Global Health Education Student Experiences Deeksha Ajeya The Himalayan Health Exchange is truly a unique global health experience. The organization is U.S. based and led by a native of Himachal Pradesh who moved to the States in his late youth. The team I went with was made up of mostly U.S. medical students in their fourth year, some international medical students, and attendings and preceptors from around the U.S. The Outer Himalayas trip in February started in Bir. It included camping in Mandi, travel to Kullu-Manali, and ended in Panjain. The logistics of the trip were very well organized and exceeded my expectations. There are drivers and cooks who travel with the group, making transportation and meals very easy. The accommodations were also comfortable. If we ever needed something, someone was around to help us. In my opinion, this makes a huge difference day to day. I felt safe and supported, which in turn allowed me to focus on my education and make the most of the medical experience. Everyone on the trip was lovely — all like-minded individuals working toward the same mission of bringing care to a vulnerable population. During clinic days, students were given a lot of autonomy, making me feel like an intern or resident for the first time in my medical school. I learned how to work in a low-resource setting, how to communicate when there is a language barrier and how to adapt when things aren’t going as expected. It was a challenging environment that taught me something new every day. This trip will meaningfully shape the physician I become — whether through future global health work or the perspective and insight it has given me. How to Apply Resources Contact Information Back to Top
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