This summer and fall, IU welcomed four Kenyan medical students and six registrars (residents) to the Indianapolis campus to complete clinical rotations in medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology and surgery.
When not on duty they enjoyed local attractions such as the Indiana State Fair, zoo, children's museum and sampling Hoosier food favorites. Here are some of their reflections of their time as temporary Hoosiers:
Dr. Brenda Chepkoech, pediatric registrar
I want to be part of the bridge that connects where we are back home (in Kenya) with where Riley (Hospital for Children in Indiana) is at as of the year 2023. The gap is so big, literally ages apart! I want to contribute in providing options for the children back home who would have survived had they been cared for at Riley.
Watch Dr. Brenda's Tusker Tale
Dr. Ivy Agade, surgery registrar
In the OR, I learnt so much during my visit. I had a bucket list of procedures in surgery that I had only read about in the surgical books. It was exhilarating ticking off every single item on that list. Watching the Da Vinci surgical system in action during robotic surgeries made my days exciting. This visit solidified my choice to improve on my minimally invasive surgical skills and it increased my curiosity towards research in the Kenyan surgical population.
Dr. Qhalib Ali Abdi, internal medicine registrar
I see myself pursuing nephrology after my residency. Now that I have also enjoyed transplant nephrology during my rotation, it has sparked the love for transplant nephrology as well. The elective experience has been an eye opener to me on the medical perspective as well as on other aspects of life at large. Rest assured the knowledge I have amassed in this short stint will come in handy to benefit my patients back home and make me a very good physician. Asanteni sana.
Dr. Nicholas Mutogoh, internal medicine registrar
In the cardiac cath lab I had a great opportunity to witness patients with coronary artery disease receive world-class treatment and how they appreciated it. I have been inspired to familiarize myself with health care policies in my country, at the research, development and implementation level, and to actively participate in actions towards better health care for my folks one step at a time.
Dr. Winrose Kirui, obstetrics and gynecology registrar
Being part of the robotic assisted surgeries was the highlight of my experience. The technology is pivotal in advancing health care and patient care and this should be embraced for quality care. Being in this quintessential group of hospitals has opened my eyes, especially to research that I might go into. I have learnt that research gives most cancer patients another chance and purposeful life. I applaud the several foundations that are supporting research and making great impacts in the world.
Dr. Samson Iliwa, obstetrics and gynecology registrar
I aspire to do gynecological oncology and minimally invasive gynecological surgery. The exposure and interactions with a motivated team of admirable oncologists at the IU Simon Cancer Center, IU North, Methodist, Eskenazi and University Hospitals was amazing. I will use the experience garnered here to foster early diagnosis of cancer and work round the clock to ensure that these women access both surgical and radiotherapy/chemotherapy treatment options. I believe these will reduce the cancer burden, alleviate suffering and give dignity to our women!
Christine Jepkemboi, student
Scrubbing in a case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) was mind-blowing for me. It is not an everyday procedure back at home and being part of it has really shown me what technology can do for medicine! This opportunity couldn't have come at a better time. As a medical student, my view of medicine has been completely changed. This experience has made my approach to healthcare more focused and patient oriented. It has taught me to keep learning every day. This was a wonderful opportunity for me as a future doctor as well as my future patients.
Denish Osewe, student
I have learnt how good communication amongst healthcare providers (through EPIC messaging tool) facilitates efficient patient care. Also, more is achieved through teamwork. Americans understand the value of time. My view of the medical profession has been widened. With the advanced medical practice I was exposed to during my visit, I can now see myself venturing into areas that I had limited view of (e.g. interventional radiology).
Mathews Apopo, student
The most memorable thing I learnt was stitching during my rotation in the operating room. I see myself doing the best of neurosurgery of my time and I thank AMPATH for this great opportunity. I have had a chance to not just observe but experience diligence among surgeons in the US.
Watch more about Mathews' visit
OUTSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL
Tubing on Lake Monroe in Bloomington was by far the best experience I have ever had. It was such an exhilarating experience. I was scared but did it anyway! I realized sometimes you just have to do the scary stuff. (Christine)
One of my exciting moments was during my travel to Minneapolis, where I watched a virtual movie called “Fly-over America” at the Mall of America. It was an interesting movie showcasing what America can offer in terms of scenic beauty. I cannot erase the beautiful photos of the places I saw in that short virtual movie. The US is really a beautiful and a blessed country. (Qhalib)
Visiting the bean and taking the architectural boat tour in Chicago, spending the day in awe of the dinosaurs at the Indiana Children’s Museum and seeing the dolphins, orangutans, penguins and kangaroos at the Indianapolis Zoo are memorable moments I will carry with me throughout my life. (Ivy)
