Child Family Health International

Spending a month in New Delhi through CFHI’s Global Health Program was truly one of the most transformative experiences of my medical and public health journey. The program offered a rare blend of clinical exposure, public health education, and cultural immersion allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. Through rotations with major hospitals and nonprofit organizations, I saw firsthand how healthcare is delivered in resource-limited settings with innovation, empathy, and deep community involvement. I was especially moved by the home-based palliative care model, where patients and families are cared for with dignity and compassion. I also engaged with programs addressing infectious diseases, substance use, and sanitation gaining a more nuanced understanding of social determinants of health and systems-level interventions. Equally impactful were the cultural experiences that gave me insight into the rich history and diversity of India. In Delhi, I explored landmarks like Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus and Akshardham Temples. On weekends, I traveled to Jaipur to see the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, visited the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, experienced spiritual serenity at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and found peace in Rishikesh with yoga and a traditional aarti ceremony on the Ganges River. This program helped me become a more reflective, culturally sensitive future physician. It challenged me to think beyond clinical care and consider how public health, community context, and culture intersect in healing. I highly recommend CFHI to anyone passionate about global health, equity, and personal growth. The lessons and memories from India will stay with me for a lifetime.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel abroad throughout my life, but my time with CHFI on a global health trip to Tarija, Bolivia stands out as one of the most rewarding experiences as a pediatric resident in training. After arriving, I was warmly welcomed by the medical director and local coordinator, who provided a comprehensive orientation. My host family was also incredibly kind and hospitable. My host mother went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, even accommodating my dietary restrictions throughout my stay. Once I began working in the hospital, I met weekly with the medical director, who connected me with local specialists in my areas of interest including pediatrics, pulmonology, and infectious disease. During my first week, I focused on the pediatric floor, where I had the unique opportunity of working with residents in the same field and year of training. Together, it was interesting to compare similarities and differences in our medical practices. In the following weeks, I worked one-on-one with a pulmonologist, learning about infectious diseases and teaching medical students how to read chest films that we taped up to windows each day. In addition to my medical rotation, I attended Spanish classes every afternoon which were unlike any I’d taken before. These lessons combined classroom instruction with cultural immersion, as we visited local museums, cafés, and shops to practice Spanish in real-world settings. Despite having studied Spanish for seven years, I learned more during these lessons than ever before and even hope to continue them virtually. During my time in the hospital, I encountered medical conditions I had previously studied in school but had not seen during residency. It was a valuable opportunity to observe how these conditions are managed in a different healthcare setting. At the end of my rotation, I delivered a presentation on respiratory diseases in Bolivia, which served as a meaningful culmination of my experience. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding of respiratory disease management within a different cultural context while fully immersing myself in Bolivian culture. My time in Tarija was an enriching experience that I will always treasure. My host family was truly amazing—and even after the trip, they continue to feel like a second family. I am also deeply grateful to the medical director and program coordinator, who thoughtfully tailored my clinical experience to align with my passions. I will always have close friends and lasting connections in Tarija, and I’m incredibly thankful to CHFI for making it all possible.

I recently completed the Global Health in the Philippines program offered by Child Family Health International (CFHI), and it was an incredible experience. Our first week was spent in Manila, where we explored the historical and cultural factors that continue to shape the country’s healthcare system. Dr. Katrina Narcida, our local coordinator, was an engaging and supportive guide who not only answered our questions but also immersed us in Filipino culture. We visited both publicly and privately funded health centers, as well as local markets offering traditional remedies—giving us insight into the wide range of healthcare practices in the Philippines. In the second week, we traveled to Tingloy, a remote island in the Batangas province. Life on the island is quiet and community-centered, with no major roads or cars and only one physician serving the entire population. We worked closely with the Rural Health Unit and observed how healthcare is delivered in this unique setting. One standout experience was witnessing the monthly immunization program, where nurses travel by motorcycle to different Barangays (villages) to administer vaccines to children. Community health workers in each Barangay played an essential role in assisting the nurses, highlighting how healthcare in the Philippines is truly a community-based effort. After each round of vaccinations, the grateful communities welcomed us with delicious home-cooked meals—a touching display of hospitality that reflects the warmth and generosity so deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Whether you're a medical student like me or simply someone interested in global health, I highly recommend this program. It offers not only knowledge, but also the confidence and cultural insight needed to navigate and appreciate healthcare systems around the world. Immersing myself in Filipino culture—where community, compassion, and resilience are deeply woven into everyday life—was an experience that will stay with me both personally and professionally. This unforgettable opportunity was made possible through the support of the Friends of the Philippines Scholarship, for which I am incredibly grateful. Their generosity allowed me to learn firsthand from the communities and healthcare professionals in the Philippines, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my global health journey.