Students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently returned from a two-week service learning trip to Tanzania, where they gained hands-on experience in cross-cultural communication and delivering healthcare in resource-limited settings.
The group of eleven students worked alongside local doctors and nurses in the Kilimanjaro region, setting up field clinics, conducting free health checks, and assisting with home visits. They also visited Kibosho Hospital—a 225-bed facility near Moshi—and the Amani Centre orphanage.
Beyond medical service, the students immersed themselves in Tanzanian culture, meeting members of the Maasai and Hadza communities, attending a traditional batik class, shopping at local markets, and exploring world-renowned national parks including Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Arusha.
First-year student Muhammad Izhar reflected: “Tanzania is a developing country, but its people’s kindness and resilience inspired me. I believe its healthcare sector will continue to grow through the dedication of its doctors.”
Classmate Minatullah Al-Ani added: “I learned that medicine doesn’t only live in hospitals—it can be practiced anywhere people need care. Even in makeshift clinics, empathy and basic history-taking made a real difference.”
The trip, organized annually by WCM-Q’s Division of Student Affairs, aims to broaden students’ perspectives on global health challenges and solutions. Dr. Avelin Malyango, who accompanied the students, emphasized that the experience underscored the importance of understanding cultural, economic, and geographical factors in achieving better healthcare outcomes.
