Working with Patients Abroad as a Medical Intern

Introduction

Seeing patients for the first time as a medical intern is a transformative and unforgettable experience — and when that experience happens in a global setting, it brings unique challenges and incredible growth opportunities. Go Elective’s international medical internships offer students the chance to work in under-resourced yet highly active hospitals, providing exposure to different healthcare systems, diverse medical conditions, and cultural perspectives on health. This article helps prepare you for what it’s like to see patients abroad and why this experience is so valuable.

Understanding the Hospital Environment

Healthcare facilities in Kenya and Tanzania often differ significantly from those in more developed countries. Students work in busy, under-resourced hospitals where the patient load is high and medical staff are stretched thin. Departments like Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN), Accident & Emergency, and Surgery often see a high volume of cases and urgent situations. Here’s what to expect:

• Open Wards and Limited Privacy: 

Unlike private rooms in Western hospitals, many hospitals in East Africa have large, open wards with multiple patients. This environment fosters a strong sense of community but also requires sensitivity and adaptability.

• Late-Stage Conditions: 

Patients often seek medical attention only when conditions have progressed significantly, leading to more advanced and severe cases than students might encounter at home.

• Exposure to Critical Situations: 

Students will likely witness traumatic injuries from road accidents, emergency surgeries, and live births in the busy OBGYN department. Seeing blood, open wounds, and critical care can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to it.

Cultural and Language Differences

Cultural competence is a key skill for any medical professional, and working abroad offers an incredible opportunity to develop it. In Kenya and Tanzania, English is the primary language used by all medical professionals and many patients, so communication is generally straightforward. However, there may be instances where patients speak Swahili or local dialects.

To help with this, Go Elective offers language lessons so students can learn basic Swahili phrases to enhance their interactions and show respect for the local culture. Understanding cultural beliefs about health, illness, and treatment will also help students provide more empathetic and effective care.

Supervised Clinical Experience

Students will always work under the supervision of experienced local doctors and mentors. This ensures they receive proper guidance while gradually building their clinical and patient interaction skills. As they become more comfortable, students may be entrusted with more responsibilities, like taking patient histories, observing surgical procedures, and assisting with community outreach programs.

Building Resilience and Adaptability

The fast-paced and often intense environment of East African hospitals requires students to develop resilience and adaptability. Witnessing advanced-stage diseases and high-risk emergency care can be emotionally challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen one’s ability to manage stress and maintain composure.

A Balanced Experience: Education, Service, and Adventure

One of the unique benefits of Go Elective’s programs is the opportunity for families to share this transformative journey. Parents who join their children abroad can explore the destination, participate in volunteer activities, or simply enjoy the cultural experience while their child completes hospital rotations. After the program, families can embark on an unforgettable safari, creating cherished memories before heading home.

Conclusion

Seeing patients abroad with Go Elective is a powerful experience that combines clinical learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Students return home with enhanced medical skills, a deeper understanding of global health, and memories that shape their future medical careers. Are you looking to join a medical internship or elective placement abroad? Inquire here.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Mar 11, 2025