Transformation Through Service: Reflective Analysis of My Internship with IMA

Abigayle Romano
Johnson and Wales University

My five-week experience in Kenya with International Medical Aid was life-changing both personally and professionally. From the moment I arrived, the in-country support team ensured I felt safe, prepared, and cared for. Our accommodations were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the meals provided were amazing. I had the privilege of shadowing local doctors in hospitals, assisting in medical clinics, and teaching children about hygiene, often working with patients who had limited or no access to healthcare. Witnessing cases of TB, HIV, and extreme poverty deepened my understanding of global health disparities, while moments of joy like interacting with children in schools reminded me of the resilience of the human spirit. The staff,offered invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout the program. This experience strengthened my skills, broadened my cultural awareness, and affirmed my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare, while also making a tangible difference in the communities we served.

Read Abigayle's In-Depth Internship Reflection

Download Abigayle Romano’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.

What Stays With You After an International Medical Aid Experience in Kenya?🌍 For HOSA members and IMA alumni Sarah Benish and Sid Girada, their experiences with International Medical Aid in…
@hosafhp
What Stays With You After an International Medical Aid Experience in Kenya?🌍 For HOSA members and IMA alumni Sarah Benish and Sid Girada, their experiences with International Medical Aid in…
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…
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…
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!💙🇰🇪
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.…
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an incredible experience! Kwaheri Kenya🇰🇪♥️
@madisonsentz
Thank you @internationalmedicalaid for an incredible experience! Kwaheri 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
forever grateful for this opportunity. asante sana kenya 🇰🇪
@sophie_hazard09
forever grateful for this opportunity. asante sana 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…
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…
Thank you, Mombasa 🌴🌊🇰🇪 Kwaheri Kenya
@lrogers.17
Thank you, Mombasa 🌴🌊🇰🇪 Kwaheri Kenya
Asante sana, Mombasa 🇰🇪
@berlyn_nickerson
Asante sana, Mombasa 🇰🇪