Neonatal Care & Children’s Health internships provide an ideal opportunity to gain practical experience and insight into intensive and specialist care for newborns and young children. Under the guidance of healthcare professionals, interns gain insight into the unique perspective of African healthcare conditions and approaches. Read on to learn how Rosie-May learnt the importance of communication, improving her cultural competence, patience and empathy.
What were your initial motivations for doing the internship?
In the future, I hope to become a regional/rural pediatrician, and this international internship was a way for me to witness the realities of healthcare abroad and in rural settings. Having this exposure will go a long way in helping me with cultural competence, awareness skills, communication skills and test my knowledge of healthcare so far. As I am early on in my degree, this internship in Tanzania was an incredible experience to help motivate me to create healthcare change in Australia and the world.
Tell us about your internship - what were you involved in?
During my Neonatal Care & Children’s Health internship, I had the opportunity to follow pediatricians, neonatologists and surgeons in their day-to-day practice of medicine. I took patient vitals, observed and acted as a runner nurse in multiple surgeries, played with a group of children the hospital host in the lead up to their surgeries and assisted with admin duties.
From this, I have developed my skills in cultural competence and learnt the importance of communication regardless of whether language barriers are present. As a doctor this is imperative and ensures all patients receive the same standard of care regardless of their ethnicity and background.
Did you experience any challenges? If so, how did you overcome them?
At first, I found it quite difficult to understand what was happening between patients and doctors due to the language barrier. While I had no control over the language, I did have control over how I reacted and overcame it. I made the best of the situation by learning basic Swahili phrases and using body language to communicate. I also relied on translators whenever possible and built rapport through patience and empathy.
I learnt very quickly that medicine, specifically communication within medicine, is more than just verbal. Simply holding a patient’s hand and smiling at them can help them feel calm and safe in an environment that’s also unfamiliar to them. By focusing on building trust and making the effort to communicate in ways that went beyond words, I was able to overcome the challenge and establish meaningful connections with patients and families.
What advice would you give to those considering an internship in Tanzania?
The best way to navigate a culturally diverse setting is to keep an open mind and be willing to learn. Simple things like using traditional greetings, dressing more modestly and respecting dining customs can go a long way in building trust and connection.
It also helps to observe how locals interact and take cues from them, rather than assuming what’s right or wrong. If something is unclear, asking questions in a respectful way is always better than guessing.
You don’t have to change who you are but being flexible and considerate makes all the difference. Finding common ground - whether through music or culture, or just sharing stories - can make the experience even more rewarding.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time abroad?
I have so many amazing memories from my internship but what stands out most were the people. I loved spending time with everyone I met! I was treated like family, and I feel like I have a home in Tanzania.
Another favourite memory from the program was observing the progress of a tiny 5-month-old baby who weighed only 2.25 kg. She was in the hospital for the whole length of my internship - which was quite rare. In quiet moments of my day, I would hold her and sit with her grandmother. Despite her journey being quite saddening, it was moments like these that deeply solidified my passion for medicine, especially in underserved regions. It was a reminder of the disparities in healthcare and the difference we can make, not only by treating patients but by focusing on long-term healthcare education.
What were the biggest takeaways from this experience?
This internship experience has made me more appreciative of the healthcare resources and systems available to me back home in Australia. It’s been humbling to witness the challenges people face in under-resourced settings, and it has made me more aware of the privileges I often take for granted.
Most significantly, I’ve gained a new perspective on what truly matters in life, such as the value of human connection and the importance of accessible healthcare for everyone.
Now that your internship is complete, what’s next for you?
I feel more empowered to pursue medicine, particularly in global health and medical education. My internship has reinforced a desire to contribute to systemic changes, not just in patient care, but in medical education in underserved regions. I feel more confident in my ability to tackle global health disparities and contribute meaningfully to these areas.
Moving forward, I want to continue building my skills and knowledge in global health and education, particularly in resource-limited settings. I plan to pursue further internships, volunteer work, or study opportunities that will allow me to deepen my understanding and expertise in these areas. Ultimately, I want to work toward improving healthcare accessibility and education in underserved regions, bringing about change to improve healthcare equality.
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