Internal Medicine Internships and Residency Abroad

Are you ready to deepen your medical knowledge and enhance your clinical skills in one of the most complex and rewarding specialties? Internal Medicine offers students and residents an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of adult health conditions, from chronic illnesses to life-threatening emergencies. At Go Elective, the Internal Medicine department provides an immersive experience that will shape your understanding of healthcare in a global setting.

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect adults. Internists, or doctors of Internal Medicine, are trained to manage complex illnesses involving the body's internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and more. They handle everything from common chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to rare and acute medical issues requiring comprehensive care.

Internal Medicine physicians often serve as primary care providers, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. They also manage chronic diseases and coordinate care with specialists in areas such as cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and oncology.

Looking to apply to our programs? Reach out today.

Internal Medicine at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital

The Internal Medicine department at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) is one of the busiest in Kenya, with an average of 130 patients per day. The department comprises four wards, including a general ward and a renal ward, which cater to both male and female patients. Additionally, the department includes outpatient clinics where a variety of conditions are managed.

Some of the most common medical conditions treated in the department include:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Anemia
• Heart Failure
• Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease
• Liver Failure
• Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis
• Breast, Lung, and Gastric cancers

The department has been recognized as a training center for Internal Medicine residents by the East, Central, and Southern Africa College of Physicians (ECSACOP), making it a hub of learning and patient care. Interns, medical students, and residents rotate through various specialties, learning from experienced consultants, medical officers, and specialists.

Why Choose Internal Medicine for Your Medical Elective or Physician Assistant Clinical Rotations Abroad?

For those pursuing careers in internal medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, or other related specialties, an internship in Internal Medicine offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a broad spectrum of medical conditions. From diagnosing chronic diseases to managing complex multisystem disorders, this department provides rich learning experiences that are vital for aspiring healthcare professionals.

You’ll have the chance to work alongside specialists in areas such as cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology, allowing you to observe and participate in specialized procedures like:

• Renal Dialysis
• Echocardiograms (E.C.G)
• Endoscopies
• Joint Aspiration and Steroid Injections
• Electroencephalograms (E.E.G)

Learn more about these specialties from the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities in Internal Medicine

Go Elective Medical Internships Abroad in Internal Medicine offer tailored learning experiences depending on your level of study. Premedical and preclinical students will primarily engage in shadowing, while senior medical students and residents may be involved in more hands-on activities.

• Premedical and preclinical students: You’ll have the opportunity to observe ward rounds, assist with minor procedures, and participate in outpatient clinics where you can learn about patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Senior medical students, PA students or residents: Depending on your level of knowledge, you may be involved in performing bedside procedures, assisting in specialized clinics (such as cardiology and nephrology), and managing patients with chronic illnesses. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with consultants during interactive bedside teaching and participate in global health seminars.
  
  

Rotating Through Internal Medicine Specialties

The Internal Medicine department covers a wide range of specialties, ensuring that no matter your area of interest, you will gain comprehensive exposure to adult health conditions. Some of the subspecialties available in Internal Medicine include:

• Cardiology (heart and vascular system)
• Nephrology (kidneys)
• Gastroenterology (digestive system)
• Pulmonology (lungs and respiratory system)
• Endocrinology (diabetes and hormonal disorders)
• Rheumatology (musculoskeletal system)
• Oncology (cancer care)

These rotations allow you to build a well-rounded skill set and gain experience managing conditions ranging from congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease to rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. In addition to working in inpatient wards, you’ll also gain experience in outpatient settings, where preventive care and chronic disease management are essential.

Explore the full range of healthcare specialties with Go Elective.

A Learning Environment Designed for Growth

At Go Elective, the Internal Medicine department fosters a supportive and structured learning environment. With an emphasis on chronic illness management and preventive wellness services, the department provides medical interns with an in-depth understanding of adult healthcare. The department is staffed by a mix of experienced consultants, medical officers, nurses, and residents, ensuring that students receive close mentorship and guidance.

The department features:

• 5 Internal Medicine Specialists
• 1 Pulmonologist
• 1 Cardiologist
• 6 Attending Doctors
• 16 Nurses per shift

The interaction between students, residents, and specialists provides a rich educational experience, where you will learn not only from your direct mentors but also from your peers.

Exposure to Chronic and Complex Conditions

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in Internal Medicine in East Africa is the exposure to complex and chronic conditions that you may not encounter as frequently in other settings. Many patients suffer from late-stage diseases due to limited access to healthcare, allowing you to gain firsthand experience in managing advanced cases of kidney disease, liver failure, and cancer.

In addition to common chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, you’ll also manage pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and cancers such as lung, breast, and gastric cancer. This exposure provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare providers in low-resource settings.

Learn more about our program costs and pricing.

Global Health Seminars and Volunteering

As part of your Internal Medicine internship with Go Elective, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in global health seminars that cover topics such as chronic disease management, public health, and infectious diseases. These seminars help broaden your understanding of healthcare challenges in low-resource environments.

Additionally, you’ll have the chance to volunteer in local communities, offering preventive health education and contributing to public health outreach programs.

Check out our FAQs for more details.

Cultural Immersion Beyond Medicine

Your time in East Africa will not be all work and no play. In addition to your medical training, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local culture and landscapes. Spend your weekends relaxing on the beaches of Kenya’s coastline or embark on a safari to see Africa’s famous wildlife. The balance between clinical work and cultural exploration makes your medical internship with Go Elective an enriching and transformative experience.

Discover our safari options.

A Supportive Environment: Mentorship and Guidance

At Go Elective, we understand the importance of a structured and supportive environment. Upon arrival, you’ll be introduced to your mentors—experienced internal medicine consultants—who will guide your learning experience and ensure that your goals are met. Regular feedback, mentorship, and bedside teaching are key aspects of your internship.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

The Internal Medicine department offers a diverse and comprehensive learning experience for medical students and residents. From managing chronic illnesses to diagnosing complex conditions, the exposure you gain in East Africa will prepare you for the challenges of a career in healthcare.

Ready to embark on a journey that will broaden your clinical skills and cultural perspective? Join Go Elective and take the next step in your medical education. Our programs are suitable for premed, nursing, PA students, residents and medical students.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Oct 22, 2024