Conducting a 10 - week internship in a hospital in Kenya: Karin's experiences

Karin travelled to Eldoret, Kenya as part of her study programme BioMechanica design in 2023. We asked her a few questions about her stay:

Explain briefly where you were, what study programme/research/internship you did abroad and why you choose this host university;

During my internship at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, I successfully established a 3D print facility. The primary objectives of my internship included identifying optimal ways in which 3D printing could benefit the hospital, and sharing knowledge to others to ensure the future of the facility after my departure. I selected this location due to its status as a developing country and its affiliation with a hospital. Additionally, the project resonated with my interests, as I had a longstanding desire to witness firsthand the challenges within the medical field in developing countries. From a BioMechanical Design perspective, I aimed to contribute by making incremental improvements to address these challenges.

Explain what kind of study programme/research/internship you undertook and why you wanted to do it abroad;

During my studies in biomechanical design, I have seen how technology can really help people be healthier and improve their well-being. I am amazed by the clever solutions that have been created, but there is something that has been bothering me for a long time. It is the fact that only a small part of the world's population can use these new ideas. And often, the people who need them the most, because they have fewer healthcare resources or money, can't get them.

This idea has inspired me to focus on making technical solutions that can help people all around the world. Even though this has been the main idea guiding my studies, I have realized that it is not enough to just work from my home in the Netherlands. So, I decided to see for myself how healthcare works in a hospital in a non-Western country.

The project I have been working on combined one of my personal interests, 3D printing, with the chance to make real improvements in a Kenyan hospital. This project has led me to thoroughly understand how the hospital functions and find out where 3D printing can really make a difference.

What inspired you to join this particular project and go abroad?

During my studies in biomechanical design, I have explored how technology can really help people be healthier and improve their well-being. I am amazed by the clever solutions that have been created, but there is something that has been bothering me for a long time. It is the fact that only a small part of the world's population can use these new ideas. And often, the people who need them the most, because they have fewer healthcare resources or money, can't get them.

This idea has inspired me to focus on making technical solutions that can help people all around the world. Even though this has been the main idea guiding my studies, I have realized that it is not enough to just work from my home in the Netherlands. So, I decided to see for myself how healthcare works in a hospital in a non-Western country.

The project I have been working on combined one of my personal interests, 3D printing, with the chance to make real improvements in a Kenyan hospital. This project has led me to deeply understand how the hospital works and find out where 3D printing can really make a big difference.

What is something you learned on this project and will take away for future endeavors?

My time in Kenya has taught me the importance of being flexible. I usually like to plan every part of my day and prefer to have a clear schedule, even for the next few days. However, I have learned that this organized approach doesn't match the pace and culture in Kenya.

Here, interactions happen naturally, and things are spontaneous. Trying to schedule meetings often doesn't work, as people drop by whenever it suits them. Time, in the Western sense, isn't as strict. Things happen as they should, without a fixed schedule.

Adjusting to this way of life was a big challenge for me in the beginning. But, I have found a sense of peace in going with the flow of the day. Embracing this approach has allowed me to concentrate on one project at a time and be open to whatever opportunities come my way during the day.

Getting ready for a trip to a new country is definitely important. But it's equally important not to get caught up in thinking about every little detail too much. Often, you'll discover and learn things when you're actually there, and you'll see that things tend to work out on their own.

Being open to different experiences is a key part of embracing life in a new culture. You have to be flexible and ready to handle the unexpected things that come your way. Also, try to explore as much as you can and make the most of your time in this amazing new place.

In the midst of all the excitement, remember that taking care of yourself is crucial. This journey might require more relaxation time than your usual routine because you'll be processing a lot of new experiences. It's not just okay but essential to give yourself time to think and recharge for your overall well-being.