"I had the opportunity of rotating through the Advocacy month as well as spending time in Uganda twice in my residency. Both experiences taught me a great deal and left an indelible mark on me as I begin my career as a physician. During my advocacy rotation, I worked in various charity clinics in the city and saw what resources were available to vulnerable populations. I also learned more about food deserts and the disparities that exist due to socioeconomic determinants of health. Exposure to this rotation readied me for my travel to Uganda. Referral to a tertiary care center from the clinic where we practiced required an 8-hour ride on a two-wheeler through rocky mountain terrain, hence it was imperative for us to think innovatively and use our resources wisely. We were saddened when we came face to face with the untimely death of children due to preventable diseases but were also inspired by the local practitioners whose enthusiasm to serve their community and desire to learn challenged us to do the same."
- Jesintha Stephenson, MD