Stephanie Ramirez

Stephanie studies Neuroscience and Religious Studies on the pre-med track at Indiana University in the United States. She joined VAC in May 2026 and completed a medical internship at a South African community healthcare facility, where she gained hands-on clinical experience taking patient histories, interpreting different types of X-rays, using a stethoscope, applying and removing plaster casts, and more.

I came to Cape Town because VAC offered something I had struggled to find elsewhere: the opportunity to gain meaningful clinical experience over the summer. With school, research, and other commitments during the academic year, it had been difficult to find a short-term placement without prior clinical experience. This program felt like the perfect way to prepare for medical school while learning in a new environment.

When applying for VAC’s medical internship, my expectations were that I would get to shadow medical doctors and maybe even help with small tasks. This is what most pre-med students are only able to do back in the US, especially if they don’t have any special certifications or licenses. I would’ve been grateful if that was all that I got to do here; however, this internship blew my expectations out of the water. Not only was I able to observe and shadow doctors, but I was able to constantly learn and practice skills that most people would be taught during medical school in the US. I was taught how to approach and look at several types of X-rays, such as chest, foot, ankle, and arm X-rays. Other things included taking a patient history, using a stethoscope, putting on and taking off plaster of Paris casts, and much more.

The experience exceeded my expectations and gave me a much clearer understanding of clinical medicine. I am incredibly grateful for the skills I developed, the responsibility I was given, and the opportunity to learn much more than what I expected. My advice for future interns is to take initiative, ask questions, and be mindful.