

Global Health Perspectives: Insights from Students
Journal of the Global Health Academy
Uganda, St. Stephens Hospital
Dates of GHE: January 30 - March 8, 2024
by Mialovena Exume UVMLCOM, Class of 2024

“I am participating in the Global Health program in Uganda for the opportunity to practice clinical medicine in a resource-limited setting. In the time that I have been here, I have been amazed at how thorough and innovative the clinicians are. In settings like this where extensive testing may be unavailable or inaccessible due to costs, there is so much emphasis on clinical knowledge and clinical diagnostic skills. As a medical student, I have also had to fulfill the roles of a nurse, phlebotomist, and more, which have all provided the opportunity to additionally build rapport with patients and their families as well as build my procedural skills.
I am a pediatric resident applicant and rotating through various pediatric services here including malnutrition, sickle cell, infectious diseases, and adolescent health clinic. I am grateful for the opportunity to practice medicine in a large urban city like Kampala and work at the Mulago Hospital/Makerere University which are revered institutions in East Africa. I am certain that the clinical skills and knowledge that I am gaining here will help me become a better physician and advocate for my patients.”


Global Health at AUC/RUSM
The year 2024 has been highly productive, underscoring our strong collaboration with longstanding partner medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine. A total of 35 students successfully completed Global Health Electives in the Dominican Republic, India, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
Looking ahead to 2025, we received over 50 applications for the GHE program and are actively working on student placements with our colleagues and partners across various global health sites.
Global Health Perspectives: Insights from Students Conference
Uganda, Naggalama, St. Francis Hospital Dates of GHE: January 8 - February 16, 2024 by Curtis Ober, 4th year Medical Student at RUSM

“… I am an observer. I am here to learn. I do not know now if my duty is to learn about medicine, or if it is to learn about the inequalities, the injustices, in this health care system so that I can help not only with one patient at a time, but more broadly, making more radical changes. I like to think and sometimes that is dangerous. I think logically and illogically. I think straight and tangentially, sometimes spinning out of control Ioverwhelm myself. I can only imagine what -people think of me when a myriad of questions come out of my mouth. My biggest question though, the one that racks my brain, “How can these people, under such poor conditions, have such a positive outlook?”…
India, DMIHER
Dates of GHE: January 8 - February 16, 2024
by Harb Hussein, 4th year Medical Student at RUSM

“In the final week of my global health elective, the culmination of my experiences was deeply rewarding. By then, my Hindi had improved to a point where I could converse with patients and grasp medical round discussions, signaling a significant easing of -my initial culture shock. I had established a daily routine that maximized my learning, exposure, and contribution. The journey from strangers to acquaintances, then to friends, and eventually to life long companions, was nothing short of remarkable…
This experience has not only broadened my medical expertise but also deepened my appreciation for the human spirit. I am determined to maintain these newfound friendships and hope to return soon, carrying with me the invaluable lessons and memories from an unforgettable elective.”
Vietnam, Cho Ray Hospital
Dates of GHE: February 19 - March 29, 2024
by Christopher Lizon, 4th year Medical Student at RUSM

“In reflecting on this week’s experiences, I find myself deeply impacted by the intricate dance between healthcare professionals and patients and the systemic challenges inherent in the Vietnamese healthcare system.
This week has strengthened my commitment to looking at our own healthcare disparities from an outside perspective, promoting better access to quality medical care, and exploring solutions to bridge gaps in a constantly pressured system. As I progress through my global health experience, the lessons from the second week in Vietnam continue to shape my views on medicine, pushing me to embrace the complexities of healthcare with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a steadfast dedication to making a positive impact.“
Vietnam, Cho Ray Hospital
Dates of GHE: February 19 - March 29, 2024
by Mercedes Erpelding, 4th year Medical Student at RUSM

“This is the end of my 4th and last week of tropical medicine. I don’t want my visit to Vietnam to end. I am learning so much about medicine and Vietnamese culture. It is absolutely remarkable how procedures such as wound cleaning, LPs and even some surgeries are done without any significant pain medications. They only use acetaminophen and the patients don’t complain at all. This really reflects how strong the Vietnamese people are as a whole.
They have gone through so much throughout history and this is seen throughout their daily lives. In addition to their strength, I have noticed how important family and friends are to their culture. Many individuals still live with their parents and it is custom to take care of their elders. It is very sweet to see the respect the older generation receives which is different from many families back in the USA. This way of living spills into the healthcare system and especially through the palliative care system. Vietnam does not have palliative care except for cancer patients (and this is fairly new), therefore it is very important to have a good support system/family in order to get -proper care outside of the hospital.”
Dominican Republic, UNIBE
Dates of GHE: February 19 - March 29, 2024
by Alee Hueffmeier-Kunshier, 4th year Medical Student at RUSM
“In the cardiac ICU, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredibly friendly residents. They have been very welcoming towards me and their openness to having me on the team has been truly invaluable. It has shown me qualities that I hope to encompass as a future physician now that I can understand the value of kindness and inclusiveness. I’m so thankful for their guidance and camaraderie, as it has contributed significantly to my overall experience during this new placement.”
Dominican Republic, UNIBE
Dates of GHE: February 19 - March 29, 2024
by Nicole Kristy Carrido, 4th year Medical Student at RUSM

“Balancing the demands of my medical work at La Plaza Salud with the warmth of my host family has made my first week in Santo Domingo a unique and enriching experience. The hospital’s challenging environment and the caring atmosphere at home have worked together to help me grow both personally and professionally.
In summary, my first week at La Plaza Salud has been an eyeopener into the world of family medicine in Santo Domingo. The fast pace, variety of cases, and cultural immersion have gone beyond what I learn from textbooks and lectures. As I continue my medical journey in this lively city, I’m excited about the lessons and connections that lie ahead.”
Zimbabwe, UZFMCS
Dates of GHE: January 19 - February 25, 2024
by Thanushiya Jeyakanthan, MD, 3rd year Internal Medicine Resident Nuvance Health Norwalk Hospital

“After my 6 weeks here in Zimbabwe on Global Health elective rotation, it is my strongest belief that every healthcare trainee should experience healthcare delivery in resource-limited countries to understand and appreciate different approaches to diagnosis and treatment of illnesses regardless of various barriers. It was remarkable to witness physicians relying on outstanding physical exam skills and clinical thinking to treat patients on a daily basis without easy access to labs and imaging studies. This golden opportunity has also allowed me to enrich myself in this country’s history, people, culture and absolutely stunning landmarks.”
Zimbabwe, UZFMCS
Dates of GHE: January 19 - February 25, 2024
by Kenneth Cheung, MD, 3rd year Internal Medicine Resident Nuvance Health Norwalk Hospital
“My global health trip to Zimbabwe has been -an amazing and transformative experience. Different from being just a tourist, as a part of this global health program, my time in Zimbabwe really changed my perspective of the country and its people. This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the practice of medicine in a resource-limited setting. It opened my eyes to how fortunate our medical system is and it taught me to be mindful of over-utilizing our resources. Overall, what made this time enjoyable was how friendly the people were, the weather, and the fact that English is one of the official languages which made communication easier.”