Hi! My name is Alexandra Gomez, and I am a fourth-year medical student at the University of Washington who will be pursuing a residency in Internal Medicine. This spring, I spent six weeks at Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal as part of a global health clinical elective through UW Study Abroad.
I was initially drawn to Nepal because of its beautiful landscapes, the opportunity to experience a healthcare system different from the one I knew, and Dhulikhel Hospital’s commitment to international collaboration and education. I hoped to learn about medicine in a new setting and become a better physician for diverse patient populations. What I did not expect was how much I would learn from being uncomfortable.
One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. Although I studied some Nepali before arriving, I quickly realized that understanding conversations on rounds and communicating with patients was much more difficult than I anticipated. There were many moments when I wanted to contribute more but could not fully understand what was being said. At times, I felt dependent on others to translate and explain. While humbling, this experience taught me to listen more carefully, observe more closely, and appreciate how much communication shapes the patient experience. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges many patients face when receiving care in a language that is not their own.
Most of my time was spent on the internal medicine service, where I learned from incredibly welcoming residents and attending physicians. Despite demanding schedules, they consistently took time to teach, explain cases, and include me in discussions. I was exposed to diseases that are uncommon in my training at home, including several severe cases of scrub typhus, a disease I had never encountered before. I also had opportunities to visit mountain villages and participate in community health seminars, where I saw how care is delivered outside of the hospital setting.
What stood out most was the resourcefulness of the clinicians. Without an electronic health record and often working with limited information, providers relied heavily on clinical skills, creativity, and teamwork. I watched physicians adapt to challenges in ways I had never considered, including using a glove as a finger tourniquet during a procedure. These experiences reminded me that good medicine is not defined by technology alone, but by the ability to think critically and care for patients with the resources available.
Some of the most meaningful lessons happened outside the hospital. Living with a host family gave me a much deeper understanding of Nepali culture than I could have gained through clinical experiences alone. When I came down with diarrhea shortly after arriving, my host family quickly prepared a home remedy of onion, Himalayan salt, and lemon and checked on me throughout the day. They welcomed me into their home, shared meals and traditions, and made me feel like part of the family. Their kindness reflected a sense of community that I encountered throughout my time in Nepal.
I came to Nepal for a clinical elective, but many of the experiences I will remember most happened outside the hospital. I embraced a “work hard, play hard” mindset, spending weekends hiking in the Himalayas, exploring temples, talking with monks, trying new foods, and visiting national parks. Along the way, I met people from around the world, practiced my limited Nepali, and became more comfortable stepping outside of my routine and saying yes to new experiences. These moments helped me better understand the country, its culture, and the people I was learning from each day.
Six weeks in Nepal reminded me that some of the most meaningful learning happens when you are willing to step into unfamiliar situations. Whether I was trying to follow conversations in a language I barely understood, navigating a healthcare system different from my own, or learning from people whose experiences were very different from mine, I was constantly reminded how much growth comes from being curious rather than comfortable. I arrived expecting to learn about medicine in a new setting, but I left with a broader perspective on the world and a deeper appreciation for the people, relationships, and experiences that shape the way we care for one another. The lessons I learned in Nepal will stay with me long after this elective, not only as I continue my training as a physician, but also as I continue learning from the communities and people around me.