After completing my first year of medical school, I returned to Nepal for my GHAC research project. Throughout the 26-hour journey, I felt immense gratitude for the opportunity to conduct research in my home country. There’s something uniquely powerful about revisiting the home and the familiar alleys you grew up in. It instantly reminds you of your essence and the roots that have always defined you. Going back home reminded me of why I pursued medicine and provided me with a better understanding of the kind of doctor I aspire to be.
This summer, I worked with the Center for Research on Environment, Health, and Population Activities (CREHPA) on a qualitative study focused on abortion. The topic felt personal, as I had heard about the varied experiences of closed ones seeking abortion in Nepal. Despite it being legal, accessing abortion services remains a challenge in many regions of Nepal.
I learned a lot this summer through the interviews conducted with women seeking abortion all over Nepal. The narratives I encountered in these interviews echoed the stories I had heard from those around me. The initial phase of the project included reading through all the interviews which was very impactful for me. Each interview had aspects that I could recognize in the people around me. Although I had never read those interviews before, they felt familiar. I felt eager to grasp the depth of each interview in my research. Additionally, I had the opportunity to visit participants in the field and observe the interviews. I observed the parallels between medicine and research as participants shared their toughest experience with immense trust in the research team. I felt motivated to translate this trust into productive research.
Thanks to Dr. Sarah Averbach and the Dhulikhel Hospital team, I had a chance to shadow their Emergency Department. Even during my short time there, I learned the need for adaptability of skills while working in global health. This applies to clinical as well as communication skills. Although I was aware of differences in healthcare systems in Nepal and the United States, I got a closer look this time. Having to ask patients with head injury to find a place on their own to do their CT-scan because the only one available in this major hospital wasn’t working is something I had never seen before. Beyond this particular example, I noticed the greater need for patients to advocate for themselves when receiving services in a resource-limited environment.
My daily routine this summer typically began with breakfast at my uncle’s which usually included Nepali donuts for me. Then, I headed to CREHPA’s office. I worked and ate lunch there with my co-workers. Our lunch was traditional dal-bhat which includes Basmati rice, lentil soup, achar and multiple vegetable curry. Sometimes we would head out quickly for a post lunch snack like “dahi puri” and “chatpatey” – our go-to comfort food. I really enjoyed working with the CREHPA team and want to give a special shoutout to Sunita didi, Anupama didi and Aavashana. Thank you for making my time in the office so enjoyable. After office, I would check out some places in the valley with my family or friends.
anniversary party
Another influential part of this trip was meeting my grandparents. I got to visit my grandparents in Gorkha twice this summer and that meant a lot to me. As an immigrant, being away from people you love has become my everyday story. So, I treasure every opportunity I get to meet my loved ones. Back in the village, I grazed goats with my grandfather and also helped on the field. I drank fresh warm buffalo’s milk, ate bananas and vegetables that grew 2 feet away from the house. A life so different from the one I live in San Diego was good and a much-needed break.
My summer was filled with rain, love, momo (Nepali dumplings) and the joy of meeting new people. I am grateful to UCSD and GHAC for providing me this opportunity to not only grow professionally but also personally. I hope to put my experience and reflections from this summer to productive use in coming years.
That’s it from me and my exploits in Nepal this summer. Remember to eat good food and hug your loved ones.
Until next time, Alisha
