Make Sure Your Soul Gains More Than Your Hands: My Transformative Medical Internship

Kayla McBride
University of Georgia

My experience in Kenya was amazing. I loved fully embracing the culture and meeting so many new people. The people who worked at IMA and in the hospital were wonderful. From the moment Michelle picked me up from the airport, she made IMA feel like home. She was so welcoming, and we quickly became very good friends. I also grew very close with Hilda, who always went above and beyond to make me feel at home and let me know I had a friend in her.The kitchen and housekeeping staff made my time at IMA even more enjoyable. The housekeeping team once even washed my scrubs when I forgot to put them out—something I truly appreciated. I loved the food at the residence, especially the cake! It was really fun when a few of my friends and I got to help make a cake and cinnamon rolls. The residence quickly became my home, and I’m so grateful for that.I feel that I grew as a person both in the hospital and in everyday life, as I was constantly challenged to step out of my comfort zone. The special relationships I formed and every moment I spent in Kenya will stick with me forever. I truly cannot wait to return someday.

Read Kayla's In-Depth Internship Reflection

Download Kayla McBride’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