By Gianna Noble, a student in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies
The most eye opening and impactful experience of my life, thus far, was spending three weeks of my summer in Mombasa, Kenya, with International Medical Aid. As a Kinesiology major on the pre-med track, I’ve always anticipated studying abroad, but I struggled to find a program that aligned with my academic goals and would benefit my studies. After some research, I found a medical internship in Kenya that allowed me to both pursue my passion for healthcare and also immerse myself into a completely different culture and environment.
During my internship, I was placed at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, rotating through different departments each week. My first week was spent in the emergency department, where I was exposed to many of the region’s injuries and illnesses. It was fascinating and eye-opening to see how emergency care operates in a resource-limited setting and to learn about the different accidents that frequently occur in the area.
Week two took me to the pediatrics, where I witnessed the challenges children in Kenya face, including very common malnutrition and growth issues that often begin at birth. I gained a much better understanding of the kind of preventative care that could make a difference. I saw many different unique cases that I have never seen before in the United States.
In my final week, I shadowed in the maternity ward. I watched several births and saw how high-risk pregnancies are managed in Kenyan hospitals. It was an intense and humbling experience, and I left with a deep respect for the healthcare workers who dedicate themselves to maternal care under challenging conditions.
Outside of the hospital, we spent time visiting local elementary schools where we ran various community clinics. We hosted a mental health clinic, a hygiene workshop, and a women’s health clinic. Connecting with the children, teaching them, and simply spending time with them was one of my highlights from the trip. One day, we also participated in a free walk-in clinic for the public, where local physicians offered free consultations and prescribed medications to patients in need. It was amazing to witness how much impact just one day of simple care could make for an entire community. On our days off, we had the chance to explore Mombasa’s natural beauty and culture. We visited nearby beaches, markets, and toured cultural sites that showed us how traditional tribes live. We made so many memories, not only with the places I visited but with the new people I met along the way.
This experience helped me see medicine from a broader, global perspective. It taught me the importance of adaptability and compassion in healthcare. I discovered all the vast differences between healthcare in Africa and the United States that we may take for granted. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to serving others. My time in Mombasa will always be a foundational part of my journey toward becoming a physician.
