Daniel’s Transformative Surgery Elective in Kenya

Daniel travelled to Mombasa in 2019 for his overseas surgery elective with Go Elective.

Now working as a junior doctor training in general surgery in the UK, Daniel reflects on how his internship in Kenya gave him the confidence, adaptability, and perspective that shaped his career today.

Looking for a premed internship or medical elective abroad? Inquire here.

What first inspired you to pursue surgery?

“I always knew I wanted a specialty that combined problem-solving with practical, hands-on skills. In medical school, I gravitated towards surgical rotations because of the pace and the responsibility.

But, like many students, my early experiences felt very structured. I wanted to push myself further and step into an environment where I could see medicine and surgery practiced under real pressure, with fewer resources.”

Why Kenya for your overseas elective?

“I wanted something beyond the standard UK placements. Mombasa caught my attention because of the breadth of surgical cases and the chance to observe conditions I’d rarely encounter at home.

You hear about global health differences, but until you stand in an operating theatre in a low-resource hospital, you can’t grasp what that really means.

Kenya also gave me the opportunity to experience the culture, the coast, and the warmth of the people. It was the perfect balance of professional challenge and personal adventure.”

Fundraising and preparation

Like many students, Daniel had to find creative ways to finance his elective.

“I organised a charity dinner and a 10K run with friends, which raised enough to cover part of my costs. The rest I saved through part-time work during term time.

Go Elective made the logistics so straightforward. They arranged my hospital placement, accommodation, and orientation, so I could focus on getting the most from the experience.”

Life on placement in Mombasa

Every day started with a quick breakfast at the Go-Elective house before heading to the regional referral hospital.

“I rotated mainly through general surgery and orthopaedics. Some mornings began with ward rounds, reviewing post-operative patients. By midday, I was scrubbed in theatre, observing procedures ranging from emergency laparotomies and hernia repairs to orthopedic trauma surgeries.

What struck me was the adaptability of local surgeons. Equipment we take for granted in the NHS simply wasn’t available. I remember one operation where suction stopped working midway  the team calmly improvised and carried on. Their resilience and resourcefulness were inspiring.”

Memorable cases

“One day, a man came in with an advanced bowel obstruction. At home, this would have been caught much earlier. Here, by the time he reached the hospital, the case was far more severe.

I also saw trauma cases daily. Motorbike accidents, fractures, and abdominal injuries. The speed and decisiveness of the surgical teams under pressure left a huge impression on me.

It was humbling to see families involved so closely in care, often purchasing medications themselves before surgery could proceed.”

Outside the hospital

The experience wasn’t all theatre and wards.

“Living in the Go Elective house meant I had housemates from all over the world. Other medics, nurses, and pre-PA students. Evenings were spent sharing stories from the hospital or exploring the city.

Weekends were incredible. We went on safari in Tsavo National Park, swam in the Indian Ocean, and visited historic Old Town Mombasa. That balance kept me grounded.”

Lessons for the future

“My time in Kenya sharpened my decision-making. I learned to assess and prioritise quickly, something that’s invaluable in surgical training.

It also gave me perspective. In the NHS, it’s easy to be frustrated by waiting lists or resource issues. But compared to what I saw in Mombasa, we’re incredibly fortunate. That perspective makes me a better clinician.”

Where is Daniel now?

After graduating, Daniel started his foundation training in the UK and is now on the path to a surgical residency.

“I still talk about my Mombasa placement in interviews. It always sparks discussion. Employers want to know how you coped, what you learned, and why you chose to step outside your comfort zone. It sets you apart.”

Words of encouragement

“My advice? Don’t hesitate. A surgical elective abroad is challenging, but that’s the point. You’ll see cases you won’t see at home, you’ll adapt in ways you never thought possible, and you’ll come back more resilient and confident.

And yes. You’ll also make lifelong friends and memories outside of the hospital. It’s the kind of experience that shapes not just your CV, but who you are as a doctor.”

Interested in surgery electives abroad? Explore surgery internships in Kenya and Tanzania with Go Elective, and gain the hands-on exposure and global health perspective that will prepare you for a career in the operating theatre.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 20, 2025