Past Internship Experiences
Past Internship Placements have included work with Joint Clinical Research Center, St. Jude's Agricultural College, Think Humanity, Makerere Dental University in Uganda, RHSP (Rakai Health Sciences Project), ROTOM (Reach One Touch One Ministries)and Many More.
Student Testimonials
Placement with the Infectious Diseases Institute in Kasangati.
“During my internship, my colleagues and I supported a mixed-methods study on access to gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for transgender women in Uganda. The study included an online survey and a PhotoVoice project that explored strengths and barriers to GAHT, experiences of stigma and discrimination when accessing GAHT, as well as oral health implications of hormone use. Collaborating with transgender women in Uganda was a meaningful and impactful experience. I gained a deeper understanding of the intersecting legal, structural, and social barriers that shape access to care, particularly services that affirm gender. In the face of these challenges, I was continually inspired by the strength, resilience, and collective care within the trans community. Their advocacy for sexual and reproductive health rights was powerful to witness. I’m grateful to have met and learned from participants whose insights deepened my understanding of community-driven research. This experience also emphasized the value of participatory methods in elevating voices often excluded from health policy discussions. Above all, my time at IDI reinforced the importance of research that upholds dignity, respects agency, and is led by and accountable to key populations.” — Sydney Lessard, Class of 2025
Placement with Africa Mental Health Foundation
"My colleagues and I facilitated a human design centred workshop for the community members we were working with to co-create a key component of our project. During this
Placement with Reach One Touch One Ministries (ROTOM)
"I chose to do my internship at ROTOM Uganda because I wanted to learn more about the nonprofit sector. I have always had an interest in social justice and equity, and through the 8-months of GHS coursework, this interest deepened. Recognizing how different communities access healthcare in different ways shifted the way that I define health and wellbeing. Working with ROTOM was a transformative experience. Getting the opportunity to go out into small rural villages and interact with the seniors gave me perspective into the challenges faced in the Ugandan healthcare system and how privileged I am living in Canada. Spending time at ROTOM also educated me on how international nonprofits work and all the stakeholders involved. I aspire to continue learning and working towards improving access to health care for all people. As I return back to Canada I also hope to continue working alongside ROTOM, raising awareness for the seniors of Uganda. — Natasha, Class of 2025"
Placement with Joint Clinical Research Center
"As a student in the 2024 Global Health Systems cohort, I had the opportunity to complete my placement at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Kampala, Uganda. My experience was impactful and truly twofold, one part focused on immersive community outreach, and the other on clinical research and learning within a medical setting. Through the community outreach component, I engaged directly with diverse populations across Kampala, including sex workers, fisherfolk, and other vulnerable groups. Each day, we visited different neighbourhoods to provide rapid HIV testing, distribute condoms, and lead educational sessions on preventing transmission. We connected with hundreds of individuals in these communities, hearing their concerns about limited access to testing and the broader barriers they faced in receiving healthcare, particularly when it came to the stigma surrounding HIV. This work taught me the importance of meeting people where they are and approaching healthcare through a compassionate, human-centred lens. The second aspect of my experience centred on clinical learning and research under Dr. Diana, where I collaborated on studies involving plasma and red blood cell exchange outcomes for pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia. This clinical exposure allowed me to see firsthand how research, innovation, and patient care intersect to address health disparities in vulnerable pediatric populations. Now, as a medical student, I often reflect on how the Global Health Systems program fundamentally shaped my understanding of healthcare, not just as individual patient care but as a complex, interconnected system influenced by social, economic, and structural factors. The program taught me to think broadly, advocate for equity, and approach my future practice with a deep commitment to accessible and culturally-centered care." — Noor Qureshi - Class of 2024
"I have gained a better understanding of the issues that many HIV positive individuals face such as stigma, adherence to medication, and barriers faced. I have also developed the skill of writing a study protocol and submitting for ethics approval. Lastly, I've developed communication and
"From this practicum, I learned how to take initiative and involve myself in different experiences and projects. To this day, I believe that we play the main role in having our expectations fulfilled and being satisfied. My keen interest to obtain as much exposure to the various health care services in Uganda allowed me to communicate and develop professional relationships with individuals who have been working here for an extensive period of time. Hence, I learned how to become more confident and talk to individuals who I wish to be in the future and understand their experiences." — Rishita Gupta, Class of 2018
