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.

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