I am Abigail Masi, a final year student (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi. Last year, I participated in the IPE Elective Program with GEMx under Makerere University, Uganda. The program provided an opportunity to consolidate and improve my knowledge of various core competencies and a chance to network with other students and professionals across different disciplines in the medical field.

Through this program, I developed an appreciation of the similarities and differences in medical practice on the continent. I learnt that health problems are a responsibility for every individual and as such, require the active participation of not only healthcare professionals but also including communities and other disciplines at large. Going forward, the knowledge acquired is a stepping stone to understanding and approaching various medical conditions and challenges on a multidisciplinary and multisectoral basis and to brainstorm long term solutions.