Child Family Health International

My name is Rosemary Dwoben, a medical student at the University of Cape Coast - Ghana. I joined the CFHI Durban program in April 2026, and it quickly became one of the most transformative parts of my medical training. As a 5th‑year medical student, I was eager to see how global health looks in practice, and CFHI’s philosophy of “letting the world change you” truly came alive during my time there.

One of the highlights was living with the Siwela family. Their warmth, indigenous meals, and openness to cultural exchange made me feel at home while also teaching me about Zulu traditions. I vividly remember evenings spent discussing health and family, which gave me a deeper appreciation of how culture shapes care. In the clinics, I was struck by the emphasis on doctors getting to know patients personally. They consistently showed empathy and a non‑discriminatory approach, which created a welcoming environment and reminded me that medicine is as much about relationships as it is about treatment.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without challenges. My university exam schedule shifted multiple times, forcing me to arrive late and miss nearly a week of the program. While disappointing, the CFHI team was understanding and supportive, which helped me settle in quickly.

Overall, CFHI Durban offered me both clinical exposure and cultural immersion. It wasn’t just about learning medicine—it was about seeing health through the lens of justice, equity, and community. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to students seeking a meaningful global health experience.

As a fourth-year medical student in the US, the CFHI Virtual Global & Public Health Internship – India was exactly the kind of experience I had been looking for to expand my understanding of health systems beyond the clinical settings I am accustomed to. The live sessions with India-based public health professionals brought real depth to topics I thought I understood from textbooks, things like infectious disease burden, sanitation gaps, and community-level intervention, and hearing about them directly from people doing the work on the ground reframed how I think about health systems entirely. What made the program stand out even further was the inclusion of personal and professional development, and Hindi language lessons, something I did not expect and found genuinely enriching, since being able to connect even a little with the language added a layer of cultural immersion that you rarely get from a virtual program. The program structure moved at a good pace, the CFHI team was responsive whenever I had questions, and the small group discussions with other participants pushed my thinking in directions I did not expect. What stayed with me most was the shift in how I understand cultural humility, not as a competency to check off, but as something that has to be actively practiced every time you step into a health context that is not your own. I plan to pursue global health as part of my career, and this program clarified what that actually means in practice. I would recommend it to any medical student who wants to move beyond the US health system.

During my 4 weeks in Oaxaca, I spent 2 weeks at Hospital Civil where I had the opportunity to rotate through the emergency department, labor and delivery, and the operating room. Each setting offered valuable learning and exposed me to a wide range of clinical scenarios in a resource limited environment. In the emergency department, I observed the management of acute conditions and gained insight into rapid clinical decision making. In labor and delivery, I was able to participate in patient care during critical and emotional moments, which reinforced the importance of compassionate, patient centered care. In the operating room, I observed surgical procedures and developed a deeper understanding of teamwork and technique. The local physicians and staff were incredibly welcoming and committed to teaching. They made a strong effort to include us in patient care and explain their clinical reasoning, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

In addition to my clinical experience, my time in Oaxaca was shaped in meaningful ways outside of the hospital. Living with a host family gave me a genuine look into daily life and culture in a way that you simply can’t get as a visitor. From sharing meals to everyday conversations, I felt welcomed and supported, which made the experience feel much more personal. The language school was another highlight. It helped me build confidence in my Spanish and gave me a supportive space to improve my communication skills. That growth extended beyond the classroom and helped me feel more connected overall. Outside of structured activities, I also had the opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s culture through its food, traditions, and strong sense of community. These experiences added depth to my time there and reminded me how important cultural understanding is in both life and medicine.

I had a great experience participating in Child Family Health International’s (CFHI) global health program in Ecuador. The program provided numerous opportunities to learn about the health care system in Ecuador. Over the course of the month, I was able to rotate through a private hospital, a non-governmental organization (NGO) hospital, and a public outpatient specialty hospital in the capital, Quito. I also spent a week in a community-based integrative medicine clinic in Otavalo, a small city north of Quito that serves as cultural hub for the Kichwa Otavalo people. The clinic focuses on blending indigenous Andean traditional and conventional medicine together. These experiences helped me appreciate barriers to healthcare and other socioeconomic disparities faced in the country. I also witnessed the resilience of Ecuadorian physicians, residents, nurses, and other critical clinical staff as they navigated limited resources to provide high-quality care to their patients and inspired me to continue to advocate for equitable, and culturally informed care wherever I practice.

I really enjoyed the month that I spent in Durban, South Africa with CFHI. As a fourth-year medical student, I felt able to contribute to the team by taking patient histories, performing physical exams for new patients, and joining the team on rounds. I saw unique cases including cryptococcal meningitis and HIV-associated wasting, a condition that is now relatively rare with the invention and increased access to antiretroviral therapy. I also strengthened my clinical skills by learning more in-depth physical exam maneuvers, which were especially important in a system where rapid access to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound imaging is not always available to confirm a diagnosis. I also spent a week in various clinics and hospice sites where I saw firsthand the challenges of an overburdened healthcare system, as well as the ways nonprofit organizations have developed innovative approaches to support hospice patients.

I also can’t forget to mention the beauty of the KwaZulu Natal Province and the opportunity to learn more about Zulu culture during my time there. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone who is passionate about global health, particularly HIV/AIDS and chronic disease management, as well as those interested in working in Sub-Saharan Africa.