Kenyan Students Share Insights and Aspirations Following U.S. Rotations

Seven 5th-year Moi University School of Medicine students finally fulfilled the opportunity to complete their rotations hosted by AMPATH Consortium universities in the U.S. this summer.

The students completed rotations at Brown University, Duke University and Indiana University and reflected on what they saw and learned and how the experience might impact their future medical career.  

Anthony Kibet, Wendy Matendechele, Aisha Bereki and Kevin Kipruto completed rotations at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis.

Aisha Bereki (Indiana)

I've learned the diversity of common diseases between Kenya and USA. I've also appreciated different practice of medicine in the US--technology in medical care giving. Learning the EPIC system and the way of clerking and coming up with a plan was amazing--including computing my history and plan. All labs and imaging are computed, and the turnaround time is very short with no need of following-up the results. Everything available at the touch of a button!

Interaction among the entire medical team and the patients is so good! I'll continue being generous, polite and kind even after becoming a consultant! I'll create a friendly environment to the entire staff, including the students! The attendings are so polite, humble and friendly which makes them so approachable, thus create a friendly learning environment! Such a great learning and interactive experience!

Moi student Mathew Kemboi learned from many Brown faculty members including Dr. Lou Rice, Chief of Medicine.

Mathew Kemboi (Brown)

Responding to codes during calls has been the most interesting and educational aspect of my rotations at Brown. I’ve learned a lot about codes including code strokes, participated and seen how promptly and efficiently they are done. Being part of the incoming generation in the Kenyan health care workforce and management, I would like to participate and see to it that resuscitation services in our hospitals in Kenya are made more reliable and efficient.

I’ve also been exposed to the in-depth end of life care discussions with patients which is not that explicit back home.

I aspire to complete my undergraduate medical studies in Kenya and serve the country as a general doctor for a while before embarking on postgraduate studies (residency program) in internal medicine. During the course of my rotation here in the U.S. with Brown University, I’ve been exposed to the U.S. health care system and modern medicine including digitization of patient management and practice of evidence-based medicine among others. These will go in a big way to enable me to compete both locally and internationally for medicine residency programs including – given the opportunity – venturing into the U.S. residency programs as a foreign medical graduate (FMG) and acquire world-class skills as a physician. 

I’m also developing interest in certain sub-specialties including pulmonology from my interaction with some medical specialists here. We need more of these in Kenya since there are not much sub-specialty training programs currently.     

Anthony Kibet and Aisha Bereki speak with Dr. Adrian Gardner at Eskenazi Hospital.

Anthony Kibet (Indiana)

The most memorable thing for me was when I observed a robotic surgery. I've read about it before, but being in the room while it actually happened was actually fascinating for me. I'm very hopeful about the future of medicine.

This opportunity has definitely broadened my perspective with regards to medicine. I envision to contribute to the improvement of the medical sector back at home and try to mimic some of the systems here that have proven to be very beneficial to the overall well-being of the patients. I now understand the importance of medical care being patient-centered and intend to practice this in the future.

Kevin Kipruto (Indiana)

The most notable thing I have learned in this elective period is the adherence to work ethic by the various health personnel...specifically consultants...and their being an attending physician to monitor patients’ progress at night in Eskenazi Hospital. I also loved the relaxed interaction between the attending and medical students and the weekly evaluation of medical students.

This opportunity has helped me understand the medical system in a high-resource center and its benefits and downside. It has improved my decision-making process on which specialty to pursue in the future and showcased the need for medics to also undertake administrative or managerial training as there is a shortage of these skills in the medical field. This knowledge helps reduce friction between medics and non-medical staff in a hospital setting.

Daphne Were and Jeremy Lishenga visited Duke University.

Jeremy Lishenga (Duke)

There are many memorable events that have happened, which am forever grateful for (thanks to Hubert-Yeargan Center), but at the top of my mind, it surely is moments at the psychiatry and cardiac ICU wards (specialties that I love). I got to see electroconvulsive therapy firsthand in the treatment of depression. I got to see a variety of conditions in the psychiatric spectrum that I would probably only see in medical TV shows--that was awesome.

In the cardiac ICU, I was able to see and be taught how a balloon pump works and see a cardiac catheterization procedure. I savored every bit of it.

I envision my medical career to be holistic, multidisciplinary centered where the patients’ care, both mentally and physically is of utmost priority. And if anything, I have seen Duke University Hospital bring all hands on-deck from different departments to solve difficult conditions (no competition)--aimed at giving patients the best care.

Watch medical students from Moi University and Indiana University discussing their rotations during this AMPATH Fireside Chat.

Wendy Matendechele (Indiana)

I've learned that to be a doctor is to have the most precious gift of not only healing patients but also healing souls. The approach taken by doctors here is one full of patience, kindness, empathy and compassion and that has inspired me to be more keen on patient-centered care rather than disease-centered treatment. It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn from everyone in an all rounded perspective and to improve my skills as a doctor from this experience.

What do I envision for my medical career? I see myself being one of the young doctors spearheading changes in the Kenyan healthcare system and seeking to improve service delivery across the country. This opportunity has made me realize that everything I experienced began with one person's dream and from that dream, many people all over the world are getting to enjoy the fruits of that vision. This opportunity has taught me to remain hopeful, to keep dreaming and to put in the work to become the best doctor that I can be.

Daphne Were (Duke)

The most memorable moments are when I got to observe the procedures being done like cardiac catheterization and the imaging modalities like the PET scan. It was like a dream come true. Seeing the things you read in books in real life was pretty cool. Laparoscopic surgery in the OBGYN...it was awesome learning about that and the wound vacuum.

I learned how to communicate better and speak up. It also built my confidence. The noon conferences were the best--I learned a lot. 

This opportunity was among the best things that happened to me. I was scared at first but throughout the process, I realized how much I could achieve through hard work. My visions in life to read more and impact the community and actually make a difference became real.

I grew mentally, developed strong will and changed my whole perspective about life. This opportunity also made me realize I had many opportunities to do my residency and I started thinking out of the box on ways to explore beyond my boundaries. It made me envision being a better doctor to my patients, communicate with them, have more time with them and change my whole approach about patient care.

I will forever be grateful for such an opportunity. It was life changing.

AMPATH donors create life-changing training experiences for IU and Moi University learners by supporting the Einterz Global Health Education Fund. Gifts to this endowed fund enable medical students and residents to participate in two-month exchange programs that expand their medical knowledge, perspective and leadership skills.