Friday, March 1, 2013

Farewell, Kampala!

On my way home everybody! It's been a pretty crazy month. I'm glad I came and it's been an experience of a lifetime. I think in the end this trip will make me a better doctor and a better person. Let's see how I did on my goals:

  • A better understanding of medicine
    • Definitely gained a different perspective on medicine and how to manage patients in a resource-limited setting. Not sure if this will ever be applicable in the States, though.
  • Personal insight
    • Yup
  • Avoid contracting an infectious disease
    • So good so far but not out of the woods yet. 
  • Impact someone’s life in a meaningful way.
    • I'm not so sure about this one. I feel like I've impacted people in small ways but meaningful is a strong word. I hope so.
  • Live out my childhood obsession with the Lion King and see some kind of African wildlife up close.
    • Definitely :)
  • Avoid getting eaten/mauled by said wildlife mentioned above.
    • Had a close call with a Crocodile, just kidding. 
  • Experience Ugandan culture, food, dance, music, life.
    • Achieved!
  • NOT lose my camera or passport. In reference to Eurotrip 2009. Lesson learned…(?)
    • Still have my camera per all the pictures I've posted
  • Update this blog regularly. I’m giving myself a goal of 3x/week.
    • I'm glad I was able to keep this up regularly. 
I'm glad I was able to fulfill most of these. I think I gained a lot of intangibles that aren't listed above. We'll see how my perspective changes when I get back to Chicago. Sub-I starts on Monday....