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The theme of this semester’s Clinical Connections newsletter is global health and cultural competency. In addition to a wide-range of opportunities for clinical training in the United Kingdom, AUC’s ongoing collaboration with the Western Connecticut Health Network’s Global Health Program provides opportunities for 4th year students to complete a 6-week elective rotation in one of five countries: Zimbabwe, Uganda, Russia, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic.

Two years ago, AUC entered into a partnership with Danbury Hospital and the Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) to offer Global Health electives to clinical students. Through that collaboration, more than 30 students have gone to five different countries to experience medical care in a new environment. The opportunity has been described as eye opening and life changing, and one that influences students well into their careers as physicians.

The benefits of international experience are vast and chronicled in a 2015 article published by the American Association of Medical Colleges. Students who choose to study abroad gain exposure to different cultures, languages and medical practices while understanding the context for many of the world’s pressing healthcare challenges.

Marcus Powers, MD '18 completed a Global Health elective in Uganda last year. As a part of the program, he was required to keep a weekly journal with reflections from his trip and experiences in and outside of the hospital. This entry is from his third week during Pediatrics rounds offers a personal perspective on an elective abroad.