Britton Gibson - South Africa
Internship location: Grabouw, Western Cape, South Africa
Career goal: Physician and researcher in health care access and interventions that overcome barriers to health
Internship summary:
I conducted a needs assessment that looked at the medical, social and behavioral practices within Grabouw’s communities. I also helped develop a primary care program for a mobile clinic that provided screening for HIV, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes and sexually transmitted infections. I worked on a study to determine the current early childhood education capacity of Grabouw and the need for expanding early childhood services and participated in a sports club that used athletics to promote health, hygiene and mental and emotional well-being.
Value of experience:
My internship helped to reinforce the importance of community engagement and further developed my understanding of the intricacies of community-based programs. Working in these various communities allowed me to see the breadth of needs and to listen to the opinions of individuals on the strengths and weaknesses of their particular community.
Best moment:
I lived on a farm that provided a home for 10 children infected or affected by HIV. Some of the greatest moments involved spending time with these children and discovering their unique and fun-loving personalities.
Britton Gibson - South Africa
At the mobile clinic site in Pineview/Waterworks with Albertina, an HIV counselor.
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At the mobile clinic site in Pineview/Waterworks with Albertina, an HIV counselor.
Our set-up at the mobile clinic site includes tents for counseling and the mobile unit for nurse-based care.
A set-up for HIV consists of tests and reagents.
A tent for counseling at the mobile clinic site provided basic comforts.
The mobile clinic set-up in Siteview.
A view of the Grabouw community.
Two students in the Beverly Hills community conduct surveys for early childhood education.
The Waterworks community.
With students in Grabouw who helped with the early childhood education surveys.
Conducting surveys with two students in the Melrose Place community.
Children pose for a picture at the farm.
A teacher watches over her classroom at a preschool in Siteview.
Our work included HIV testing for the workers at a brandy distillery.
The set-up for HIV testing.
An HIV testing area at a secondary school.
With a new friend at Johannesburg’s Lion Park.
Hiking through the mountains of Grabouw with Tyler.
Enjoying the view over Cape Town with Tyler.
