Reflections from Thailand: Where Medicine Meets Humanity

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Written by: Asante Farquharson

Ross University School of Medicine Global Health Elective Dates: Jan 6 – Feb 14, 2025

Three months after leaving Thailand, I’m still riding the wave of awe from an experience that was nothing short of transformative. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I spent there — not just for the professional insights but also for the personal growth that came with it.

My time in Thailand deepened my understanding of global health and its nuanced role within the broader landscape of medicine. I learned to connect with people beyond language and cultural barriers — a skill as essential as any clinical technique. From traditional massage therapies to herbal treatments integrated into hospital care, I gained hands-on exposure to culturally specific healing practices. These broadened my perspective on patient care, especially in a world where conventional medicine often meets growing skepticism.

What truly left a mark, though, were the human connections — the kind that go beyond the confines of hospital walls. The physician staff welcomed us like old friends, creating a sense of belonging that was both unexpected and deeply moving. Outside of clinical settings, we immersed ourselves in local markets, restaurants, and community events — every moment contributing to an experience that felt less like a trip and more like a second home.

But the most lasting takeaway? Sharing stories of medicine across borders — stories of loss, difficult conversations, and burnout. It was a powerful reminder that no matter where we are in the world, the challenges of this field are deeply shared. That realization was as comforting as it was eye-opening.

To anyone considering a global health experience: go. Even if global health isn’t your focus, the cultural awareness alone is invaluable. If I could change one thing, it would be getting sick my first week — not exactly the cultural exchange I had in mind. Next time, I’ll be arriving with a fully stocked medicine kit and a strong dose of preventive optimism.

Despite that hiccup, Thailand gave me more than I could’ve hoped for. And though I left the country, the impression it left on me is here to stay. Our group’s already planning a reunion — because, in many ways, it feels like we never really said goodbye.