AMPATH Consortium Members Host Kenyan Learners--Part 1

This summer AMPATH partners welcomed medical students and registrars from Moi University for 6-8 week clinical rotations. The Kenyan trainees reflected on their most impactful experiences both in and out of the hospital and how the rotations will shape their future careers.

This month read about the Moi medical students who visited Brown University, Duke, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas-Austin and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai including student Naomi Odoyo who said, “The exposure I have had within the wards has broadened my view of the medical field and practice. I have learnt to interact with people from almost every country in the world and interact with a diverse healthcare system with a state-of-the-art technology.”

Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Bernard Murakhi and Nelima Faith at the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University

Bernard Murakhi: During my rotation I enjoyed daily ward rounds as they were very lively, interactive and educative. I learnt a lot but what impressed me more was patient-centered care approach in healthcare delivery. The attending physician kept on reminding us that the 'patient is our boss'.

Nelima Faith: The importance of patient-centered care has been made clear and I will carry that into practice. Looking forward to being a stone that causes a ripple effect in the ocean; I will share with my colleagues the importance of this approach in the health care profession and I believe we will make the health system better!

Glory Mutheu and Mobisa Nyanchama Uniceve on campus at UT-Austin.

Ouma Francis Ochieng: All of my patients were very nice to me and were willing to allow me (to) take part in their management. I remember one of my patients, upon being discharged, told me that I had been very understanding and that one day I will be a good doctor in Kenya. This statement really inspired me and will stay with me forever.

DELL MEDical School at the University of Texas-Austin

Mobisa Nyanchama Uniceve: This program has been eye-opening for me. The most important thing that I have learnt so far is about social determinants of health and I think this information will always play a vital role in delivering care. I used to view global work as overwhelming, but I think I have had a mindset shift since I came to Austin. I would love to participate in various research programs in the future.

Glory Mutheu: The most memorable bit was when I was assigned a patient to follow-up. During the pre-rounds I went in and talked to them, did a physical exam, presented the patient during the ward round and even got to lead the discussion in the patient’s room. It was something I was really afraid of trying. I thought the patients would not understand when I spoke to them, or that I would fumble a lot during presentation, but I did not. I made more presentations that week and the week after, but that first one will always be one to remember.

DUKE University

Naomi Odoyo and Ailo Jillo on their way to an education event at Duke.

Naomi Odoyo: The exposure I have had within the wards has broadened my view of the medical field and practice. I have learnt to interact with people from almost every country in the world and interact with a diverse healthcare system with a state-of-the-art technology. This has made me appreciate technology and handed me a willingness to embrace change and a mindset to grab opportunities.

Hosea Kipruto and Emmanuel Kiprono at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Ailo Jillo: I was so impressed to see the impact and power of teamwork in patient management. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, interns, residents, medical students, case managers, patient care givers or any other person involved in patient management all work and collaborate together to ensure best care for patient. They communicate and share information ensuring everyone is on the same page and has an understanding of what is going on.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Emmanuel Kiprono: Being here has completely changed how I approach medicine for the better. I would say the memorable thing is being part of the team (on the medicine floor) which made several patients better. For now, I think am going into cardiology and this opportunity has further solidified my fascination for cardiology especially with the new inventions in the field.

Hosea Kipruto: Most memorable aspects of my visit include the degree of courtesy amongst people here especially in the ward teams. Clinically, what really amazed me was the surgical cases I got to observe. I even wished there was more time to do more. We got a chance to have new learning experience especially through patient simulation cases. Also, the well-rounded approach to patient care was significant (i.e. being conscious of not only physical care but also spiritual and other social needs).

OUTSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL

The students also enjoyed new experiences outside of the hospital including:

I have experienced a petting zoo. I am scared of dogs and cats sometimes so what are the odds of me touching other animals. But I did! Even a tortoise! (Mobisa)

The food experience has been the most memorable so far. We are making it more fun by trying out several foods and getting to rank them after our stay here. (Glory)