This summer and early fall, IU School of Medicine, Eskenazi Health and IU Center for Global Health hosted 4 medical students from AMPATH partner Moi University in Kenya and for the first time welcomed two students from AMPATH Ghana partner the University for Development Studies.
While in Indianapolis, the students joined medical teams at Eskenazi Hospital and experienced rotations in internal medicine, OB/GYN, surgery, pediatrics and more. Outside of the hospital they were met with Hoosier Hospitality and enjoyed local attractions, home-cooked meals and a road trip to Chicago.
The bidirectional educational exchange has been a foundational part of the AMPATH partnerships for three decades and IU School of Medicine trainees have the opportunity to travel to Kenya as well.
Read more about the students’ experiences (some responses have been edited for length):
University for Development Studies in Ghana
Hawawu Abdul Nasir: I hope to become a physician who not only treats diseases but also understands and connects with patients as people. My rotation at Eskenazi Hospital has deeply shaped this vision. Being fully included in the internal medicine team made me feel like a valued member of the group. These experiences strengthened my confidence, clinical reasoning and communication skills.
The most memorable moment was getting to scrub in for a cesarean section. It was my first time scrubbing in for a surgery of any kind and I was amazed by how fast the whole procedure was. I have witnessed cesarean sections but this particular one was so amazing. Within minutes, the baby was out and crying. It was such a beautiful moment that reminded me why I chose medicine: to be part of those life-changing experiences where skill, teamwork and compassion come together.
I was also truly awed by my time in the neurodevelopmental pediatric clinic. Watching how the team cared for children with such patience and dedication was inspiring. It taught me that medicine goes beyond diagnoses and treatments, it’s about compassion and understanding. Similarly, my time in the outpatient clinic showed me that patients often face social and emotional challenges that affect their health just as much as their medical conditions do.
My attending constantly pushed me to think critically and step outside my comfort zone, even when I wasn’t fully confident in myself, but always in a supportive and encouraging way. That gentle push helped me grow more than I expected, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for. I hope to carry that forward in my own future to challenge and uplift medical students or colleagues in the same way, with patience and encouragement.
This experience has truly left a lasting mark on me. I’ll always remember to treat patients and those I work with, with compassion, respect, and understanding.
Hickma Abdulai: This experience has truly shaped the kind of doctor I aspire to become. I’ve learned the importance of keeping patients informed and actively involved in their care, and I hope to bring that same compassion and openness into every patient interaction in the future. I’m also deeply inspired to work toward reducing healthcare disparities. Experiencing the healthcare system here made me realize that Ghana can also achieve this level of excellence. As Joe Mamlin reminded us during dinner, I am the future, and I believe I can help create the change I want to see. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.
My most memorable moments were in Chicago. Exploring the city by boat, visiting museums, trying new foods--it truly felt like living the American life I had hoped to experience during this visit.
Moi University in Kenya
Whitney Mabwi: The most memorable moments for me have not only been inside the hospital but also in the quiet, unhurried spaces outside it. Conversations shared over dinner with the Mamlins, and the long drive to/from Chicago with Dr. David Matthews. Listening to their stories—of sacrifice, of service to the underserved, and of the vision that eventually gave rise to the AMPATH program has been profoundly moving. What struck me most was how their work has rippled outward, touching lives across the world, including mine. Their journeys reminded me that hope for humanity still burns bright, that service can transform communities, and that we too are called to carry that torch forward. In those moments, brief though they were, I felt something awaken in me: a desire to change the world, to make healthcare more equitable, and to stand as an ambassador for the vision they have lived so faithfully.
My time at Eskenazi Hospital has given me a glimpse of the kind of physician I aspire to become. In trauma surgery, I was fascinated by minimally invasive approaches that drastically improve patients’ recovery journeys. These encounters impressed upon me the power of innovation to reshape care, and I carry with me the hope of advocating for similar advances back home in Kenya.
This opportunity has sharpened my vision for the future: to practice medicine that is both innovative and humane, rooted in technical excellence but carried forward by empathy. The standards I have witnessed here will remain a touchstone for my career, guiding me as I strive to shape healthcare delivery in Kenya.
Evans Musto: One of the most memorable experiences during my elective was the opportunity to participate in the surgical skills lab where I practiced suturing, laparoscopy, and even had exposure to robotic techniques. Coupled with observing live robotic surgery, this gave me a first-hand appreciation of how surgical innovation is transforming patient care. Beyond the operating room, I also valued actively clerking patients in clinic and joining the internal medicine team on structured table rounds, which highlighted for me how essential strong clinical skills, teamwork, and attention to detail are in providing excellent patient care.
I envision a career in surgery, where I can combine technical skill with compassionate patient care. This elective has been transformative in solidifying that goal. The balance of surgical innovation and patient-centered care I witnessed at Eskenazi has inspired me to pursue a path where I can not only master operative techniques but also contribute as a mentor, teacher and advocate for my patients. I believe the lessons and perspectives I gained here will continue to guide me as I grow into the kind of surgeon I aspire to become.
Gachuhi Simon Gathogo: During my six weeks in Indianapolis, the most memorable aspect of my experience was the opportunity to actively engage in diverse clinical environments while learning from some of the finest physicians at Lois and Sidney Eskenazi Hospital. My surgical rotation was particularly formative, as it provided hands-on exposure to procedures and decision-making processes that deepened both my technical and clinical acumen. Internal medicine offered me a chance to strengthen my diagnostic reasoning.
Beyond the hospital, moments such as visiting state parks, exploring Chicago, and interacting with new communities enriched my cultural perspective and reinforced the value of balance and adaptability in the life of a physician. This combination of rigorous training and personal growth made the experience both memorable and transformative.
I envision a medical career that is grounded in clinical excellence, enriched by global perspectives, and centered on advancing patient outcomes through both practice and mentorship. I believe that the lessons learned in Indianapolis will continue to guide my career trajectory, equipping me to contribute meaningfully not only to patient care but also to the broader medical community.
Laura Cherotich: This exchange program has broadened my perspective on patient-centered care and resource utilization. Through the opportunity to actively engage in patient care within a multidisciplinary setting, I was able to observe how collaborative approaches between different specialties enhance patient outcomes.
I also envision building a career in medicine that combines clinical care, teaching, and research, with a strong focus on people's health. The exposure I gained will guide me to become not only a better clinician but also an advocate for strengthening healthcare systems through global collaboration.
I believe the lessons learned will influence the way I approach patients, work with colleagues and mentor future medical students. If I’m in a position later in my country where I can influence policy making, I'll have useful insights concerning health care and health systems as a whole. This experience has been an eye opener on what policies should be put in place in our setting here.
