Happythreads interview: a medical student's hospital placement in Tanzania
At Happythreads, we love sharing the stories of healthcare professionals and students who take their passion for care across the globe. Today, we're excited to spotlight a second-year medical student who recently completed a hospital placement in Tanzania. Read on to discover how this unique experience shaped her professional and personal outlook.
Background and motivation
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to undertake a hospital placement in Tanzania?
I’m a second-year medical student, and I’ve always been drawn to volunteering and travelling. During my gap year, I spent time volunteering at a school in Tanzania, which left a lasting impression on me. When it came time to choose a hospital placement, I felt like going back to Tanzania would be the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the country and gain valuable medical experience at the same time.
Diverse roles and daily hospital routine
How long was your placement, and what role did you play during your time there?
The placement lasted two weeks, and I took on different roles each day depending on the ward I was assigned to. Some days I was in paediatrics, while others I worked in general medicine, the outpatient clinic, or the day clinic. The variety kept me on my toes and gave me a broad perspective on hospital life.
Can you describe what a typical day looked like?
We would usually arrive at the hospital around 8 or 9 in the morning. In the paediatrics ward, for instance, we’d start by doing the rounds with the doctor. This could take a while, as the doctor would speak to the patients' families in Swahili before translating everything for us in English. We were encouraged to ask questions and learn about the conditions affecting the children. If new patients arrived, we helped take their vitals. The pace in Tanzanian hospitals is much slower than I’m used to at home - it felt more relaxed but also required patience as things progressed at their own rhythm.
Cultural insights and unique medical practices in Tanzanian healthcare
How did working in a Tanzanian hospital differ from your previous experiences? Were there any unique medical practices or techniques that stood out to you?
There were many differences in the way medicine is practised in Tanzania. One thing that really stood out was the use of a wooden pinard horn - a type of stethoscope used to listen to the heartbeat of unborn babies. I had never encountered one before, so it was fascinating to see how traditional tools are still widely used in resource-limited settings. It really gave me an appreciation for how doctors adapt to the tools they have at their disposal.
Overcoming challenges in an international medical placement
What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was definitely the language barrier. I don’t speak Swahili, and many of the patients didn’t speak English, so communication was often facilitated through nurses and doctors. But beyond the language, one of the most difficult aspects to witness was the level of poverty. Many patients struggled to afford even basic treatments or medication. It was emotionally difficult to see this, and there’s no simple solution to overcoming such stark inequalities.
What did you learn from this experience, both professionally and personally?
On a professional level, I learned how important empathy is in healthcare. One of the most eye-opening experiences was working in the CTC (Care and Treatment Clinic) where patients with HIV were treated. Despite HIV being somewhat of a taboo topic, the staff approached their work with nothing but kindness, respect, and understanding for the patients. Personally, I came away with a sense of gratitude. Even though many people in Tanzania have so little, they are incredibly grateful and happy with what they do have. It’s a reminder of how much we take for granted.
Memorable moments and advice for medical placements
Can you share a particularly memorable moment from your placement?
There were so many memorable moments, it’s hard to choose just one! Perhaps what stood out most was the sense of community among the hospital staff. They were like a family and were incredibly kind and welcoming to us as students. They even invited us to come back and work with them again in the future - a gesture I’ll never forget.
What advice would you give to others considering an international medical placement?
I would absolutely recommend it. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures, see how healthcare systems operate in other parts of the world, and adapt to new environments. That said, I think it’s even more valuable if you’re a bit older, perhaps in your fourth or fifth year, as you’ll have more medical knowledge and skills to contribute.
Future plans
Do you plan to undertake more international placements in the future?
I don’t have any concrete plans at the moment, but I would definitely love to do more international work in the future, perhaps once I’m fully qualified. I think there’s so much to learn from healthcare systems around the world, and I’d love to be a part of that.
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