An Internship Abroad in India
Ruesha Hendricks
Edited by Emily Pritchard
During Fall Semester 2013, Ruesha Hendricks (Pre-med Major) interned abroad in Loni, Maharashtra, India with
the Center for Social Medicine (CSM), a constituent of the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). CSM’s
mission is to promote social health, equality, and development of its surrounding communities. Armed with nothing
more than a backpack of clothes, mosquito repellant, beef jerky, and a laptop; Hendricks embarked on a
challenging adventure to test out her career choices and learn more about herself in general. Turns out, the
experience was far from easy but proved to be invaluable and life-changing.
Briefly describe your experience.
“During this internship I gained clinical knowledge through observation of procedures in various
departments of the hospital and the surrounding rural health centers. I was also able to
experience urban healthcare in India as the patient, twice. The first experience was infuriating,
but eye opening. It increased understanding of why many specialties aren‟t allowed to apply for
residencies in the USA. Additionally, through interactions with people in every facet of rural and
urban health I learned of the social and economic history of India and of Loni specifically. I
learned how these factors have played a role in the development of health care in a rural
setting.”
“During the last portion of the
internship, the other interns and I
collaborated to write a grant
proposal for the addition of a
mental health component to CSM‟s
elementary school health and
hygiene awareness program. Most
importantly, this was a period of
intense self-reflection. This part of the
experience has not been a positive
one for me and has left me in a bit
of a career crisis, but I would not
have gained such insight into my
true priorities and limitations without
this experience.”
How did you get connected with this opportunity?
“In an attempt to remind myself why I wanted to go to medical school by giving myself a taste
of the light at the end of the tunnel, I sought to intern or volunteer in a less developed country in
a medical setting with a well-established company I would feel safe with. I sought out Kevin
Hood to assist me in finding the right opportunity for me and he did just that.”
What was your favorite part? Did anything exciting or surprising happen?
“I was hospitalized twice. That was pretty exciting and eye opening.
My favorite parts actually happened during the travel period after the internship. The other
interns and I were able to see how the rest of India compared to the internship site after having
become intimately familiar with the community around the rural hospital.”
How has your participation in this Academic Enrichment experience impacted
your life as a student and as a person in general?
“This experience had a huge impact on my career goals and life in general. By being exposed
to other ways of living, many of my values and priorities changed. It was originally intended to
solidify my career path, but instead I am now no longer applying to medical school. I am
currently in a process of redefining myself as I continue to rediscover what makes me happy and
what I want in life. I am
still feeling a little lost after
the experience, but
important self-realizations
could not have
happened if I hadn‟t
stepped outside
academia and the US. I
think the experience
would have been very
different if studying
abroad there. I would
have had a different
purpose and would have
learned different things.
Not necessarily better, just
different.”
Were there any challenges you had to overcome to get this experience?
“There was a huge financial barrier, but I was determined I had to go and the universe
recognized the importance of this adventure for my future and answered in the form of a giant
Gillman Scholarship as well as acceptance into a research program the summer before that
paid handsomely.”
Did this experience open any doors to other opportunities?
“Now having been to India and understanding more about the different kinds of disparities in
the social, public, and clinical health settings, I can think of about 20 research projects I could
do if I find the desire to do so in the future. I also have new friends in India who all have medical
connections, so I have a few „ins‟ for when I do decided where I fit into medicine and am ready
to contribute my skills to the underserved portions of India.”
What advice would you give other students considering opportunities like this?
“JUST DO IT!!! Whether your barriers are family, money, confidence, or timing, they can be
overcome. You just need to understand the importance of this kind of endeavor and accept
that somehow you will find a way to go and then it will happen for you. Just do it. Also, spend a
lot of time thinking about what your priorities are for the experience. Do you want low-stress, help
with learning a language, or more hands-on? Do you want it to be more a classroom
experience than a work experience? Then spend time researching sites to make sure it is going
to meet your main priorities. Ask previous interns as well, they are always willing to help and
answer questions.”
“Lastly, when you figure out what you want and have made a decision where to go, find out as
much as you can about the country and then drop ALL of your expectations before you go. The
experience may be nothing like you are expecting and the best way to have a positive
experience is to stay open.”
In one sentence describe what participating in this experience was like for you.
“An indescribably important emotional rollercoaster that, though incredibly maddening more
often than not, I would do again in a heartbeat….but maybe at a different site.”