Kenyan medical students reflect on summer elective

Dennis Rotich and Samuel Macharia, medical students from Moi University School of Medicine in Eldoret, Kenya, have wrapped up a six-week elective through the AMPATH-U of T partnership, hosted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The students visited various clinical settings in two different hospital sites in Toronto and received guidance and training from ob-gyn preceptors.

“We were thrilled to finally welcome back Moi students for the first time since the pandemic,” says Dr. Rachel Spitzer, an associate professor in the department and Vice Chair, Global Women's Health and Advocacy. “Samuel and Dennis were wonderful ambassadors of the Moi program, integrated easily into our clinical setting, and hopefully had a meaningful professional and personal experience that will impact their future career choices.”

We caught up with Rotich and Macharia to ask them some questions before they returned home.

What were some of the highlights of your learning during the six weeks?

Macharia:

Several experiences stood out. One of the most memorable was my time in the clinics with Dr. Siddhi Mathur. Her teaching style was both engaging and insightful, providing a deep understanding of complex cases and the nuances of patient care.

I also had the opportunity to observe and participate in robotic and laparoscopic surgeries at Mount Sinai. The advanced technology and precision involved in these procedures were impressive — surgical practice that’s truly cutting-edge. It was a positive learning environment throughout, thanks to the friendliness and support of the staff, residents, and fellow students.

Rotich:

Several standout moments made this elective truly memorable. At Sunnybrook Hospital, my time in the Twins Clinic with Dr. Nir Melamed was a first for me, offering a deep dive into patient-centred care. Dr. Melamed's dedication to ensuring that patients feel supported during high-risk pregnancies left a lasting impression on me.

Also, I should mention working in the ultrasound room with Dr. Nanette Okun. I gained hands-on experience with growth and anatomy ultrasounds, which helped me understand the critical role ultrasound plays in prenatal care. I learned the importance of measuring nuchal translucency for Down syndrome screening and how advanced techniques, like non-invasive prenatal testing can screen for trisomy 13, 18, and 21.

How will your time here affect your future training or career path?

Macharia:

The exposure to advanced surgical techniques and the collaborative atmosphere within the team at Mount Sinai have broadened my understanding of what’s possible in patient care. It was inspiring to see the commitment to excellence and the compassionate care demonstrated by the faculty and residents. This rotation has significantly influenced my perspective on medical practice and will stay with me as I continue my studies and navigate my future career path.

Rotich:

The exposure I’ve had to different areas has undoubtedly made me consider potential fellowship programs, especially in areas like urogynecology. Although I haven’t yet decided on my future career path, the overall experience has opened my eyes to new possibilities. and will certainly influence my decision-making moving forward.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire ob-gyn faculty, the residents, the clerks, and everyone who contributed to making this elective worthwhile. Your dedication to teaching and supporting students like me has made this experience invaluable. I leave with a deep sense of gratitude.

How did you find Toronto as a city?

Macharia:

Toronto’s blend of modernity and multiculturalism was captivating and added an extra dimension to my rotation experience. I was particularly impressed by the city's vibrant and diverse culture, the array of cultural neighborhoods, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The city's efficient public transportation and numerous green spaces made it easy to explore and enjoy.

Rotich:

Toronto was another pleasant surprise. Its multicultural atmosphere was one of the things I enjoyed the most, with diverse experiences in food, culture and people. Wonderland and Niagara Falls were fantastic to visit. I thought that the transport system, particularly the subway, made exploring the city both easy and enjoyable.