The Patient I Will Never Forget: How My Internship in Kenya Shaped My Future in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Abigail Brandes
University of Toronto

My three-week internship with IMA was the most incredible experience I have ever had. Working in Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital gave me a new outlook on life and such a sense of gratitude for the access that I have and a newfound drive to be the best healthcare professional I can be. The IMA staff, from the house staff to the program mentors, were the nicest and most helpful people I have ever met. I f ever there were any challenges we were facing, they worked very diligently to make us feel comfortable and supported.This trip had such an impact on me. I met the most amazing people – friends I feel like I’ve known forever. Working in the clinics with the kids were always my favourite. Getting to meet them, talk with them and answer their questions was such an amazing feeling. Seeing the impact we made on the communities we visited was such a monumental feeling that will last a lifetime.I have nothing but gratefulness for the opportunity to participate in such an amazing experience. Thank you IMA for having me!

Read Abigail's In-Depth Internship Reflection

Download Abigail Brandes’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