Pediatrics Internships Abroad

Pediatrics stands out as one of the most popular specialties among applicants in our Go Elective Medical Internships Abroad programs. Many students are drawn to this field because of its focus on infants, children, and adolescents, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact during critical stages of development. 

Whether managing acute illnesses, chronic conditions, or promoting preventive care, the pediatric department provides diverse clinical experiences that attract aspiring healthcare providers. Through our programs in Kenya and Tanzania, interns gain hands-on exposure to both hospital-based pediatric care and community health initiatives, making it an ideal rotation for those passionate about global child health.

What is Pediatrics?

Pediatrics focuses on the medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Pediatricians diagnose and treat a wide variety of health issues, including developmental disorders, infections, chronic illnesses, and injuries. They also play a key role in promoting preventive care through vaccination programs and health education.

A pediatrician’s role extends beyond medical treatment, requiring collaboration with families and other healthcare providers to ensure the well-being of children. In Kenya and Tanzania, pediatric departments are essential in combating infectious diseases and addressing malnutrition, two major challenges affecting children's health.

Learn more about global pediatric healthcare from the World Health Organization.

Pediatric Care in East Africa: A Growing Department

Significant efforts have been directed towards reducing child mortality in East African hospitals by improving pediatric facilities and staffing. The pediatric department in Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) is divided into several specialized units, each catering to specific medical needs:

• Pediatric Emergency Department: Separate from the main accident and emergency department, focusing on acute pediatric emergencies.
• Ward 10: Provides general pediatric care and houses a Pediatric High Dependency Unit (HDU) for critically ill children.
• Pediatric Observation Ward (POW): Specializes in gastrointestinal conditions, including acute gastroenteritis.
• Newborn Unit: Includes an HDU for neonates requiring intensive monitoring and two additional wards for stable newborns.

Despite these developments, the department often experiences overcrowding, with several children sharing beds during peak periods. Pediatric surgeries are managed by the hospital’s Surgery Department, offering collaboration between pediatricians and surgeons.

A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Intern

During your pediatrics internship with Go Elective, your day will typically involve:

• Morning ward rounds: Review patients with pediatricians and nurses, participate in clinical discussions, and assist with basic procedures.
• Outpatient clinics: Manage chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes under supervision.
• Neonatal care: Assist in the Newborn Unit and learn about care for premature or critically ill infants.
• CME sessions: Attend weekly Continuing Medical Education (CME) meetings to stay updated on the latest developments in pediatric care.

The variety of activities will expose you to key aspects of child health, providing hands-on experience and opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.

Learning Opportunities in the Pediatric Department

Your pediatric internship will offer diverse experiences based on your level of study:

• Premedical and Pre-PA students: Shadow pediatricians during ward rounds, assist with routine health checks, and observe vaccination programs.
• Medical students, Physician Assistant students and residents: Participate in clinical procedures such as administering IV fluids, managing asthma cases, and monitoring neonates in high-dependency units.

Through this rotation, you’ll also gain insight into managing overcrowded pediatric wards and providing care with limited resources—key challenges in global pediatric healthcare.

Attendance in the Pediatrics Department at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH):

• Patient load: Approximately 300 inpatient cases per day.
• Consultants: 4 pediatricians, 1 pediatric cardiologist, 1 pediatric gastroenterologist, 1 neonatologist.
• Attending doctors: 3.
• Attending nurses per shift: 4.
  
  

Common Pediatric Conditions You’ll Encounter

During your internship, you’ll encounter a wide range of pediatric cases, including:

• Infectious diseases: Malaria, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis.
• Chronic conditions: Asthma, type 1 diabetes, and congenital heart disease.
• Neonatal complications: Respiratory distress syndrome and jaundice.
• Malnutrition: Cases requiring nutritional rehabilitation and support.

You’ll also engage with developmental disorders and learn how to assess growth milestones and detect delays that require early intervention.

The Role of Pediatrics in Public Health

Pediatric care plays a critical role in public health initiatives across East Africa. Hospitals work closely with community outreach programs to:

• Administer vaccines to prevent diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus.
• Educate caregivers on nutrition, hygiene, and childhood development.
• Support HIV programs for children affected by the virus, in collaboration with the Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC).

Through these programs, students will see firsthand how pediatric care intersects with public health efforts to reduce child mortality and improve community health outcomes.

Explore more abour Go Elective’s global health initiatives.

Cultural Immersion and Volunteering Opportunities

When you’re not in the hospital, Go Elective offers opportunities to explore the region’s rich culture. Spend weekends:

• Volunteering in local communities, providing preventive care education to families.
• Relaxing on the beaches along Kenya’s coast or embarking on safari adventures.
• Participating in cultural tours that offer insight into East Africa’s traditions and history.

Discove Go-Elective's safari options.

Mentorship and Support Throughout Your Internship

Go Elective emphasizes mentorship and guidance to ensure you have a meaningful learning experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be paired with a pediatric consultant who will provide regular feedback and help align your learning with your goals. Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with any logistical or clinical challenges you may encounter.

Learn more about our FAQs.

Conclusion: A Transformative Experience Abroad in Pediatrics

Specializing in pediatrics with Go Elective’s Healthcare Internships Abroad offers a unique combination of clinical learning and cultural immersion. Whether you’re a premed, nursing, PA student, resident or medical student pursuing an MBBS or MBChB degree, you’ll gain hands-on experience in managing pediatric cases, develop resilience by working in resource-limited environments, and contribute to public health initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of children.

Ready to start your journey? Apply now with Go Elective and take the first step towards becoming a compassionate healthcare provider.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Oct 22, 2024