Clinical Insights from a Pediatric Urology Rotation in Vietnam

My time at the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi was transformative. Days started early with a quick walk through the bustling hospital grounds, past vendors selling sticky rice and pho. By 8 AM, we were in scrubs reviewing the OR schedule. I worked closely with Dr. Quang, a pediatric urologist whose surgical precision was matched … Continue reading Clinical Insights from a Pediatric Urology Rotation in Vietnam

A Summer of Research: Enhancing Patient Care Insights

One thing I don’t think we talk about enough as medical students, especially as it becomes more central in our education and important for residency applications, is research. In my experience, bringing a research project through to fruition is as exciting as it is challenging, will push you to ask questions, learn new skills, get … Continue reading A Summer of Research: Enhancing Patient Care Insights

Lessons Learned from my Research Journey in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I write to you from Phuket: my last weekend in Thailand, spent in the bluest waters I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes. Imagine my gratitude when I saw my first coral reef, a 30-minute snorkeling session I lazily floated through while mulling over the state of the world. Would these reefs be here … Continue reading Lessons Learned from my Research Journey in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Reflecting on My Time in Gaborone: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Hello, everyone! As I prepare to head back to the United States later this week, I find myself reflecting on my time here in Gaborone with a mix of gratitude, accomplishment, and a hint of longing for home. These past six weeks have been a whirlwind of research, cultural immersion, and exploration, pushing me outside … Continue reading Reflecting on My Time in Gaborone: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Exploring Maputo: Culture, Healthcare, and Community

Sunset over Maputo Hello again! My final weeks in Maputo have been quite eventful and educational, although they went by far too quickly.  Our research has been growing, and more departments are aware that we are looking to identify and help diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).  There are many challenges faced within Maputo Central Hospital … Continue reading Exploring Maputo: Culture, Healthcare, and Community

A Week in Mae Sot, Thailand

My week in Mae Sot was short-lived and well-filled. Mae Sot is a resilient transient-dense town on the Thai side of the Thailand-Myanmar borderline. It was my first time seeing an open border, identical houses on either side of a shallow river that I would have mistaken as different neighborhoods of the same town--if not … Continue reading A Week in Mae Sot, Thailand

Gaborone | A Day in the Life

Hello! It’s been such a whirlwind transitioning to a new place. I’ve been learning and growing each day since I’ve been in Gaborone. It’s been a mild winter; The contrast between warm, sunny days and cool mornings and nights. My evenings are spent soaking up some vitamin D. My free time on the weekends has … Continue reading Gaborone | A Day in the Life

Engaging in Global Health: My Experience in Tijuana

When I was applying for medical schools, I remember being captivated by a UC San Diego GHAC video where students described their ability to ‘engage in global health work in your own backyard’. As an out-of-state student passionate about global health, this resonated deeply with me. The ability to integrate global health work so closely … Continue reading Engaging in Global Health: My Experience in Tijuana

Costa Rica – Immersion in Healthcare System

During my immersion in Costa Rica's healthcare system, I have frequently been asked by locals, affectionately known as Ticos, why I chose Costa Rica. The answer is straightforward. Firstly, I aimed to enhance my proficiency in medical Spanish by learning directly from native Spanish-speaking healthcare providers. Given that 35% of San Diego County residents speak … Continue reading Costa Rica – Immersion in Healthcare System

Dumela from Gaborone! My SUMMER in BOTSWANA

Dumela from Gaborone!  This summer, I was given the opportunity to conduct research in Botswana under the mentorship of Dr. Adriane Wynn (UCSD) and the wonderful team at the Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative (BSRHI). Image 1 - Flying into Gaborone With BSRHI, I learned about the important work being done to both understand … Continue reading Dumela from Gaborone! My SUMMER in BOTSWANA