Beyond the Textbook: Lessons in Nutrition, Equity, and Healthcare from My Internship in Kenya

Emily Green
University of New Hampshire

My time in Kenya was one of the best experiences of my life. Interning in the hospital taught me so much about myself, nutrition, and the world. The clinical mentor Nashon in the ICU was one of the more helpful nutritionists I worked with and while he challenged me, he also taught me so much. Each individual, from the mentors to the chefs to the interns, were so kind and made the experience so fun. The Masai Mara safari was definitely a highlight, as well. The tour guide, Shadi, was so kind and really made the experience. I did feel that the program was geared a lot more towards pre-med fields with mandatory sessions about suturing and clinical skills like that. As a nutrition intern, I sometimes felt out of place and that my time was not as well organized but I still got so much out of the experiacne and would not trade it for the world!

Read Emily's In-Depth Internship Reflection

Download Emily Green’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.

already planning my next trip 🇰🇪🤍
@kaylasmedjourney
already planning my next trip 🇰🇪🤍
This past week, I had the opportunity to deliver the care packages I put together to patients and families at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. I delivered…
@care_in_motion_
This past week, I had the opportunity to deliver the care packages I put together to patients and families at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. I delivered…
Ili bamba 🇰🇪🤍 For two weeks, I had the opportunity to learn alongside healthcare professionals, experience different hospital departments, participate in community health clinics, and immerse myself in Kenyan culture.…
@_mai.hall
Ili bamba 🇰🇪🤍 For two weeks, I had the opportunity to learn alongside healthcare professionals, experience different hospital departments, participate in community health clinics, and immerse myself in Kenyan culture.…
Knowledge is power and power is from knowledge. Asante sana Kenya 🇰🇪 For the last month, I have been able to gain not only medical experience, but also be immersed…
@juless2400
Knowledge is power and power is from knowledge. Asante sana Kenya 🇰🇪 For the last month, I have been able to gain not only medical experience, but also be immersed…
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an incredible experience! Kwaheri Kenya🇰🇪♥️
@madisonsentz
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an incredible experience! Kwaheri Kenya🇰🇪♥️
Inca-redible 🩺
@maddiesine.08
Inca-redible 🩺
looking back on this once in a lifetime experience with @internationalmedicalaid i am filled with so much emotion. truly inspired by the healthcare professionals here and the love and dedication…
@nae.colemann
looking back on this once in a lifetime experience with @internationalmedicalaid i am filled with so much emotion. truly inspired by the healthcare professionals here and the love and dedication…
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an experience of a lifetime Asante sana Kenya!💙🇰🇪
@emily_curtiz
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an experience of a lifetime Asante sana Kenya!💙🇰🇪
Hakuna matata in Maasai 🇰🇪❤️🦁 feeling like the luckiest lady in the world
@dylanrclarkk
Hakuna matata in Maasai 🇰🇪❤️🦁 feeling like the luckiest lady in the world
Asante sana, Mombasa 🇰🇪
@berlyn_nickerson
Asante sana, Mombasa 🇰🇪
forever grateful for this opportunity. asante sana kenya 🇰🇪
@sophie_hazard09
forever grateful for this opportunity. asante sana kenya 🇰🇪
Thank you, Mombasa 🌴🌊🇰🇪 Kwaheri Kenya
@lrogers.17
Thank you, Mombasa 🌴🌊🇰🇪 Kwaheri Kenya
Grateful beyond belief for this adventure which in the end was an opportunity for personal growth and enlightenment in an unfamiliar setting, it was indubitably empowering. Thank you IMA mentors…
@madeoblechich
Grateful beyond belief for this adventure which in the end was an opportunity for personal growth and enlightenment in an unfamiliar setting, it was indubitably empowering. Thank you IMA mentors…
I'm excited to share that I have completed my International Medical Aid personal story videos following an unforgettable experience serving communities in Peru. This opportunity strengthened my understanding of global…
@thisisnailah
I'm excited to share that I have completed my International Medical Aid personal story videos following an unforgettable experience serving communities in Peru. This opportunity strengthened my understanding of global…
It’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Thank you, Kenya, for welcoming me, challenging me, teaching me, and giving me memories I will carry…
@olivia_bowman06
It’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Thank you, Kenya, for welcoming me, challenging me, teaching me, and giving me memories I will carry…
Love ya forever Kenya
@claireschermerhorn
Love ya forever Kenya