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- May 17, 2011
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I am a pre-medical student who graduated from Colorado State University. My goals for volunteering with the CFHI Introduction to Traditional Medicine Program in India were to broaden my understanding of the alternative medical practices of the urban and rural communities of a developing country in order to see how I could incorporate an open-minded western practice into my professional future. Ultimately, the education I received during my month of the Introduction to Traditional Medicine Program fulfilled my professional expectations as well as my personal ones, due in part to the inevitable education I received from my host culture in addition to my experience in a developing world. Although I expected to be shocked, both literally and culturally, nothing could have prepared me for the most auspiciously timed lessons of my life. From the experience, I now see my future in medicine focused on public health, as well as service to the underprivileged. I was able to feel the reason behind public service, and fully appreciate the nature of the best kind of job satisfaction.
I was fortunate enough to be awarded a partial scholarship that covered some of the program cost. Not only was this financially lucky, but the scholarship also gave me the incentive to take as many pictures, notes, etc. to better appreciate the experience.
Our program was separated into the four week rotations. The first was spent in Dehradun, during which we visited Dr. Prem Nath, an aryuvedic/acupressure/Rekei doctor, Dr. Nanda, a homeopath, and Dr. Nisha Gera an OB/GYN, everyday. The aryuvedic and homeopathic blocks of time were mostly didactic lectures in which we were able to get a better understanding of their practices. On our OB/GYN rotation we mostly observed Dr. Gera see patients with everything from UTIs to witnessing a live birth, Indian style.
The second rotation was in Rishikesh, in which we learned about naturopathic medicine from the doctor at the Swarg Ashram. We also took daily yoga and meditation classes. The third rotation we spent in the Patti Village with Dr. Paul, who runs the CFHI funded free clinic there. We gave physicals to the children in a local school during a health camp, as well as hiked to a surrounding village to give a day health camp. The last week we spent in Dehradun with Dr. Gandhi doing emergency medicine, and again with Dr. Gera.
CFHI couldnt have come offering better gifts of wisdom to me at a more opportune time in my life. I met wonderful people who answered my questions regarding their field and offered any assistance in supporting my education of Traditional Medicine and medicine in general. I have made new friends from Medical School who acted as mentors by honestly answering questions I have for them and encouraging my ambitions. My first international experience has been made possible by all the participants in the Organization and the memories I have were well worth all the pains to make it happen. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in adding a depth of compassion to their medical philosophy as well as life.
I was fortunate enough to be awarded a partial scholarship that covered some of the program cost. Not only was this financially lucky, but the scholarship also gave me the incentive to take as many pictures, notes, etc. to better appreciate the experience.
Our program was separated into the four week rotations. The first was spent in Dehradun, during which we visited Dr. Prem Nath, an aryuvedic/acupressure/Rekei doctor, Dr. Nanda, a homeopath, and Dr. Nisha Gera an OB/GYN, everyday. The aryuvedic and homeopathic blocks of time were mostly didactic lectures in which we were able to get a better understanding of their practices. On our OB/GYN rotation we mostly observed Dr. Gera see patients with everything from UTIs to witnessing a live birth, Indian style.
The second rotation was in Rishikesh, in which we learned about naturopathic medicine from the doctor at the Swarg Ashram. We also took daily yoga and meditation classes. The third rotation we spent in the Patti Village with Dr. Paul, who runs the CFHI funded free clinic there. We gave physicals to the children in a local school during a health camp, as well as hiked to a surrounding village to give a day health camp. The last week we spent in Dehradun with Dr. Gandhi doing emergency medicine, and again with Dr. Gera.
CFHI couldnt have come offering better gifts of wisdom to me at a more opportune time in my life. I met wonderful people who answered my questions regarding their field and offered any assistance in supporting my education of Traditional Medicine and medicine in general. I have made new friends from Medical School who acted as mentors by honestly answering questions I have for them and encouraging my ambitions. My first international experience has been made possible by all the participants in the Organization and the memories I have were well worth all the pains to make it happen. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in adding a depth of compassion to their medical philosophy as well as life.
