procedures up close, understand how multidisciplinary surgical teams operate under pressure, and gain insight into how cultural and systemic factors influence care delivery in a global health setting.

This year, Elective Africa has been privileged to host Physician Assistant students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) who are completing their final rotations before graduation. For many of them, this has been their first exposure to open-heart surgery, an experience that blends advanced medical learning with a deep sense of cultural and global health awareness. Here’s what one of our interns had to say about their experience:
 

“I observed an open repair of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) with cardiopulmonary bypass on a child. This VSD was affecting their growth, which is an indication of surgical intervention. They opened the chest, pericardium, and atrium to reach the VSD and placed a patch. Then, most layers were closed to prevent complications. It was wild to see the heart beating after the closure. The attending physician was being trained by a visiting physician, and it was amazing to see the potential opportunities for patients in Kenya. Something that also stood out while learning is the differences in surrounding cultures and how culture may affect post-procedure patient outcome.”
 

Through the Open-Heart Camp, students gain exposure not only to rare surgical techniques but also to team-based medicine in a global context. They observe how international teams collaborate with local professionals to share skills, strengthen systems, and expand access to specialized care. For many, it’s a turning point and a moment that brings classroom learning to life and reinforces their passion for medicine.

Beyond the hospital walls, Mombasa offers a setting that complements the learning experience perfectly. The coastal city’s vibrant culture, friendly communities, and historical depth provide students with a broader perspective on health, lifestyle, and society.

And for those seeking adventure after a busy week in the wards, Tsavo East National Park lies just a few hours away. Known for its vast savannahs, red elephants, and stunning landscapes, Tsavo East is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest parks, a perfect weekend escape where you can unwind.

At Elective Africa, we understand that every student’s journey in healthcare is unique. That’s why our programs are designed across a wide range of specialties allowing you to find a placement that aligns perfectly with your interests and career goals.

And while October stands out for the incredible open-heart surgery camp, our internship programs run all year round, welcoming participants from across the world to learn, serve and grow in some of East Africa’s most vibrant healthcare settings. Apply today to secure your spot in our upcoming rotations, or speak with one of our placement advisors to help you plan a program that fits your academic and professional aspirations.