Certain memories are perennially and stubbornly etched into physicians' and healthcare workers' psyches; the repetitive bleep of the electronic vital sign monitor; the strangest items found in human openings; delivering their first baby; and witnessing their first patient die. These are all rites of passage.

"I've found it's easy to talk about the funny memories, but the disturbing ones are harder to talk about," says Dr Maureen Mumbe, a Machakos level 5 hospital doctor.

"Even with my closest companions, talking or complaining about the tough moments often feels like passing on a burden that I'm better placed to handle."