Clinical Week
Clinical Week is an optional, week-long immersion designed for fellows eager to explore healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. Participants shadow Ugandan physicians and engage in hospital rotations to gain firsthand insight into the challenges and innovations shaping global health.
Held just before or after the main fellowship begins (check out the program specific timetables for May and January Intakes), Clinical Week offers a unique opportunity to build clinical awareness, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and contribute meaningfully alongside dedicated local healthcare professionals.
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Clinical Week is hosted at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, the main referral hospital for Eastern Uganda, serving over 4 million people across more than 10 districts. Fellows gain exposure to a wide range of cases and departments in this vibrant teaching hospital setting.
Whether you're pursuing a clinical career or simply interested in how care is delivered in under-resourced environments, this experience provides powerful context for the weeks ahead. Housing, transportation, and meals are provided. A separate program donation is required to participate.
During clinical week at Jinja Hospital, I had the opportunity to shadow various medical professionals, interact hands on in the ER, and talk with patients. I observed the significance of resource conservation in a setting with limited supplies. The staff employed innovative strategies to maximize the use of available materials and used resources to make their own, like gauze and cotton balls.
I also noticed that surgical practices and cases at Jinja Hospital differ from those I have encountered in the US. The team followed protocols that are adapted to local needs and resources. I saw their adaptability and the importance of tailoring medical care to the community’s circumstances.
Overall, this experience has deepened my understanding of the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in resource-limited environments.
Kayla Ho (GHEF 2025)
Check out this video by our fellow Jessica Leung (GHEF 2025), reflecting on her experiences during Clinical Week.