Transformation Through Service: Reflective Analysis of My Internship with IMA

Abigayle Romano
Johnson and Wales University

My five-week experience in Kenya with International Medical Aid was life-changing both personally and professionally. From the moment I arrived, the in-country support team ensured I felt safe, prepared, and cared for. Our accommodations were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the meals provided were amazing. I had the privilege of shadowing local doctors in hospitals, assisting in medical clinics, and teaching children about hygiene, often working with patients who had limited or no access to healthcare. Witnessing cases of TB, HIV, and extreme poverty deepened my understanding of global health disparities, while moments of joy like interacting with children in schools reminded me of the resilience of the human spirit. The staff,offered invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout the program. This experience strengthened my skills, broadened my cultural awareness, and affirmed my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare, while also making a tangible difference in the communities we served.

Read Abigayle's In-Depth Internship Reflection

Download Abigayle Romano’s comprehensive reflection paper detailing their learning objectives, clinical observations, ethical insights, and takeaways from their IMA program—an excellent resource for students, parents, and advisors evaluating the depth of our internships.

Perú !
@criioss
Perú !
Stepping out of my comfort zone was an understatement. My time spent in Kenya has changed me in ways I find hard to explain. I found myself immersed in a…
@gavinstarck
Stepping out of my comfort zone was an understatement. My time spent in Kenya has changed me in ways I find hard to explain. I found myself immersed in a…
jambo jambo! 🇰🇪
@laurenevossen
jambo jambo! 🇰🇪
I am so grateful to have spent some time in Mombasa, Asante Kenya! :)
@tchallasima
I am so grateful to have spent some time in Mombasa, Asante Kenya! :)
Interning with @internationalmedicalaid in their Pre-Med program has been a life changing experience. These are just small clips from a night shift I worked in the Maternity ward with @emilie.muste…
@ijeoma.alimole
Interning with @internationalmedicalaid in their Pre-Med program has been a life changing experience. These are just small clips from a night shift I worked in the Maternity ward with @emilie.muste…
Mental health wasn’t always a language I knew how to speak. Back in high school, we carried heavy things in silence— stress from home, school, friendships— with no real words…
@rosemina._
Mental health wasn’t always a language I knew how to speak. Back in high school, we carried heavy things in silence— stress from home, school, friendships— with no real words…
Two weeks interning with @internationalmedicalaid at @cgtrhmsa in Mombasa Kenya has been a life changing experience. The two weeks I spent in the Obstetrics/Gynaecology and Paediatrics ward truly helped me…
@ijeoma.alimole
Two weeks interning with @internationalmedicalaid at @cgtrhmsa in Mombasa Kenya has been a life changing experience. The two weeks I spent in the Obstetrics/Gynaecology and Paediatrics ward truly helped me…
jambo kenya 🇰🇪
@amanda_chen21
jambo kenya 🇰🇪
First week on the equator 🌍
@gavinstarck
First week on the equator 🌍
Forever thankful for the 2 weeks I spent in the surgery, emergency and maternity department at @cgtrhmsa - I’d travel across the world for these people any day🧡
@rachelkonto
Forever thankful for the 2 weeks I spent in the surgery, emergency and maternity department at @cgtrhmsa - I’d travel across the world for these people any day🧡
someone pinch me right now🌟🐘
@emmablondi7
someone pinch me right now🌟🐘
Week one with @internationalmedicalaid. So amazing!
@jadagrace918
Week one with @internationalmedicalaid. So amazing!
quick break
@noravansweden
quick break
This April, I was fortunate enough to spend a few weeks in Mombasa, Kenya, on a pre-physician assistant internship. Through shadowing healthcare professionals, I witnessed firsthand the stark differences in…
@madisonplattner
This April, I was fortunate enough to spend a few weeks in Mombasa, Kenya, on a pre-physician assistant internship. Through shadowing healthcare professionals, I witnessed firsthand the stark differences in…
Not all classrooms have four walls. Some come with stethoscopes, dirt roads, and stories that stay with you forever 💉🌍 This World Immunization week, take your learning where it matters…
@goabroadcom
Not all classrooms have four walls. Some come with stethoscopes, dirt roads, and stories that stay with you forever 💉🌍 This World Immunization week, take your learning where it matters…

Hear What Other Alumni Have to Say About Us on the individual testimonials