Marie-Yvette, a medical resident in Ottawa, embarked on a three-week internship in Benin as part of her medical education. Throughout this experience, she had the opportunity to engage with healthcare practices and strategies not commonly used in Canada, while collaborating closely with local medical teams. This internship allowed Marie-Yvette to witness firsthand the resilience and resourcefulness of healthcare professionals.
During her time in Benin, Marie-Yvette observed how resources and infrastructure reshaped patient care. “I discovered a medicine that is both technical and human, where limited resources force us to rethink patient care based on available means,” she said. “I witnessed pathologies that I rarely see in Ottawa, such as severe malaria and complications from chronic diseases that are often undiagnosed in Canada. This allowed me to better understand the challenges of tropical medicine.”
This internship experience further reinforced Marie-Yvette’s belief in the importance of empathy, adaptability, and patient-centered care. “My time in Benin taught me the value of listening, empathy, and truly being present with patients,” she reflects. “In a context where resources are limited, these qualities become even more crucial in providing the best care possible. I now have a greater understanding of how essential it is to tailor care to the realities and needs of each patient.”
“My time in Benin taught me the value of listening, empathy, and truly being present with patients.”
Marie-Yvette Souma
— Student, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
Marie-Yvette's international mobility experience provided her with a new perspective on healthcare and reinforced her commitment to helping others while working toward accessible and equitable medicine for all. She is dedicated to incorporating this goal into every aspect of her medical career. In addition to cultivating empathy and kindness toward patients, she learned the vital importance of adaptability. Marie-Yvette is now more focused than ever on integrating the lessons of empathy, adaptability, and resourcefulness into her practice. Her experience in Benin deepened her understanding of these values, motivating her to continue pursuing her goal of humanitarian medicine.
Are you interested in having your own international experience? Find more information on our International Opportunities page or to ask questions, contact ighoelective@uOttawa.ca.