Essential Guide to Medical Internships in Africa | Insights & Advice

For medical, PA, or premed students from the U.S., Europe, or Hong Kong, the decision to pursue an elective in Africa can be daunting. The cost of travel, finding a suitable hospital, health and security risks, language barriers, and adjusting to new environments are all significant considerations. However, for those who manage to navigate these challenges, the rewards are immense.

Electives in Africa offer a profound opportunity for personal and professional growth, setting the stage for what lies ahead in a medical career. Students who embrace the experience, fully engaging with local communities and healthcare professionals, will walk away with life-changing lessons.
 

1. Finding the Right Destination

Africa is a vast and diverse continent with numerous elective opportunities. Whether you're interested in working in a large teaching hospital, rural health and community clinics, or just volunteering at a school, Africa offers something for everyone. Collaborations between Western universities and African hospitals through placement organizers like Go-Elective Abroad provide structured programs as well as  offer grassroots healthcare experience in remote areas.

At Go Elective, we partner with leading hospitals such as the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) in Mombasa, Kenya. An 800-bed capacity hospital that serves up to 3-million people. Here, you’ll have the chance to work alongside local professionals, gaining guided hands-on experience in departments such as accidents and emergency, internal medicine, general medicine, trauma, pediatrics, general surgery, obgyn, intensive care, dermatology, dental surgery and more.. You’ll be immersed in the healthcare system, learning how different cultures approach their own medical issues. This exposure will help build your clinical skills while offering a broader, global outlook on patient care.

2. Professionalism: The Key to Success

It’s essential to approach your African elective with the same discipline and professionalism that you would in your home country. Those who treat the experience as an opportunity to observe, learn, and contribute, rather than a mere adventure, will be welcomed as part of the team.

During your placement, you’ll shadow physicians on their rounds, observing treatments and patient management. You’ll encounter conditions like malaria and tuberculosis, diseases rarely seen in Western hospitals. This hands-on experience will enhance your medical knowledge, helping you build confidence while learning from local doctors, nurses, and even patients. The healthcare system in many African countries lacks resources, but local staff's creativity and dedication provide invaluable lessons in adaptability and resilience.

3. Building Lifelong Connections

A medical elective in Africa offers more than just clinical experience—it’s also an opportunity to form lasting professional and personal connections. You’ll work closely with local healthcare teams, often in resource-constrained environments, where improvisation and problem-solving are key to providing care.

At Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, for example, nurses and midwives often perform tasks usually reserved for physicians in Western countries. These skilled professionals can teach you valuable techniques that you might not have learned otherwise. Building relationships with them and other healthcare workers will enhance your understanding of global health, creating a network that could benefit you long after your elective is over.

4. Preparing for Your Elective: Health and Safety

Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly. Research the necessary visas or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), vaccinations, and malaria prophylaxis required for your destination. At Go Elective, we provide detailed guidance on what to pack and how to stay safe during your placement. It's also a good idea to have copies of essential documents such as your passport, Visa and insurance in case of emergencies.

Personal safety is a priority, both in and out of the hospital. Bring your own protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, and familiarize yourself with local protocols for antiretroviral treatment in case of accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Outside the hospital, take precautions when exploring local markets, dining out, or participating in recreational activities.

5. Cultural Sensitivity: Learning from the Community

Understanding the cultural context of the healthcare environment is critical for a successful elective. You’ll not only treat patients but also learn how local communities approach health and sickness. By observing local doctors and nurses, you’ll gain insight into how different cultural beliefs, traditions and sociocultural issues such as poverty shape healthcare delivery.

Language can be a barrier, but even learning basic phrases will go a long way in helping you connect with patients and staff. All the destinations at Go Elective and English speaking. Despite this, we still have language lessons for cultural integration and  encourage students to immerse themselves in the local culture, whether that means learning greetings in Swahili or understanding the social determinants of health within the community.

6. An Experience Beyond the Hospital

A medical elective in Africa is not just about work—it’s also an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating regions. From safaris in Serengeti to hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, there are endless opportunities for adventure. You’ll experience the vibrant cultures of East Africa, explore bustling markets, and unwind on stunning beaches. Whether it's the Wildebeest Migration or the rich cultural history of cities like Mombasa, your time in Africa will be unforgettable.

Conclusion: A Transformative Experience

Undertaking a medical elective in Africa is challenging, but the rewards far outweigh the hurdles. You’ll return with newfound confidence, a deeper understanding of global health, and lifelong connections. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for healthcare professionals is rising, and an international elective will set you apart in a competitive field. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your academic profile or looking to broaden your clinical skills, an elective in Africa with Go Elective offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Ready to take the next step in your medical journey? Explore more and spend less with Go Elective. Start your application today, and embark on an experience that will shape your future. Apply here.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Travel Tips,

Author: Laimi Ngela

Date Published: Oct 24, 2024