2018
- Maastricht University -
I had just finished my second year of medicine and I was nervous.
This was my first placement and my first time time travelling on my own…
Arrival
When I found Work the World I knew I wanted to travel with them. This was my way of going to a faraway country, experiencing a different healthcare system, and giving a real boost to my career.
After a long flight, I finally arrived in Colombo. Some of my new housemates had also arrived, and we travelled together to our accommodation with the Work the World team.
The ride took a while, but driving through Sri Lankan scenery was worth it.
The Work the World House
When we arrived at the house, the team showed us to our rooms. We had time to relax before our welcome dinner was served.
The following morning, the Work the World team took us on a city orientation.
They showed us where to find the local shops, where to exchange money, where to buy a local sim card and so on.
In the evening, we had our first Sri Lankan curry made by our house catering team.
The catering team made lunch and dinner on the weekdays. Meals were phenomenal every time.
The rest of the team in Sri Lanka were lovely too.
I wouldn’t have survived without them!
They were there for us 24/7.
They helped us with everything from our placements to offering tips about what to do at weekends.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have survived without them!
Placement
When it came to my placement, I spent two weeks in general surgery, one in paediatric surgery and one in OBG.
In general surgery I saw a lot of different cases on the ward rounds, especially people with diabetes complications.
I also saw an appendectomy and an abdominal hernia repair.
I must say that these four weeks were eye-opening.
In the clinic, I saw a patient with cholecystitis, and did some physical examinations myself.
I spent five days in theatre in paediatric surgery where I saw eye surgeries and an ear surgery. But the most interesting case was a young girl who came in for a cyst removal.
I spent my fourth week in OBG. I saw some natural births there and a lot of C-sections.
I must say that these four weeks were eye-opening.
There were real noticeable differences in practise.
It wasn’t a lack of knowledge; the consultants certainly had a lot of that.
It was a lack of resources that made the difference.
But observing these cultural differences is why you’re there. You have to accept and learn from them.
Adding to that, emotional support and empathy didn’t seem as important in my placement hospital in Sri Lanka.
I saw patients pass away, and nurses didn't close the curtains. They left on alarms from vital signs monitor, and rarely gave the family privacy.
But observing these cultural differences is why you’re there. You have to accept and learn from them.
Ayurvedic Healthcare Week
I highly recommend Work the World’s Ayurvedic Healthcare Week.
It was amazing to see how so many people believed in alternative medicine. They all felt like it worked, relieving their pain.
The best part was the Ayurvedic massage we went for!
Our guide for the week was amazing. He took us to the hospital every day, interpreting everything the ayurveda doctor said. The doctor himself was also very kind.
On the last day, we got to help make a concoction from mashed tree bark. We helped treated some patients by applying the mixture of tree bark and clay, and wrapping it in bandages.
In the afternoons, we did activities like going on village tours, hiking up to monasteries… The best part was the Ayurvedic massage we went for!
Travel
At the weekends, I travelled around Sri Lanka with my housemates. They were some of the loveliest people I’ve ever met.
We visited Galle, where we spent a great weekend chilling on the beach, visiting a turtle sanctuary, and even going to a beach party.
If you’re thinking about placement with Work the World, just go. You won’t regret it.
On another weekend we visited the cultural triangle. And on another we travelled to Ella, where we went on an elephant safari and climbed Pidurangala to watch the sunrise.
The best thing about Sri Lanka is the diversity of activities.
You can do anything you want. You can go rock climbing, sunbathe on beautiful beaches, see a lot of wildlife… Anything you want.
If you’re thinking about placement with Work the World, just go. You won’t regret it.
The Work the World team are available every step of the way, and they’ll do everything to make your trip worthwhile.
Go in with an open mind and you’ll have the best experience!
