by 
This time last year, I was two months into a six month volunteer assignment in Mutomo, Kenya. Since I have been back people usually ask me one of two questions, “What was most different?” or “Would you go back?” I use these opportunities to reflect on my experience and continue to contemplate what the experience meant to me then and what it will mean to my life going forward.
One of the most striking differences I noticed immediately was the pace of the day. Not surprisingly, everyone worked hard. The clinical staff was patient centered and each person worked diligently to make the most of the resources available. However, no one rushed around. No one walked with coffee cups in hand or ate on the go. Breaks were taken as needed and chai (or tea) was had sitting in the canteen or possibly at home on the back porch when time permitted. This shift reinforced, while practicing medicine is always stressful, the environment you practice in doesn’t have to be.
Yes, I would definitely go back and yes, I would definitely recommend the experience to others. While I was blessed to be able to take respite in Nairobi from time, in Mutomo, it was not uncommon to be without running water or electricity for days at a time. While I adjusted, I will admit that I never got used to it completely. The experience reminded me to focus on the present and not where I was going. It reminded me that I was exactly where I was supposed be. And though I hope sometime soon the community will have access to continuous clean water and reliable electricity, one of my favorite memories is playing cards by candlelight with my co-workers and friends.
I learned so much from the other clinicians, the patients, the community and from my new friends I would happily do it all again. Recently, one of my patients in Maine mentioned that she found the CMMB video online when googling me. She shared with me that she felt encouraged to pursue her own dream to work abroad! Going forward, as I incorporate international medicine into my career, hopefully I can continue to inspire others to do the same.
