James Cook University 2024
I am from James Cook University in Australia and my university gives us 10 weeks for our clinical elective.
I wanted to use the opportunity to go overseas since travel is one of my passions. Furthermore, I knew going overseas would help me get out of my comfort zone and be an opportunity to meet new people. Finally, I wanted to see how a different healthcare system is run.
I am from Australia and a lot of Filipinos live here. Growing up, I was exposed to Filipino culture on our multicultural day at school where they would always have the biggest performance and supply plenty of food. I wanted to go to the Philippines so I could relate to my Filipino friends about their culture and build rapport with future Filipino patients when I am a doctor.
Another surprise was how under-resourced some departments of the hospitals were. For example, in one hospital, patients were ventilated by their own family members since there were no mechanical ventilators available. I was also shocked by the long hours both local medical students and doctors do, with shifts going up to 36 hours at a time.
I did not expect how picturesque the Philippines would be! We were fortunate enough to explore many places in the Philippines: Boracay, Cebu, El Nido and Gigantes.
The weekend trips were where I bonded with my housemates and made memories I will cherish forever!Here were my favourite moments from each trip:
- Boracay: the boat party (there was food, drinks, snorkelling, kayaking and dancing)
- Cebu: whale shark watching and canyoneering (jumping off various cliffs into the water)
- El Nido: diving for the first time
- Gigantes: island hopping was amazing
Undertaking my placement overseas helped me grow as a person because I faced challenges overseas that I have not faced as much back home.
On placement, this included witnessing confronting scenarios such as CPR which I had never seen on a real patient prior to placement in the Philippines. I was able to rise to every challenge and get through all the issues I faced which was important for my self-development.
Another benefit aside from becoming more resilient as a person, was performing clinical skills that I had not got to experience as much back home such as suturing and vaccinating newborns, all under supervision.
Finally, I believe the main benefit of undertaking my placement overseas was the privilege of seeing procedures I have never seen in Australia such as open-heart surgery and brain surgery.
I met so many lovely people and got so close to some that they became my family away from home. Every night after dinner at the WtW house, we would sit in the common area and chat which was the best part of the day. My favourite day of the week was Thursdays where we had karaoke night.
The friendly staff would sing to kick the night off and then we’d party the night away. Speaking of the staff, they were a highlight of the trip and truly make the effort to get to know you and attend to your every need.
What words of encouragement would I say to someone considering undertaking a Work the World placement? 100% go for it! I understand that the cost may be a barrier for some students, but I encourage you to investigate subsidies/ scholarships.
If you’re Australian take out an OS-HELP Loan (a loan from the government which helps you pay for overseas placement) like I did. Every penny is worth the priceless memories you make and friends you’ll have forever!
