Getting selected into an exchange program is something I would say every medical student at Makerere university looks up to, its perhaps the same wish across medical schools in Africa, Europe name it. It is a time to travel into a new setting where everything is completely different ranging from culture, language, patients, weather, food and much more which you all have to adapt to. A time to practice medicine in a resource rich setting with minimal or almost no constraints to patient care, time to see complex procedures and surgeries being done rather than reading them off book!
It all started in my second year of medical school when my colleagues in their fourth year left for the same program. I wondered how I had never heard about it for the time I had been In med school. It was such a great opportunity that I definitely looked up to and prepared for it in advance. I had gotten a reason for extra academic hard work , excellence and a motivation to keep moving. I am so thankful to the Lord to have gotten the great opportunity I had always longed for.
Can not deny being nervous as I took my first flight ever from Entebbe through Addis Ababa- Ethiopia to Vienna- Austria. The feeling of being in Europe was so amazing and surprising as sun shone bright as early as 5:30am when we landed in Vienna only to be told its summer. We were lucky since we had not prepared for the cold winter conditions.
The department of Urology at Med Uni Graz where I am rotating now has been one of my best rotations ever, so welcoming and loving. At first the ward rounds at 7am (too early in comparison to my previous setting) seemed impossible but I have been ready for change. Despite most patients speaking German only, the professors are always there to explain to me what is transpiring without any hesitancy. Morning discussions which used to be in German have been changed to English just for my understanding. The operating room has become my best place in the department as the robotic surgeries I had always read about In books are always performed. I have assisted in a variety of open and laparoscopic surgeries, this has been a great learning moment. Health care system is insurance based and this ensures delivery of quality health care without any financial constraints. I have toured some cities in Austria including Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and Giersdorf. They are all so beautiful and represent a true definition of a developed state
It is a rewarding and enriching experience that has taught me a lot about myself, my field of study and career. I have also made friendships and connections that I will always cherish.
