This post is part of our new “UW Goes Global” blog, in which Department of Emergency Medicine faculty, residents, and fellows share stories and insights from their time engaged in emergency care and education in low resource settings in the United States and abroad.
Since her first experience at a make-shift clinic in Ghana during undergrad, PGY-3 resident Dr. Brittany Kotek knew she wanted to be an emergency medicine physician and a global health practitioner.
Seeing clinicians rapidly assess, diagnose, triage, and care for any patient, of any age or gender, was profound. A career in global emergency care offered Dr. Kotek new opportunities to build on her work and research with underserved communities locally, particularly in promoting women’s health.
Kotek recently visited Uganda on a four-week global health elective. “In the hospital/ward, I was exposed to some of the sickest patients that I have ever cared for,” she says. “This experience was many things for me as a learner, observer, teacher, and visitor.”
Kotek taught physicians and trainees ultrasound techniques and medical treatments. She also joined volunteers from a local organization to distribute reusable sanitary pads and empower girls with menstrual health and hygiene DIY skills.