Reflections from Zimbabwe: Insights on Equity and Adaptability

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Written by: Morgan Curtis

With just a few weeks left in my rotation, I’ve been reflecting on how this experience has reshaped my understanding of global health. Working here in Zimbabwe has opened my eyes to the deep connection between medicine, social systems, and access to care. Every day, I see patients whose medical conditions are intertwined with poverty and limited resources. I have plenty of patients with HIV who have systemic complications. Many of these patients present late in their illness, not because they don’t care about their health, but because economic and social barriers make early care nearly impossible.

This has made me realize that global health isn’t just about medicine. It is also about equity, infrastructure, and education. Treating disease is only one part of the puzzle; addressing the social determinants that influence health outcomes is equally essential. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the importance of community outreach, sustainable healthcare systems, and the role physicians play beyond the hospital walls.

Despite the challenges, I’ve also been inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of both patients and providers here. The ability to deliver compassionate, high-quality care with limited resources is something I deeply admire and hope to carry with me in my future practice. This experience has not only strengthened my clinical skills but has also broadened my perspective on what it truly means to practice medicine globally. Empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to health equity are qualities every physician should encompass their patient care approach around.