Integrated Health Internship in the Adama Region of Cameroon | Akisarl Lynn-Everdene

I am honored to have finished my Integrated health Internship at the Annexed Regional Hospital of Tibati in the Adamawa Region, where I spent the last four months committed to daily clinical and community activities. Integrated health is an internship that requires medical students to be able to carry out hospital medicine activities under the supervision of the Director of the host health facility, and public health activities under the supervision of the head of the health district

Over the first 3 months, I spent all my time dedicated to clinical activities, from consultation to surgical procedure, treatment plans, and patient follow-ups.

Academically, it was one of the most demanding periods of my training. Yet it was equally fulfilling. I encountered fascinating clinical pathologies that challenged my diagnostic reasoning and deepened my understanding of patient care.

During the last month, I transitioned to working at the health district level, I got to focus more on public health activities, understanding the health operations. This phase helped me better understand healthcare from a systems perspective.

I worked on the supervison Minsante MILDA Campaign alongside the Regional coordinator of PLAN Cameroon, with the goal to prevent malaria during the campaign I got to make descends in the local communities to work with local community health agents who play a vital role as bridge between formal health systems and locals by providing them with health education and sensitization, enhancing the community’s access to health.

I also worked on the Expanded Program of Immunization (vaccination programs against polio, yellow fever, malaria, etc.),

The national reproductive health program, including the promotion of maternal and child health, and the national program on the control of HIV and AIDS.

One major challenge I faced during my time there was a language barrier, although I had never thought language could be a barrier in one’s home country. At times communication required patience; translation as a majority of the patients did not speak any of the official languages, but spoke more of Fulfulde and Hausa.

Although I missed the Aviva Celebrations. I also had the opportunity of visiting inmates at the Central prison, where we donated gifts and shared the joy of Christmas with a common meal.

This internship shaped me in ways I did not expect. It strengthened my clinical skills, broadened my understanding of public health systems, and deepened my cultural sensitivity.