/ Intern at the CHAI - Kigali, Rwanda Subscribe

In this role, I gained hard skills in presentation-making, Power BI, and SharePoint. More importantly, I worked with every program and country team to collect and organize their programatic information, which taught me how donor landscapes, geopolitics, and national policies shape operational success. These experiences gave me perspective on my career pathway and insight into what makes a large organization function effectively across different environments.

My initial goal at CHAI was to learn more about the business side of healthcare. At first, I assumed this meant working with donors and insurance. I soon discovered the critical role of documentation and cross-team communication, which expanded my understanding of organizational management in healthcare.

I also gained an appreciation for CHAI’s top-down structure. Country teams collaborate with Ministries of Health, guided by global program teams in areas like Vaccines or Women’s and Newborn Health. Their work depends on non-program teams such as HR, Global Operations, and Safety and Security, with final strategic decisions made by C-suite level. Understanding how all these parts fit together was invaluable for me as I aspire to one day own a community-centered hospital that adapts to the needs of different regions. These insights were underscored by interdepartmental relations and communication. It confirmed my passion for medicine while showing me that I also enjoy analyzing and interpreting data. I also realized that I thrive in roles that allow me to interact with people directly, so I see my future in a career that blends administration with service.

On a personal level, I was inspired by the way people from different countries and backgrounds worked together toward common goals. The workplace was diverse, supportive, and lively, and I made many meaningful connections during my time there.

Academically, this experience strengthened my interest in community development and has motivated me to pursue an MPH before applying to medical school. I’ve already begun shifting my coursework toward more social and economic subjects to build that foundation.

Overall, my time at CHAI was transformative. I developed technical skills, gained insight into how organizations operate, and confirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine rooted in service, leadership, and community health.