During his two-week visit, Dr. Kajjimu engaged in collaborative research activities, gained hands-on experience in clinical and academic settings, and explored opportunities for advancing emergency medicine practice in Uganda. His time at UAB provided valuable insights into healthcare systems, research methodologies, and cross-cultural medical education.

We also made sure Dr. Kajjimu experienced Birmingham, Alabama and the American culture to the fullest while he was in the US with a packed itinerary, visiting places like the Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Southern Museum of Flight, Barber Motorsport Park, Oak Mountain State Park, UAB’s Bartow Arena, and of course a full tour of the best restaurants in Birmingham.

In the following exchange, Jonathan reflects on his experiences, key takeaways, and the impact of this mentorship on his career and the broader field of global health.

1. What was the biggest educational takeaway from your trip?

My biggest educational take-way was gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of my need to soon prioritize EM specialty training over advanced research training, and the importance of balancing both research and clinical practice as an EM physician interested in research.

2. What was the most inspirational thing about your experience?

I was really so inspired by the strong work ethic, cohesion, work-life balance I found among faculty and trainees. 

3. What was the most challenging part of your visit?

The most challenging part of my visit was adjusting to a new environment with winter weather I had never experienced before. On top of that, was dealing with jet lag for the first time, which took about four days to clear, despite my tight schedule. 

4. What was the most unexpected part of your trip?

The most unexpected part of my trip was discovering just how selfless and intrinsically motivated my mentor was, coupled with the entire department being unbelievably kind and always eager to speak with me, which kept me thoroughly engaged throughout my stay. 

5. What perspective do you feel like you are taking home with you?

I am taking home an aggressive sense of time management, a big commitment to knowing our past, and the importance of being genuinely hospitable. I’ve also realized the need to offer holistic mentorship, understanding that supporting others goes beyond academic guidance, to involve nurturing their overall growth and well-being.

6. What was your favorite memory?

I don’t think I have just one favorite memory. Some of my top favorites were the countless Tesla Model Y rides from my mentor, starting from my airport pickup onward. Honestly, I never saw that coming at that point in my life. Another top favorite memory was my first real mountain biking adventure at Oak Mountain State Park with one of the second year EM residents, Dr. Kuder. It was both super thrilling, and to some extent terrifying, but definitely unforgettable. 

7. How would you describe the impact it had on you to interact with peer Emergency Medicine residents here at UAB?

I greatly appreciated the importance of collegiality among trainees, which was clearly exhibited by my peers through their enthusiasm in showing me around the new environment I was in, from guiding me through various hospital sections to exploring personal hobbies like cycling, taking me on tours to nearby historical sites, trying out local food places, and inviting me to their social events. I also very much appreciated the need to always to aim at bonding with others from a personal perspective through conversations I had with many residents who were genuinely interested in learning about my background and where I came from, just as they were equally open to sharing details about themselves and the context of their environment. 

8. What are your reflections on the breadth of subspecialty expertise found within the Department of Emergency Medicine?

I was highly impressed by the vast breadth of subspecialty expertise within the department, which I had never physically encountered before and only knew about from online reading and a few virtual encounters. It was a great privilege for me to engage in real-time with subspecialists in EMS, toxicology, hyperbarics and wound care, global health and international EM, academic EM, emergency ultrasound, aerospace medicine, medical education, among others. It was truly inspirational to listen to some of their wealth of knowledge and experience, as they shared to me insights into why they chose their fields and shared some of their career journeys, including their achievements and challenges.

“Hosting Dr. Kajjimu here in Birmingham and at UAB was an absolute privilege. He approaches his work with a tangible joy and genuine humility. He came thirsty to learn and yet stood as a great example to us of resilience. I couldn’t be more proud of the warm reception that my Department and UAB as a whole gave Jonathan.”- Matt Heimann, MD.

Dr. Kajjimu intends to return to UAB in the fall of 2025 to further his EM research and engage in clinical observorship.