How a Pre-PA Internship in Kenya Shaped My Path to Becoming a Physician Assistant

Where Are They Now?

Back in 2018, Daniel traveled to Mombasa, Kenya, for his pre-PA internship. At the time, he was an undergraduate preparing to apply to physician assistant programs. Today, he’s a practicing PA in emergency medicine, and he credits his overseas experience with shaping the course of his career.

Why Medicine?

“I knew early on that I wanted a career in healthcare, but I wasn’t sure which path to follow. I liked the idea of medicine, but I was drawn to the team-based and patient-centered nature of the PA role. What I needed was real-world clinical experience to see if this was truly the right fit.”

Why Mombasa?

Daniel was looking for a placement that would challenge him and push him outside the familiar U.S. healthcare system.

“I came across Go-Elective and saw that Mombasa offered placements across multiple departments. I wanted to see firsthand how clinicians in low-resource settings make decisions, adapt, and care for patients. It felt like the best way to prepare for the rigor of PA school.”

The First Days in Kenya

Landing in Mombasa was unforgettable. The Go Elective team met him at the airport and took him to the student house, where he quickly bonded with peers from nursing, pre-med, and dental tracks.

“The support was incredible. The in-country team made sure we had everything we needed to feel safe and comfortable. Within a day, I felt settled and excited for what was ahead.”

Clinical Placement: Emergency Department

Daniel spent most of his time in the emergency department oat Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, the second largest hospital in Kenya with over 800 beds and serving a population of more that 3 million people.

“Every day was different. I observed trauma cases, tropical illnesses I had only read about, and complicated emergencies that demanded fast, creative problem-solving. I learned the importance of teamwork, especially in a setting where resources were limited but the commitment of staff was endless.”

He also rotated briefly through pediatrics and internal medicine, giving him exposure to a wide range of conditions uncommon in the U.S.

Life Outside the Hospital

Evenings were spent with fellow interns over shared meals, and weekends meant exploring Kenya’s coast and going for a safari.

“Going on safari was definitely one of the major highlights of my experience in Kenya. We also went snorkeling off the beaches of Diani, and visited nature parks. The cultural immersion was just as impactful as the clinical side.”

How the Experience Influenced His PA Career

“My time in Mombasa gave me a new perspective on healthcare delivery, but it also gave me confidence. Interviewers for PA school were fascinated by the cases I had observed and the adaptability I had developed. Every question seemed to link back to something I’d experienced in Kenya.”

Now, years into his PA career, Daniel says he still draws on the lessons learned abroad.

“It taught me to listen more carefully, to rely on clinical judgment even when technology isn’t available, and to value every member of the healthcare team. Those skills are invaluable in emergency medicine.”

Final Thoughts

“If anyone is considering a Go-Elective placement, I’d say go for it. Don’t be put off by the idea of traveling alone or stepping into the unknown. The experience changed me, and it set me apart when applying to PA school. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Learn more about our pre-PA internships in Kenya and Tanzania, or explore other healthcare internships abroad to see how you can shape your future career.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 21, 2025