South African Clinical Shadowing Program | May – June 2022

Testimonials

My time in South Africa and Zambia have had a profound impact on my professional development. Both trips are often the first topics of conversation in interviews that I have conducted, it helps me stand out from the pack and has gotten me the opportunity to be a lab manager at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. I am also, currently in the process of applying to medical school. My time in Africa has taught me a great deal about medicine and helped me develop a worldwide view healthcare. Additionally, I have made an immeasurable amount of long lasting personal relationships. This vast network of friends and future colleagues could help to pave the way for multiple advancements in the field of science. My involvement in these trips have helped me grow and mature and have provided me with the greatest blessings in life. It’s not often that you hear that about a clinical shadowing internship but it is absolutely true. These programs helped me to develop a world view and expanded my horizons and positioned me to become a global future leader. I don’t know any two programs that better exemplify this vision. Chirayu Patel, Research Technician, Wake Forest Medical Center

The clinical shadowing experience in South Africa was a wonderfully enriching experience that opened up the world of global health to me. I was able to learn firsthand from a variety of health care providers in intimate, rural clinics as well as more fast-paced settings. The program allowed us to explore the rich culture of the South African people, and examine the way cultural and socioeconomic context plays into factors such as access to healthcare and the physician-patient relationship. Each night, we came together for in-depth case discussions that challenged us to approach patients from different perspectives. What an inspirational, eye-opening journey for any student aspiring to enter the healthcare profession. Susan Zhao, Studied medicine at University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill

The clinical shadowing trips to South Africa and Zambia were enriching experiences for those interested in the medical field. Having attended each of the trips, once as a pre-med student and again as a senior medical student, I feel that experiences from both viewpoints offered a great opportunity for learning as well as worldly reflection.  Three years later, as a fourth-year medical student, I was invited back to attend the Clinical Shadowing in Zambia trip as an adjunct instructor.  Not only did I feel my experience as a medical student was valuable to the students, but it was also a priceless experience for myself. Being able to help teach the students and serve as part of their introduction to clinical medicine was greatly rewarding, but it also reminded me how far I’d come in my own education. Not much earlier, I was once in their same shoes. Being able to assist in medical care, namely surgical procedures in Zambia was very exciting. I remain incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become integrated in the hospital’s day-to-day activities. Yet again, my experience shed light on the differences in the American healthcare system versus Zambia’s healthcare structure. As a current surgery resident, I take what I have witnessed in Zambia as a daily reminder of how much is taken for granted in the US healthcare system.

Having participated in the program twice, I have gathered different things from each time. I greatly wish that we had a medical student or physician attend my first trip. I continue to have mentoring relationships with many of the students from the Zambia trip, as well as some that I met briefly that attended the South Africa trip. Overall, the clinical shadowing program was an amazing experience and I would jump at the opportunity to attend again in the future, if possible. Cori Rogers, Medical Resident, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana

I traveled to Africa the summer of 2014 to work in clinics in Johannesburg and Soweto. The trip that I took to Africa helped set me on the right track for cultural sensitivity and tolerance, which are critical to being a great clinician. You have to connect with all of your patients in order to properly manage their health. Today, I am in my second year and fourth semester of professional school at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry. I have made top marks in clinical assessments, and I know to connect well with my patients, as well as my peers and professors. This trip to Africa helped set me up for that. This trip is eye-opening and life-changing, as I’m sure all of my peers who have participated would agree.  Lariesa Schwab, Studied Optometry at Salus University Pennsylvania College

Studying abroad in South Africa allowed me to expand my education and begin developing a globally-minded outlook. Being across the world for several weeks demanded mature qualities – no longer could I count on my parents for the little things!
Having an interest in medicine, I was immediately fascinated by the cultural differences between the United States and South Africa relating to health care. The exposure to these unique conditions drove my passion to pursue a career in medicine even more.
One clear takeaway from this experience was the motive to enter a career in medicine. Too often in Western civilization there are many physicians that pursue medicine for the wrong reasons. The experience in South Africa reinforced the concept of caring for individuals without the financial motive. That, I have discovered, is what truly drives my passion to serve in medicine.
Without this incredible opportunity, I would have lacked the motivation it takes to get accepted and complete medical school. Because of this experience, I know I must improve the quality of life and make a difference for those who are in need. Before this trip, working in the medical field was merely an aspiration – now it is my calling, my passion, and my future. J. Tyler Ramsey, Postbaccalaureate IRTA Fellow, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

This program provides a once in a lifetime experience. The trip opened my eyes up to a world all to unknown to most of my peers. Since this trip I have traveled to over 14 different countries, mostly developing, and it spurred a passion for rural primary care and understanding people despite race, creed, culture, or religion. The memories, the lessons learned, the patients met, and the part of my heart that will always be filled with this African culture could only come from a program as this one. I begin Physician Assistantship school this upcoming January. If it were not for this trip I would not be the man I am today. Nicholas Austin, Physician Assistant

The trip to South Africa was the single best experience that I have encountered in regards to comparing our health care and cultural system to that of a Second World’s system. It was truly an eye opening experience that I would encourage anyone with the possibilities to enroll in. Since then, I have become more aware of the cultural differences when I encounter minority patients throughout my rotations in medical school. Stefano Cardin- studied medicine at University of South Carolina Medical School