Medicine Beyond the Classroom: My CFHI Experience

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.