Maternal and Child Health in Uganda
4th Year Elective

"Spending a month-long rotation in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, at the national referral hospital for OB/GYN was incredibly rewarding. Having the opportunity to work with attending physicians and residents allowed it to be a true learning experience. It is very interesting to not only experience how a hospital in Uganda works and runs, but to also gain an understanding of how their medical training is organized."

"Overall, if you are interested in global health and OB/GYN, this rotation will give you a great amount of knowledge combining these two areas. One of the greatest impacts it had on me was realizing the extent of their lack of resources. It gives you a perspective that allows you to appreciate what is available to us in the United States as far as testing, equipment, and support staff are concerned. You are also given a wonderful opportunity to enhance your physical exam skills and to gain an appreciation for the utility of these skills. We were lucky enough to stay with a host family that was incredibly kind and generous, making sure we always had a hot Ugandan-style meal and a comfortable place to sleep."

"This international elective has given me insight that will allow me to continue to develop my own interests in global health, so that one day the impact I attempt to make will be well thought out, collaborative, and mutually beneficial to the physicians and students it involves. This rotation has given me a deeper appreciation for the training and education I receive in the United States, and it challenged me to reach a deeper level of compassion as I cared for patients in such an unfamiliar and somewhat unforgiving environment. I am very confident that the knowledge I gained during my month in Uganda will translate into me being a better physician for my patients.