Testimonials
I came to the EA program in hopes of getting more hands-on time in an operating room. I actually got an experience that was a million times better than just OR time. We first assisted in many c-sections and got incredible teaching in the Millenium Theare from some amazing obstetricians. We split our time between OB and ER/Minor Theatre. There were many days when we were the medical staff in the minor theatre - performing minor surgeries and suturing wounds under our own direction. The autonomy was an incredible learning experience that just isn't as prevalent in the US anymore - due to all the hand-holding during training. We learned how to make the most of the resources provided and how to work in less than pristine and perfect conditions. I can say for a fact that this adventure has forever changed me and my future practice as a (future) Family Physician. Every speciality in the Coast Provincial General Hospital opened their wards to us - in hopes of teaching and sharing medical practices between the US and Kenya. We learned from everyone and were treated as equals. Everyone was encouraging and appreciative of us. Aside from medicine, Kenya was amazing. We were welcomed by Phares and the staff at the Mombasa Compound with welcome arms. It was an instant home filled with family. We took awesome trips to the Masai Mara Game Reserve and to Malinidi. We learned a ton in the hospital and then had just as much fun exploring Kenya. One of the experiences that has changed my life, was a trip to the orphanage at St. Patience's school. Bringing smiles to the little children's faces brought a feeling of personal reward that is indescribable. I hope to return to CPGH in Mombasa as a resident, and later when I'm in my own practice. THANK YOU!
Bryanne Robson , Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia , PA , United States , December 26, 2011************************************************
I came to Africa with the intensions of participating as both a student and volunteer. The fluidity of Elective Africa’s planning and relationships with cooperating hospitals allowed me accomplish everything I could have ever asked for out of my time spent in Africa. Truly an amazing opportunity that has far surpassed any local shadow experience I’ve had in the U.S. Not only did I have the chance to observe knowledgeable physicians but I also got to engage in active contribution of those in need. Another wonder aspect of this program was learning to communicate a sense of understanding and empathy to patients with a culture and language barrier. Elective Africa has provided me with a unique opportunity for me to grow that I would strongly recommend to everyone pursuing a career in healthcare.
Chad Cain (Premed) , Pacific Lutheran University , Bonney Lake , Washington , United States , September 19, 2011************************************************
We had an amazing month in Mombasa, Kenya. Experiencing a new culture and acquiring a lot of knowledge along the way. Thanks to Elective Africa for a job well done! All of the staff have been very helpful and friendly and made the stay unforgettable. If you are a person with a lot of initiative we highly recommend you to attend the program!
Kjetil, Rita, Nini, Lars, Sondre , Jagiellonian University , Krakow , Poland , September 13, 2011************************************************
" Living at the compound was like riding a unicorn down a street of rainbows whilst listening to the laughter of children in magical land of wonder. - spending just a short amount of time in minor theater at the hospital is an Australian medical student's version of procedure power leveling my new stat sheet is a great deal more impressive. i got experience in procedures i would have to be a 2nd year out Dr. to perform and now i can re-roll INT checks and do not provide attacks of opportunity. EA was an absolute fantastic experience. I would not have hoped for any more from my elective."
Alexander Davis (Medical Program) , University of Melbourne , United States , March 31, 2011************************************************
"Thank you for an experience of a lifetime, i really enjoyed my stay, and wish i had time to stay longer. In future i hope i have an opportunity to come to kenya. I will recommend the program to other students. Thank you again for everything."
Paige Skelton (Premed Program) , University of Wisconsin , United States , March 31, 2011************************************************
"All the Elective Africa staff were so welcoming and supportive throughout the entire month. Made our stay much more enjoyable. Dollas cooked amazing food and adequate amounts so we were never hungry. Had a great time that i will never forget, have learned so much and cannot wait to tell others people about the program."
Kathryn Jolley (Nursing Program) , Monash Nursing , Australia , March 31, 2011************************************************
"Overall the program was a fantastic experience. I gained an immense amount of invaluable skills."
Dani Sordello (Nursing) , Monash Nursing , Australia , March 31, 2011************************************************
"It was very well organised and the organizers were very accommodating."
Andrew Chong (Snr. Medical Program) , University of Melbourne , Australia , March 31, 2011************************************************
"Good program. Will recommend it to others"
Nicolai Brekke (Premed) , Eikeli vgs , Norway , March 31, 2011************************************************
"I had a good time and i learned a lot overall, so thank you for all your help"
Seth Gould (Premed) , University of Wisconsin , United States , March 31, 2011************************************************
"A fantastic experience which improved my confidence in many medical skills. Thank you all for all your help and great memories."
Emmanuel Costuna , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia , March 31, 2011************************************************
"I loved the whole program, logistically great. having other students here was great. Having a music school ( piano) and a pool and beach close by was great. Great food The best part of the whole thing was hanging out with Silvanos."
Vinith Menezes , University of Western Australia , Australia , March 31, 2011************************************************
"Elective Africa ...it's an experience i will never forget. The medicine, the people you meet, the place, the Masai Mara, are just some of the things that would make me go back their in a heart beat. I was able to gain clinical experience that i would never have had the chance as a student in Australia. I got to perform LPs, minor procedures, see diseases that you will only ever read about in textbooks. Overall I can't wait till I get a chance to go back."
Sarah Sattar , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia , October 13, 2010************************************************
"I hope other medical students will get the same opportunity as me to improve their clinical skills and experience the adventures Kenya has to offer."
Tess Hildan , Oslo , Norway , September 8, 2010************************************************
"I got everything I wanted out of an elective in Africa; plenty of experience examining patients, lots of opportunities to master practical skills and the chance to be involved in the management of complex diseases not seen in the UK. I gained an understanding of the frustrations of working in an understaffed and under-resourced environment helping me to develop my clinical intuition and appreciation of our system in the UK. The programme gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the way of the developing world in a safe and supported manner. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a challenging but inspiring elective experience."
Michelle Carey , final year medical student, University of East Anglia, East Anglia , United Kingdom (UK) , September 5, 2010************************************************
"Elective Africa is a highly educative program for all medical students. If you have special interests in fields like Obsterics/gyn, general surgery and tropical medicine this is a very good program. The experience I had in Mombasa has been memorable and I highly recommend Elective Africa to everyone who are considering applying."
Ida W. Bjorntvedt , Oslo , Norway , August 9, 2010************************************************
Doing a medical elective in Kenya was an eye opening experience. I got to see the third world health system and range of tropical diseases not normally prevelant in Australia. It was a really hands on experience. I got to learn and perform skills like administering injections, catheters and suturing patients. I was also able to take part in the examining, differentials, diagnosing and formulating treatment plans. The highlight for me would have to be the amazing new friends I have made and the motivation I have taken back home. I would recommend this program to anyone considering it.
Cassanne Eccleston , Australia , August 9, 2010************************************************
Overall the experience I've had in Mombasa and with the other students has been memorable. I have made some great new friends and will hopefully be able to visit them when we all return back to the states.
Drew Hulse , Kansas , United States , July 24, 2010************************************************
Today was surgery today and was very hectic. 4 women went into labor- 3 of which needed emergency C-sections. As Port Reitz Hospital only has one operating room, the third and fourth scheduled surgeries had to be pushed back to tomorrow so they had room to do the C-sections. Scott and I went into the second surgery- a thyroidectomy (removal of a goiter on the thyroid gland) only to be called out of it about an hour and a half in to "assist with an emergency". The one baby that was born normal was a still born and they were attempting to resuscitate it. The room was very hectic with one member of the team doing chest compressions while the others were hooking up oxygen to pump into the baby. After stabilizing the equipment- the doctors and nurses returned to the maternity ward to help the other 3 women in labor while scott and I continued care on the baby that was not breathing (it did have a pulse at this point). After an hour of giving the baby breathing assistance- it finally started to breathe on its own! Two hours after the baby initially arrived on our table, it was sent back to the maternity ward where it would continue to receive care. The baby's life will be very hard as the lack of an initial heart beat and lack of oxygen will result in cerebral palsy as a best case scenario. Scott and I concluded that we think the baby also had hydrocephalitis (water in the brain) which causes the head to be very large. The baby will have a very hard life- but it is alive!
Drew Hulse , Kansas , United States , July 20, 2010************************************************
"Once again, thanks so much for all you do. I had a wonderful, enriching experience and look forward to folding what I learned into my courses."
Jennifer Bess , MD , United States , July 1, 2010************************************************
Our first week at the hospital is completed. It has been a week I will definently remember for the rest of my life, both in good and bad ways. Just after this first week, we ve learned so much that it feels like we ve been here much longer.
Natalie & Ingvild , Warsaw , Poland , July 1, 2010
Visiting a childrens home.
Visiting Zanzibar.
Port Reitz Hospital Mombasa.