This summer IU hosted four medical students from their AMPATH partner Moi University in Kenya for six weeks of clinical rotations at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis. While here, the students also had the opportunity to meet many AMPATH partners and experience Hoosier highlights such as the Indiana State Fair, Colts game, kayaking at Eagle Creek, a trip to Chicago and a night of karaoke!
The students, James Waitutu Maina, Joyce Wambui Kamau, Camilla Amunga and Ibrahim Kalema Barasa, reflected on their experiences and how the opportunity will impact their careers.
Camilla Amunga: The most memorable thing I've learnt while here is that one act of kindness goes a long way. I've learnt about all the philanthropic acts the AMPATH donors have participated in and how much it has helped so many patients in Kenya.
I've also gained a different perspective on how to approach patient care that will positively impact my patients now and in the future. This experience has reinforced my passion in neurology. I'm very thankful to the AMPATH community for this opportunity.
Ibrahim Kalema Baraza: This journey has made the idea of becoming a doctor more comfortable by expanding my idea of the paths I could take in this medical journey.
Aside from the various specialties, subspecialties and different combinations that I have seen, just the fact that I have been able to experience working in a hospital outside the “school environment” (without having the ever-looming threat of exams and being observed for things that might affect my grade) has done a lot in terms of showing me how being a doctor is different from being a medical student. It has shown me that I don't have to do something big, like join the MSF (Doctors Without Borders) to go to some hardship area or war-ridden area to feel like my skills matter. I don't have to come up with the next big medical breakthrough to find satisfaction. I can find satisfaction in the little things; like showing up to the hospital and doing a check up on a healthy person who turns out to have all normal results. That it is not about me, and not just me.
This is just the beginning and that there are very many ways to feel like I am making a difference, more than I had initially thought.
Joyce Wambui Kamau: The most memorable thing is meeting the Mamlins (Joe and Sarah Ellen) and the Bosins (Tal and Betsy). I was humbled by their kindness. I was awed by their achievements. They challenged me to be intentional about giving back. Interacting with them inspired me to keep pushing despite all the challenges we're facing in Kenya. They were able to impact Kenya during much harder times and this made me so hopeful!
I came with the goal of becoming a gynaecologist or a urologist but after rotating in the hospital my mind has been opened to other options. I am now considering OB/GYN, pediatrics, pulmonology, psychiatry and participating in global health. This opportunity has opened up my mind to see that there are areas in medicine that are yet to be explored and that there will always be something new to learn.
James Waitutu Maina: One of the most memorable moments was the dinner with Joe and Sarah Ellen Mamlin. From the sumptuous meals to hearing the inspiring stories of how they’ve spent their lives doing philanthropic work around the world, it was truly fulfilling. Their efforts in founding AMPATH Kenya, establishing several clinics in Kenya, supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their dreams, training young doctors, and developing a medical records system, among other initiatives, have had a significant impact on the Kenyan people. This experience challenged me to realize that I can be the change I want to see in the world.
As someone who aspires to be a surgeon, spending time at Eskenazi Hospital has shown me the impact of minimally invasive procedures on patient recovery. This experience has opened my mind to the importance of technology in surgery, and I look forward to being part of this transformation in Kenya.
Asante sana: Thank you to all of the IU and Eskenazi staff, medical students, residents and faculty who contributed to the students’ Indiana experience.
