Chandni Patel, a fourth-year studying biomedical science, said her study abroad experience with the Child Family Health International program in India was both memorable and transformative.
“I had the opportunity to witness physician-patient interactions in a rural, resource-limited setting,” Patel said. “This gave me insight into the social, cultural and religious factors that affect the delivery of and access to health care.”
The CFHI program allows students to explore the challenges of providing medical care to low-income populations in both rural and urban areas. With a focus on primary care and public health, students rotate through three locations: two weeks in Dehradun, a week in Mussoorie and a final week in the rural village of Patti.
Patel said she joined the program to broaden her understanding of health care.
“I wanted to expand my perspective to see how different communities with varying resources, beliefs and cultural practices navigate barriers to care and seek treatment,” she said. “Although I had been part of several public health initiatives in my local community, I wanted to understand how governments, nonprofits and health care organizations work together to increase access to care and address issues such as rising drug abuse rates.”
The experience was not without challenges.
“Initially, one of my biggest challenges was understanding my role as a learner in clinical settings,” Patel said. “I wanted to maximize my learning but also stay out of the way as providers treated patients. Often, I stayed quiet in the farthest corner of the operating room. Although I had shadowed before, I wasn’t sure how cultural practices shaped expectations for students. Over time, I observed the flow of the clinic and became more comfortable asking thoughtful questions at appropriate times.”
Patel said the experience helped her grow both academically and personally.
“I learned how much I value connection,” she said. “Despite language and cultural barriers, I found that leading with empathy and humility helped me connect with so many individuals who enriched my understanding. This experience allowed me to explore health equity and the delivery of care to underserved populations. It strengthened my commitment to becoming a physician and pursuing public health initiatives in my community.”
She added that the relationships she built in India will continue to shape her approach to medicine.
“The connections I formed showed me the importance of collaboration in learning,” Patel said. “I will carry that lesson with me into my studies and career.”