I traveled to Mattru Jong, Sierra Leone on a medical mission trip in January 2020 during my fourth year of residency. The hospital in Mattru has less than 100 beds and serves as a referral hospital for the entire Bonthe district of 200,000 people.
Participating in an international rotation during residency was an unforgettable experience, and I am so grateful that I had this opportunity. This trip truly enhanced my medical education. I treated and learned first-hand about diseases and pathology that are rarely encountered in developed countries. Practicing in a resource-scarce environment challenged me to adapt quickly and strengthened my diagnostic skills. Although I encountered heartbreaking cases on a daily basis, I was also surprised by how much of a difference our team could make with minimal resources, and by the gratitude, resilience, and kindness of the people of Sierra Leone. Ultimately, this experience reminded me of the reason why I chose to pursue a career in medicine – to serve others.