Background and Motivation
Hi there! I'm Daniela, a final-year graduate entry medical student at Warwick University. I was born in Colombia but raised in London, giving me a diverse cultural background and a love for travel. My passion for medicine and exploring new places recently led me to an incredible experience in Hong Kong.
Last year, during a visit to Hong Kong with a friend, I met an A&E consultant who graciously offered me the chance to shadow him. Although my initial visit was brief, we stayed in touch, and I later arranged to return for a more extended shadowing placement. With approval from my university, I spent an enriching week in the A&E ward, deepening my interest in emergency medicine.
Medical Placement Details and Routine
How long was your placement, and what was your role?
The placement lasted one week, during which I shadowed the consultant and other doctors on the ward.
Can you describe a typical day at the hospital?
Each day began at 9 am when I changed into scrubs and joined the consultant for the morning ward round. We reviewed around 25 patients admitted over the past five days, adjusting medications and treatments as needed, and sometimes discharging patients. The team's efficiency, bolstered by ample staff, was impressive.
The hospital was always bustling with activity. Doctors and nurses moved constantly, monitors beeped, and patients flowed in and out, creating a dynamic atmosphere. At midday, I had lunch and then spent the afternoon in the A&E department, primarily in the high dependency unit, observing the care of critically unwell patients. My day typically ended around 5 pm.
Cultural and Professional Insights
How did working in a Hong Kong hospital differ from your previous experiences?
Although the medical treatments were similar to those in the UK, working in a Hong Kong hospital highlighted notable differences. The efficiency was impressive, mainly due to a higher staff-to-patient ratio. However, the language barrier was a significant challenge, as most patients spoke only Cantonese. Direct communication with patients was difficult, but I managed to interact effectively with the doctors, who all spoke English. I discovered that medical education in Hong Kong is conducted in English, which eased our communication.
Were there any unique medical practices or techniques you encountered?
While the medical practices were largely similar, observing the high-volume emergency department's efficiency was eye-opening. The seamless staff coordination and the speed of patient processing were particularly impressive, showcasing a level of efficiency that was both enlightening and inspiring.
Challenges and Learning
What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was the language barrier. Using a translation app felt unprofessional, so I relied on the doctors for communication. This limited direct interaction with patients, but I focused on learning through observation and discussions with the medical team.
What did you learn from this experience, both professionally and personally?
I learned that medical skills are universally valuable and can be applied globally. This experience highlighted the vast opportunities in international medical practice and inspired me to consider working abroad in the future. On a personal level, it reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in healthcare.
Memorable Moments and Advice
Can you share a particularly memorable moment from your placement?
A particularly memorable moment was participating in CPR on a patient who went into cardiac arrest. The intense atmosphere, the coordinated efforts of the team, and the gravity of the situation made it an unforgettable experience, even though the patient did not survive. This experience underscored the critical nature of emergency medicine and highlighted the importance of every role in such scenarios.
What advice would you give to others considering an international medical placement?
I highly recommend international medical placements! Consider the language of the country to ensure you can fully engage with the experience. Be proactive and immerse yourself in every opportunity to learn. It's also beneficial to research the healthcare system and cultural norms beforehand to better understand the environment you'll be working in.Future Plans
Do you plan to undertake more international placements in the future?
Absolutely! I love travelling and learning about different cultures and healthcare systems. Experiencing medicine in various countries can provide invaluable insights and enrich my practice as a future medical doctor.
I hope my journey inspires other medical students to explore international placements. The experience is both professionally and personally rewarding, offering a broader perspective on global healthcare practices.
View Daniella's Hong Kong TikTok here. PS. She's wearing our customers' favourite Koi Next Gen collection.