"Taking part in a medical expedition with Himalayan Health Exchange to Spiti Valley in the higher Indian Himalayas, including Kibber the second highest human settlement in the world, has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. Thanks to the generous support of the AIB NI Scholarship, I was able to engage in what has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—delivering essential healthcare to remote, underserved communities while learning invaluable clinical and life lessons in one of the most challenging environments on earth.

I gained a deeper understanding of wilderness medicine—learning how to handle emergencies in austere environments where evacuation may take days and communication is limited. We were taught how to manage altitude sickness, trauma, dehydration, and infectious diseases common to the region. The expedition was not only a platform for applying medical knowledge but also a setting that encouraged continuous learning and humility in the face of nature and human resilience. The patients we treated showed immense gratitude, and their resilience in such harsh living conditions left a profound impact on me. I developed a deeper appreciation for global health disparities and the importance of sustainable, culturally-sensitive healthcare delivery.

The AIB NI Scholarship played a crucial role in making this expedition possible. The financial support helped cover travel, medical supplies, and expedition costs that would otherwise have been a significant barrier to my participation. Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to afford such a unique and enriching experience".