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Clinical Elective Experience at King's College Hospital London Dubai UAE -  Week 4

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Clinical Exposure in the Surgical Discipline – A 4-week Elective Experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

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Clinical Exposure in the Surgical Discipline – A 4-week Elective Experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Harmeet Kaur A/P Talvindar Singh, A196247

25th – 29th August 2025

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I truly feel that the objectives of this elective posting were fulfilled. My aim was to gain exposure to clinical practice in a different healthcare system, observe procedures and surgeries up close, and understand the dynamics of working in a modern, international hospital setting. Over the past four weeks, I have been fortunate to experience orthopaedic clinics, live surgeries, emergency shifts, and hospital systems, all of which have enriched my learning journey far beyond expectations. This final week in particular solidified everything I had learned earlier — from clinical observation to understanding the flow of patient management and surgery.

3. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

This week, I had one of my most memorable experiences of the elective — observing an ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) ankle surgery. I was fascinated to see how precision, teamwork, and communication played a huge role in every step. I got to see the surgical instruments up close such as the different sizes and shapes of screws, saws, and plates , and watched how intraoperative mobile X-rays were used to confirm placement. Wearing the 5kg lead apron for radiation protection was a small but meaningful reminder of how much goes into ensuring both patient and staff safety. Wearing the 5kg heavy lead aprons for radiation protection too gave me a small taste of the physical demands that operating theatre staff endure every day. What I enjoyed the most, however, was not just the surgical aspect but also the sense of belonging I started to feel towards the end. By this week, I had grown used to the hospital environment, the friendly faces at the orthopaedic clinic, and even the routine of my daily commute. Handing over my ID badge on the final day was surprisingly emotional — it felt like saying goodbye to a place that had taught me more than I expected.

4. What have you found challenging about this project?

One challenge was managing my time effectively, especially balancing between the long hours at the hospital and my own personal time for rest and reflection. I had to be disciplined about reaching the hospital early, even when I felt exhausted from the previous day’s shift. Another challenge was the feeling of wanting to do more as to get more hands-on exposure but being aware of the hospital’s policies and boundaries for elective students. It sometimes felt difficult to stay within those limits when my curiosity and eagerness to help were so strong. Still, I learned to channel that energy into asking more questions, documenting what I saw, and learning actively from observation. Another challenge was saying goodbye, after weeks of building connections, it was not easy to leave behind the routine and people I had grown accustomed to.

5. What has really worked?

What worked best for me throughout this elective was being proactive and flexible. In a large institution like King’s, things can change quickly — supervisors might have surgeries, meetings, or emergencies — and I learned to adapt by seeking out other departments or cases to observe. For example, when my orthopaedic supervisor was unavailable, I made use of the opportunity to observe in other areas like the emergency department or surgical theatre. This flexibility helped me maximise my exposure and learning. Another thing that worked was my effort to build rapport with staff. Whether it was the nurses, technicians, or other junior doctors, having good communication made it easier to ask questions, get explanations, and even receive small but valuable tips during procedures.

6. What can be improved in this project?

If I were to suggest improvements, it would be to have more structured opportunities for medical students to participate actively in smaller clinical tasks, such as assisting with wound care or basic procedures under supervision. While observation was valuable, more engagement could deepen the learning experience. That said, the exposure I received was still invaluable and has shaped my growth in many ways. On a personal note, I think I could also improve my own time management — maybe taking shorter breaks to stay longer in the wards and surgeries, as every minute there taught me something new.

To conclude, this final week was a meaningful closure to an unforgettable month. Watching orthopaedic surgeries felt like witnessing everything I had learned come together — anatomy, physiology, teamwork, and patient-centered care in action. Leaving King’s wasn’t just the end of a posting; it was a moment of deep gratitude. Before heading back to Malaysia, I took time to explore more of Dubai and reflecting on how far I’ve come as a student and how much more I hope to achieve in my medical journey.

If I had to describe Week 4 in two words: “Grateful” and “Transformative.”

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Asarel Ravienash Abraham A195732

04-10/08/25

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Below are the objectives of the project that I've set and with full confidence i can say i met every single one of them.

1. To acquire foundational drumming skills, including proper hand technique, posture, basic rhythm patterns and coordination between limbs.

2. To read and interpret basic drum notation and sheet music, enabling the performance of simple drum beats and songs across various genres.

3. To develop discipline and focus through regular practice, enhancing time management, perseverance, and stress-relief techniques applicable to the demands of medical training.

4. To explore the role of music, particularly drumming, in promoting mental well-being and stress reduction, and reflect on its potential benefits for healthcare professionals in managing burnout and maintaining work-life balance.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What i really enjoyed the most was getting to explore the creative side of me a means like music. Thinking about it now life theres very little opportunities that i get to use or hone my creativity in day to day life but in the time span of this project i was really able to do so. Every day was filled with new and exciting things for me to look forward to even failing was thrilling knowing the feeling when i overcame that failure was the equivalent of a happy drug to me. I loved the chase and chase was not all i did since in the end i was able to grab ahold of the technique. Before starting the project at many instances of time have i thought about learning about music which i love so much but finally was i able to actually carry it out and it did not disappoint.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Honestly i didn't really find any part of the project challenging per say but if i really had to choose one it would be that drums cant be played all the time since a soundproof room wasn't available for me. This was more of an inconvenience because the work around was to just get up early! like mentioned in the previous weeks padlet. Still it would have been since to be able to play whenever i had the motivation to and go at it and at given moment but that luxury was just out of reach.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What really worked well was learning as much of a song as i can before meeting up with Mr. Khalid to polish it up further. This style of learning is heavily emphasized in medschool so i was found an opportunity to practice it in something different and it turned out pretty great. Each class wasn't just me spending most of my time struggling to grasp rhythms rather strengthening parts that I've learned on my own and then working on the sections that were just too hard to figure out. Classes went by more efficiently and effectively with this method.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One thing that could be improved on is recording myself playing much earlier into this project. Being a beginner and all taking videos did not cross my mind because what was there to watch. Only after a friend of mine asked to send him some clips of me playing did i realise the benefits of reviewing and critiquing my craft. Many small habits and tendencies which wasn't clear to me before was easily noticed and fixed. Instances where i realised i was of tempo, half a second too late to jump back in or even a missed beat helps me play even better the next time almost as if i am my own teacher.

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Padlet Week/Phase 4

Ameerul Akif Bin Shahizam

A195043

28/8/2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I have completed my objectives and many more.

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of CCUS fundamentals, Malaysia's CCUS Roadmap, and stakeholder landscape.

2. Support ongoing CCUS Roadmap activities through research, data synthesis, and preliminary analysis.

3. Gain practical experience in project coordination, technical-committee processes, and stakeholder engagement within a CCUS context.

4. Learn how national policies are created

5. Learn how to set calendar invites

6. Learn corporate lingo

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I really enjoyed the new experiences this project gave me, especially the chance to take on real corporate responsibilities. I was entrusted with tasks that most interns would never get the opportunity to handle, which made me feel valued and capable. One highlight was being able to join high-ranking meetings, including those with the Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Ekonomi. I also had the chance to lead events, which was both exciting and a huge learning curve. On top of that, I got to enjoy the perks that came with the job, like staying at good hotels and having access to really great food.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part was communicating with companies. Some of them responded very late, which made it difficult to coordinate. It also required me to always remain professional, even when rescheduling had to be done multiple times or when their calendars had to be booked weeks in advance. Not all companies were like this, but enough to make it a challenge. Another difficulty was balancing my workload with personal life I had less free time to work out and exercise, which I usually rely on to stay healthy and manage stress.

4. What has really worked?

What worked best for me was staying consistent. By maintaining discipline, I was able to complete a lot of tasks efficiently. I also found simple tools like sticky notes very helpful they freed up my working memory and helped me stay organized. Another practice that worked well was leaving work at the office; this clear separation between work and personal time really helped me manage stress better and maintain focus.

5. What can be improved in this project?

If I could improve anything, I would say getting more rest is essential. Sleep is important for productivity, but the busy schedule often made it difficult. Another improvement would be having more time with the company, so I could see the project through to its completion especially the launch of the CCUS roadmap. Being part of that final milestone would have made the experience even more meaningful.

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From Stethoscope to Strings: A Medical Student’s Journey in Learning Guitar from Scratch

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From Stethoscope to Strings: A Medical Student’s Journey in Learning Guitar from Scratch

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Name, matrics number and date: Muhammad Danish bin Mohd Sazuraidi

A194705

25th- 31st August 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
Yes, the objectives of the project for Week 3 were fulfilled. One of the goals I had set for myself was to transition from practicing individual chords and simple progressions into playing complete songs, and I successfully managed to achieve that. By the end of the week, I was able to play Kau Ilhamku and Zombie by The Cranberries from beginning to end, which gave me a real sense of progress. In addition, Mr. Gilbert gave me the opportunity to try out the bass guitar, where I learned the fundamentals of plucking and rhythm. This experience not only added variety but also helped me understand timing in a different way, which I believe will strengthen my guitar playing in the long run. Altogether, these outcomes aligned with the project’s aim of systematically developing music skills and applying them in practice.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed the most this week was the satisfaction of finally being able to perform entire songs without stopping midway. It was the first time I could see all the small building blocks of practice come together into something musical and complete. Learning Kau Ilhamku gave me a sense of connection to a familiar local song, while Zombie was more challenging but equally rewarding to play. I also enjoyed the experience of exploring the bass guitar under Mr Gilbert’s guidance, as it added a new layer to my appreciation of rhythm. Another highlight was being taught the scaffolding technique for chord transitions, which made me realise that even difficult changes can be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach made practice more engaging and less intimidating.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part of this week was finger placement, especially as I started to learn barre chords towards the end of the week. Barre chords demanded a level of finger strength and precision that I found very difficult to achieve. At times, I could not press the strings firmly enough, which affected the sound quality, and this made the process frustrating. Because of that, I decided to shift my focus towards refining finger placement and improving the smoothness of chord transitions before pushing myself too hard with barre chords. Besides that, managing tempo was another challenge. Playing along with songs at their original speed required me to synchronise both hands in a way that felt overwhelming, especially since I am still new to music. These difficulties were tough, but they highlighted the areas I need to work on most consistently.

4. What has really worked?

One of the things that worked well was adopting shorter but more focused practice sessions. This allowed me to concentrate on specific skills such as finger positioning, tempo control, or chord progression without exhausting myself. The scaffolding technique taught by Mr Gilbert was especially effective in helping me approach difficult chord changes step by step, rather than feeling pressured to master them all at once. Committing to just two songs for the week also worked in my favour, as it gave me the chance to polish them properly rather than spreading my effort too thin across multiple pieces. Altogether, these strategies made my learning process more structured and less discouraging, while still keeping me motivated.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Moving forward, I think the project could be improved by adopting a more systematic approach to difficult chords like barre chords. I need to dedicate more time to finger strengthening exercises and gradually build up stamina instead of trying to play them fully right away. Using a metronome will also help me manage tempo more effectively, allowing me to practice slowly at first before gradually increasing speed. Another area of improvement would be to record my practice sessions and review them, as this would give me clearer feedback on where I tend to struggle. Lastly, setting more detailed weekly goals that balance technical exercises with song practice would help ensure steady and well-rounded progress throughout the journey.

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"From Medicine Desk to Money Desk — My Journey Across the Pharmacy”👍🏻

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“From Pills💊 to Bills💵: My Last Week in CARiNG Pharmacy, Mytown🏬 — One Attachment, Many Roles, From Explaining Side Effects to Scanning Shampoo🧴, From ‘Do You Have Paracetamol?’ to ‘Do You Accept Touch ’n Go?’, and From Counting Pills to Counting Change!”

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“From Pills💊 to Bills💵: My Last Week in CARiNG Pharmacy, Mytown🏬 — One Attachment, Many Roles, From Explaining Side Effects to Scanning Shampoo🧴, From ‘Do You Have Paracetamol?’ to ‘Do You Accept Touch ’n Go?’, and From Counting Pills to Counting Change!”

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☆Your name, matric number, date

Lee Zhi Qing, A195055, 25 August 2025- 31 August 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
Yes, I believe the objectives of the project were fulfilled. Throughout the weeks, I gained a thorough understanding of community pharmacy operations, enhanced my knowledge of medications, developed patient counseling skills, and came to truly appreciate the pharmacist’s vital role in healthcare.

For my final week, I also broadened my exposure by learning more about the administrative and business aspects of the pharmacy, such as cashiering, price tagging, handling promotions, and conducting health screening promotions. These additional experiences gave me a more complete picture of community pharmacy operations, as I could see how the clinical aspect (ensuring safe and effective use of medications) is closely connected to the business aspect (managing sales, stock, and customer service) to keep the pharmacy running smoothly while still prioritizing patient care.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
What I enjoyed the most was the patient interaction, especially during counseling sessions and when explaining how to use medical devices. Many patients were open to sharing their personal experiences and emotions with me — for example, some elderly patients expressed their concerns about managing multiple medications, while others shared their relief when they finally understood how to use their inhaler correctly. These moments gave me a sense of connection and fulfillment, as I could see firsthand how proper communication and counseling directly improved a patient’s confidence in managing their own health.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?
The most challenging part was trying to remember the wide range of medications and their classifications, especially when multiple drugs seemed very similar. At first, it was overwhelming to differentiate between therapeutic classes and mechanisms of action. However, this challenge pushed me to study more consistently, revise at night after long hours at the pharmacy, and practice actively during dispensing. Over time, what felt like a weakness became a motivator for me to strengthen my foundation in pharmacology.

4. What has really worked?
Hands-on practice worked especially well for me. By directly handling devices, arranging stock, and practicing prescription dispensing, I found that I learned faster and retained knowledge more effectively compared to only reading textbooks. I am particularly grateful to the pharmacist, Mr. Lai, who guided me with incredible patience — whether it was explaining medication details, demonstrating proper counseling techniques, or giving constructive feedback when I made mistakes. His approachable teaching style made me feel comfortable asking questions, which really accelerated my learning process.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Honestly, I do not see a need for major improvements, as this elective posting has already been very well structured and insightful. I would like to sincerely thank the doctors in charge for creating such an opportunity🙏🏻.

Over the past weeks, I was able to explore and experience areas beyond the usual scope of medical school — from learning about patient counseling, device usage, and dispensing protocols, to being involved in stock management, administrative tasks, and even the financial side of pharmacy operations. These experiences allowed me to appreciate the broader healthcare system, where both clinical care and business sustainability go hand in hand.

This elective posting has helped me grow not only in knowledge and skills but also in perspective. It reminded me that being a good medical student is not just about mastering textbooks, but also about developing adaptability, communication, teamwork, and an appreciation of how different healthcare professionals contribute to patient care.

I truly believe this journey has shaped me to become a more well-rounded medical student, better prepared to serve patients in the future.