International Alumni Highlights
Check out what past international students have to say about their time in the KU School of Medicine's clinical modules. These students contributed innovation, expertise and diversity to our campus.
Priyanka Venkatesh
Country: India
Department: Clinical Oncology
Match: The University of Kansas Medical Center - Internal Medicine
"I loved every moment of my rotation at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The attention to detail, right from the application process to the last day of my elective was remarkable. The Department of Oncology provided me with fantastic learning opportunities and a thoroughly gratifying experience. Working with highly accomplished faculty, both in in-patient and out-patient settings, gave me a comprehensive overview of this subspecialty. Working with residents and fellow in this highly stimulating environment was invigorating, and the opportunities to learn were endless."
Maleeha Basham
Country/Nationality: American-Pakistani
Department: Surgical Oncology
Match: 2021, Zucker SOM Northwell Mather Hospital, Long Island, New York
"My experience at KUMC was spectacular and incredible. I served in the surgery team of residents and surgeons in surgical oncology to manage in-patients and out-patients. My mentors D. Al Kasspooles and Dr. Mammen gave me in-depth knowledge of various surgical cases, different types of cancers, the course of the presentation and treatment as well as wrote me wonderful LOR. Under their mentorship, I presented cases to the residents in morning rounds, including relevant history, exam findings as well as further management plans. The hospital is quite diverse with dedicated faculty. This experience at KUMC gave me amble hands-on with the best of training in light of modern literature, which is definitely going to help me in residency training in the future."
Hussein Alsa'di
Country: Jordan
Department: Radiology
Match: 2021, University of Kansas Medical Center
"I came to Kansas City on a 13-hour flight from Jordan to do a diagnostic radiology rotation at KUMC and it was quite an exceptional experience. I felt welcomed by the Office of International Programs which was always there to help. My goal from doing this rotation was to explore the field of diagnostic radiology that I'm interested in, and KUMC was the right and best place for me to do so. I had the chance to be exposed to various imaging modalities in radiology and the vast amount of pathology there. It was truly a friendly and learning-supportive atmosphere. My experience in the radiology department at KUMC confirmed by decision to become a diagnostic radiologist, so I'm on my way!"
Francio Vinny
Country: Brazil
Department: Rehabilitation Medicine
Match: 2020, University of Kansas Medical Center - School of Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine
"I was born and raised in Brazil and visited the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) for an elective clinical rotation with the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. I was excited to visit Kansas City, a city with a lot of offer and felt very welcomed by KUMC Office of International Programs. From the beginning, the program was excellent and very helpful, including setting up accommodations, rotation schedule and coordination with the Department and connecting me with fellow students from different parts of the world, including India, Israel, Canada, Guatemala and Brazil. Not only did I have a wonderful educational experience at KUMC while I did my one-month rotation here, but I also established great connection with the department faculty and residents, working in research projects together and gladly matched at KUMC Rehabilitation Medicine Residency Program. Throughout this program, I created friendships that to this date are very valuable and a reminder of the beautiful importance and value of diversity in medicine."
Kalot Mohamad
Country: Lebanon
Department: Internal Medicine - Infectious Diseases & Kidney Institute
Match: 2020, State University of New York at Buffalo
"In April 2017, I worked as a sub-intern in the Infectious Diseases department for four weeks in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I conducted pertinent history and performed physical exams on patients. I used the electronic medical records system to check labs and imaging results. I formulated differential diagnoses and suggested management plans after searching the literature for evidence-based medicine, and I presented patients to the attending and fellows. In July 2018, I joined the Outcomes and Implementation Research Unit at KUMC and worked on multiple retrospective charts reviews using de-identified patient information from the I2b2 data access platform in an attempt to test the accuracy of different interventions by reviewing the patients' charts in the electronic medical records software EPIC. I also had the chance to be a member of the executive board of the Kansas Postdoctoral Association (KPA) to support and advocate for the postdoctoral scholars at KUMC in all aspects of their professional research training. My experience at KUMC has been a huge learning curve, I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with eminent scientists and physicians in the field, I will continue applying and developing the skills I learned at KUMC forever in my career."
Aljabiri Yazan
Country: Jordan
Department: Urology
Match: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, New York City
"It was a very rich experience for me, as I had the opportunity to learn a lot in a very friendly environment. This experience gave me great insights about training in the USA, which made me more confident that I am moving in the right direction by choosing the U.S. as a place to do my residency. Also, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people and made lifelong friendships."
Reddi Vuha
Country: India
Department: Internal Medicine: Dermatology (1st rotation), Clinical Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology (2nd rotation)
Match: 2020, Danbury Hospital, Connecticut
"I wanted to do my electives in an established academic center, so I could learn in an organized setting under experienced faculty. I contacted the program coordinator who was very prompt and accommodating to my requests and queries. Although it was my first rotation in the U.S., I immediately felt comfortable with the friendly attendings and residents at KUMC. I learned a lot about the U.S. healthcare system, using the EPIC database and especially on how to interact with patient in the U.S. The attendings were very patient and supportive, which gave me greater confidence to discuss and put forth my opinions regarding the management of cases. I had the opportunities to see some very interesting cases one of which was Dego's Disease on which I wrote a case report and presented the same to the residents. I went on to rotate in the department of Rheumatology in September 2017. I was fascinated by the efficiency with which the procedures were performed. This rotation helped me gain in-depth knowledge of rheumatological diseases and gave me a broader perspective on patient care. I left KUMC inspired, more knowledgeable and with some amazing friends who helped throughout my journey to residency. Rotating in KUMC for two months was a memorable experience that played a huge role in preparing me for residency."
Frederico Villa-Chan
Country: Brazil
Department: Clinical Cardiology
Matched: 2020, KU Internal Medicine
"I couldn't have asked for a better clinical experience in the United States. From the initial application and contact with Alexandria and Stacie to the last day of my rotation in Cardiology, I felt extremely comfortable and welcome at KU. Everyone was nice and always excited to have me as part of their team. I had the chance to meet phenomenal house-staff, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, pharmacists and attending physicians. I undoubtedly recommend elective rotations at KUMC for every medical student, especially if you consider KU as your home during residency."