Reflections from the Philippines: Two Months On - My Global Health Elective Experience

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Written by: Imani Mullings,

Philippines, 2026

When I first discovered I was awarded the opportunity to attend a global health rotation, I

was excited. The only expectation I had was to learn something new and improve on my skills. Since I was the first student going to the Philippines, I had no past student

experiences to go on what to expect. However, that knowledge only increased my excitement as I would not have biased opinions shaping my travels and time in the hospital.

Now that I visited the Philippines and had a couple months to reflect on my time spent

there in a medical setting, I realize what a privilege it was. From the doctors, the students

and most importantly, the patients, I was invited in as an outsider to learn in the most

personal of settings. Many of the patients were willing to speak in English despite their uneasiness so that I may be included in the conversation. Though, I always encouraged

them by commenting on how fluent they were, especially with my lack of use of any

secondary language. They were also willing to suffer the discomfort of a third, fourth or fifth pair of hands perform the same medical exam, so that I may have some experience

following the doctor, residents and local medical students. The students were also super

accommodating to me. From sharing their food and equipment with me to giving up their

spot so I may have a new experience. By the end of my time there, I felt like just another

peer in the environment.

With the start of my residency approaching, I think back on my time in the Philippines and

how my training there might positively impact my journey as a doctor. The hospital I will

continue my training is located in New York where I will encounter people from many

backgrounds and cultures. Being able to have experienced medicine in both the Philippines and Barbados I feel has bolstered my confidence in approaching those patients in my care as I now have a better understanding of how to best interact with multiple people. Also, my time spent as part of the medical team in the Philippines has increased my readiness to build a team with my fellow incoming residents who also come from many different backgrounds.

While my time in the Philippines was short, it was significant. In a country where centrist

thinking is dominant, it is easy to fall into the pitfalls of believing only one world view exists,

especially in the medical field. However, journeying beyond the borders of the United

States to a different locale forces one to broaden their minds and accept a different way of thinking. Not necessarily to change but instead to grow in both understanding and

character so that one may become a better version of themselves. With my personal

growth, I feel I can play a positive role in any new environment. Though, one of my most

important takeaways from my experience is the importance of global health and I have a

strong passion to continue my pursuits in the field, especially after my time in the

Philippines.