Discovering Global Health Disparities During My Pre-Medicine Internship in East Africa

My internship with International Medical Aid (IMA) in East Africa was a transformative experience that deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. Shadowing healthcare professionals in a resource-limited setting provided me with a profound understanding of global health disparities, cultural influences on medical practice, and the resilience of both patients and providers. This experience not only solidified my passion for medicine but also equipped me with perspectives and skills I will carry forward in my future career. While shadowing doctors, nurses, and community health workers in Kenya, I observed the ingenuity required to deliver care in an under-resourced environment. Unlike the technology-driven healthcare systems I was accustomed to in my home country, many facilities in Kenya relied on basic diagnostic tools and clinical expertise. For example, I saw physicians diagnose complex conditions like malaria or tuberculosis using physical exams and patient histories due to limited access to advanced imaging or laboratory tests.