My Medical Elective Experience in Kenya

Spending time working in the medical field in Africa had long been a dream of mine, and thanks to Elective Africa that dream became a reality this Spring. From the moment I arrived at the airport in Mombasa, I felt welcomed and supported by the team. My accommodations had all the comforts of home, including delicious meals prepared by a wonderful cook!

I spent my month at Coast Provincial General Hospital in the maternity ward where I was carefully paired up with doctors who took great pride in their work and loved to teach. I felt more included in patient care ...

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Lucky to have had these Experiences

My decision to come to Africa definitely did put me outside of my comfort zone but I am happy I chose to do it. I was excited to go someplace new but also very nervous to travel so far away from my home and family. However, after meeting Benson at the airport, more Elective Africa staff and our roommates, I settled into my new home very quickly. Elective Africa was very accommodating and allowed me to choose the departments I wanted to shadow and they were very flexible in case I changed my mind. In the hospital, I gained so ...

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Thankful for this Experience

Coming to Africa, I was unsure of what to expect. I felt like I had been prepared but still had some nerves and hesitations as I think many people do when entering a new and unfamiliar situation. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by Elective Africa and my experience as a whole. I felt immediately comfortable when Benson was waiting outside the airport to take us to the residence and answer any questions or hesitations we had.

Elective Africa has provided me with one of the most memorable experiences of my life. My entire time here, I felt nothing but comfortable and ...

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Forever Thankful

Before coming to Kenya through Elective Africa, I was unsure of what exactly to expect. I had never left the country before and I was very nervous to do so all on my own. However, upon arriving Mombasa, I was pleased with how helpful and sweet my advisors and caretakers were. This program has allowed me to meet some amazing new people from all different walks of life, whether it was my roommates, the doctors in the hospital, my program advisors or even the people I met on the Safari.

I saw so many incredible things that I never in my ...

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My Two Weeks Unforgettable Experience

My experience in Mt. Meru Hospital, Tanzania for 2 weeks was very short but a substantial one. Many of the cases I encountered at the hospital were ones that I would never see in my country and they were shocking and heartbreaking. The doctors were working very hard to help these patients and it was very stimulating to see them. The coordinator cared very much that I felt comfortable in the hospital and was able to have some hands-on experience. If I stayed longer, I think I could have been able to have more hands-on experience. It takes a few ...

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A Truly Memorable Experience

Elective Africa offered me a truly memorable experience that enriched my view of a culture that exists on the other side of the world while also offering me a place to expand my skillset in my profession. During my time at the hospital, I was constantly exposed to cases and conditions that I would never get a chance to see at home and the doctors that  I worked with were incredibly valuable resources to learn from.

Everyone I encountered through this experience was very welcoming and friendly, which helped to make this a pleasant and safe place to come to. The ...

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A wonderful Experience

Since I was a child I dreamt of coming to Africa, a soulful desire. Now, with Elective Africa, I am in Kenya. The people are truly lovely. I am well cared for in my Diggs here with a cook, a driver to take me to and from the hospital, and someone here to help me with EVERYTHING else.

The government hospital is definitely for the poor. The last 3+ days I have been in Labor and Delivery where life is not taken for granted. Both clean and sterile gloves can be hard to find, no soap, no hot water... supplies, in ...

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Exceptional Experience

Elective Africa allowed me to undertake my final year medical elective at Coast Provincial General Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. The pre departure support was exceptional and I felt well prepared for the experience. The hospital challenged me academically and provided me many opportunities for improving my clinical skills. Accomodation was very comfortable and staff were always available to help with daily life in Mombasa. In addition to the hospital, Elective Africa facilitated Swahili lessons, visits to local communities and orphanages (and even Christmas lunch!). I can also recommend Skydive Diani and Baracuda Diving Centre for weekend adventures!

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A Rare Privilege

As my elective plans fell through, I organized a last minute four week medical placement with Elective Africa in Mombasa Kenya. I was pleasantly surprised at how seamless and stress-free the whole process was. I requested and was placed in A&E for 2 Weeks and Psychiatry for 2 weeks. In doing so I received exposure to the cultural, legal, psychological and hands-on procedural aspects of medicine I was seeking. It was such a privilege to access that level of understanding as a non-Swahili-speaking-not-yet-doctor foreigner!

As a bonus, I also got to go on the safari of a lifetime which EA also ...

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More Than I expected

My experience with Elective Africa was more that I would have ever expected. Even if I was only able to participate for 2 weeks. I had the time to work in 2 departments general surgery and obstetrics + gynecology where I met wonderful people to assist me in my learning. I would participate in ward rounds, clinic duties and had exposure to the theater. More importantly, I had the chance to understand the challenges that health professional face in offering health services. Talking of outside the hospital, many activities were organised, including Swahili lessons, visit of snake park. The program ...

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