By Elective Africa
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.