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1. NAME: Nor Azwani Shafiqah bt Atham Malik

MATRIC NUMBER: A187699

DATE: 12/08/24 - 18/08/2024

2. HOW IS MY PROGRESS?

By the end of this week, I feel that I've made good progress in terms of my clinical practice. Besides observing CABG and valve replacement surgeries, I was given a chance to assist in one of the CABG surgery, and I managed to suture on real human for the first time! I also touched the heart and lungs of real human and it was surreal. I started doing physical examinations on patients while my Hungarian peers help me translate the history takind they did. The anaesthesiologist was also very kind, he guided us to insert catheter and do the intubation! It was amazing that this week has been a witness of some of my first experience in clinical settings. On Monday evening, we went to Tettye (the journey was definitely a hike!) and spent time in the famous confectionery shop here. On Tuesday evening, we had our National Food and Drink Party, and I made 'agar-agar gula melaka'. All of ny friends and the contact persons loved the taste and they finished them all! During the weekend, I travelled to Budapest to visit some of the places I've missed last week.

3. POINTS TO REMEMBER FROM WEEK 2!

Everything has a first time! I shouldn't be expecting things to turn out great the first time I do something, instead I should feel happy that I made the first step. Besides, I think the important point to note is that although we are trying to solve a patient's problem during surgery, we should not forget that despite all, they are also human being, their emotions and feelings should be considered as an holistic approach in healthcare.

4. MY FEELINGS & THOUGHTS

I feel satisfied and content that I got the chance to suture on a real human for the first time! I'm grateful that my supervisor believe in me and guide me in the process. I feel really happy when he allowed me to touch the heart and lungs with my own hands. It might be nothing for some, but it's definitely a moment to remember for me! It made me feel more confident in some ways. For some reasons, I felt proud that I wore 'baju kurung' during the National Food and Drink Party and definitely felt really happy that they love the food I made. It was indeed an experience that I want to remember forever.

5. ONE GOOD THING FROM WHAT I DID THAT I CAN PRACTICE NOW!

Being confident is the one good thing I did this week. I was nervous when I encountered unfamiliar situation, however, I gave it a go and proceed doing it carefully. It turned out to be great in the end and the confidence made me feel satisfied overall.

6. ANY DIFFICULTIES/CONCERNS? HOW DID I COPE?

My concern during this week was I didn't quite understand the procedures going on during the surgery as sometimes, we were randomly placed in the operation room without knowing what's the surgery. To overcome this, I'll meet the surgeon right after the surgery ends, and clarify my doubts with him.

7. MY PLAN FOR NEXT WEEK (WEEK 3)

This week is a long weekend (Saturday to Tuesday). I'm planning to visit Budapest again and enjoy the activities there as it is the State Foundation Day on Tuesday. Besides, I also plan to perform more physical examinations on patients, and observe valve replacement surgeries so that I can get familiar with it. I also plan to meet my supervisor and clarify my doubts during these first two weeks of practice

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Week 2 : not just a medical student but also a tourist. 

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Week 2 : not just a medical student but also a tourist. 

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Goh Yee Suan

A188757

19/8/2024

2. How is your progress?

My progress so far was good and fruitful. I managed to try a lot of new things

Monday (12/8)

observed a triple CABG using saphenous vein and internal mammary artery. In the afternoon we had a suture workshop and it was great. I had the opportunity to revise my knowledge of suturing. I also went to a lake nearby with my friends

Tuesday (13/8)

Observed CABG again and this time with a clearer idea of what is going on as I have read it beforehand.

Wednesday (14/8)

Observed a myxoma removal which is a disease that I have never heard of nor seen. It was quite interesting. After that, I went to Bratislava which is the capital of Slovakia with my friends. It is amazing how you can cross the border easily in Europe with cheap and affordable train tickets.

Thursday (15/8)

Observed a valve replacement.

Friday (16/8)

Attended the department's morning meeting. Went to Český Budějovice which is a small town that is about 4 hours journey away from my city for the national social program. Met a lot of new friends who are also doing exchanges in the Czech Republic.

I spent my weekend in Český Krumlov. We had many fun activities such as kayak-ing and castle tour.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

I have learn to be more brave in asking questions especially when observing surgeries. There is no harm is asking. I have learnt much more than I had in the 1st week as I try to be more proactive and reaching out to doctors to ask questions. I also realized this could be useful when talking to friends from other countries.

Don't be afraid to ask when you are curious. No question is stupid.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I felt that I am starting to adapt to the environment as well as the culture here. It is definitely very different from Malaysia. Something that I really like is that each and everyone of us stayed at the same floor and use the same kitchen. So basically we are having party every night and get to know more about other people's culture by exchanging food.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now

Be brave and don't care too much about what other people think. People care lesser than you thought.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Language barrier is still a big problem for me as the doctors will communicate in Czech during the surgery. So unless I ask one of the doctors about the procedure, I will not have an idea on what is going on. But luckily the doctors here are very nice and always happy to clear my doubts. I also read up the procedure beforehand so for some procedures even if there is no one there to explain it to me I can still understand it.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

I plan to study more of the common procedure of cardio thoracic surgery and get to know more of the town that I am in which is Olomouc. I will probably go for a small walk and get some local deserts or drinks.

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1. Name, Matric, Date

- Name: Marissa bt Zawawi

- Matric: A188614

- Date: 12th - 18th August

2. How is your progress?

This week, I was at the hospital for four days, as Monday was a public holiday. I spent that day relaxing, mostly just sweeping my room and scrolling through TikTok in the dormitory.

On Tuesday, I observed another laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gallstones are apparently endemic in Thailand, as in other Southeast Asian countries, so these procedures are quite common—they perform at least ten of them every week. I’ve seen so many now that I feel quite familiar with the process. During the surgery, it’s crucial to identify anatomical landmarks like the common bile duct, cystic duct, and cystic artery, which is next to the cystic lymph node. Unfortunately, the resident clipped the cystic artery incorrectly, causing bleeding in the abdominal cavity. He looked quite nervous afterward, but the surgeon remained calm, helping the resident clean up the situation.

On Wednesday, I joined Professor Poremet in the outpatient clinic until lunchtime. Most of the cases we saw were related to gallstones and hernias. One thing I found amusing and endearing is that patients here don’t come to the clinic empty-handed. They often bring fresh vegetables or fruits from their farms as tokens of appreciation, which seems to be a cultural tradition in Thailand. Professor Poremet received three large bags of bananas from one of his patients that day. I couldn’t help but wonder what he would do with so many bananas! Later, I went to Icon Siam by boat with other international students—a nice way to unwind after a busy day.

On Thursday, I observed a laparoscopic hepatectomy on a patient with a liver cyst the size of my hand on segments 2 and 3 of his liver. I wanted to scrub in and assist, but there were already several surgeons around the patient, and I didn’t want to crowd the space.

Friday was particularly exciting. I arrived at the operating room earlier than usual, eager to see what the day would bring. After two weeks of observing laparoscopic cholecystectomies, I finally got the opportunity to witness a laparoscopic gastrectomy on a male patient with a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST). The patient had been on Imatinib, which helped reduce the tumor’s size, but the surgeon decided it was best to remove it entirely. During the procedure, Professor Wisit explained each step, emphasizing the importance of sparing as much of the stomach as possible by cutting only a small margin around the tumor. He also stressed the need to handle the stromal tumor with care, as it’s quite fragile and could rupture, leading to serious complications. After resecting the tumor using a very impressive modern tool called Endo GIA, Professor Wisit performed a splenectomy since the GIST was attached to the spleen. He also removed the head of the pancreas because the splenic artery, which supplies blood to both the pancreas head and the spleen, had been cut during the splenectomy.

Over the weekend, I planned a trip to Pattaya with the intention of visiting Koh Larn Island, but I ended up staying in the hotel because I came down with a fever.

3. Key Lessons from Week 2

- Learning from our mistakes is vital. The way the surgeon calmly handled the resident’s error during surgery was a powerful reminder that mistakes are part of the learning process. It’s important to support and guide rather than reprimand.

4. Reflections

- Homesick: I’ve been feeling a bit homesick and lonely, especially in the evenings when I don’t have any plans after my hospital duties.

- Grateful: Despite the occasional loneliness, I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to be in Bangkok, creating new memories, and challenging myself outside my comfort zone.

5. Positive Habit to Cultivate

- Time management. I brought my planner from Malaysia, and it’s been incredibly helpful in organizing my days here during this elective posting.

6. Challenges & How I’m Coping

- My debit card was declined twice this week, which has been stressful since I’m running low on cash. Most places here don’t accept cards, so I rely on cash for daily expenses. To cope, I’ve asked my friends who are visiting Bangkok next week to bring me some cash. In the meantime, I’m being more frugal, even considering skipping dinners to stretch my remaining funds.

7. Plans for Week 3

- Spend three days at the hospital, making the most of each learning opportunity.

- I’m also looking forward to spending time with my UKM friends who are coming from Malaysia next week!

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Assalamualaikum & hi everyone

Congratulations you are already in the Week 2 of EP journey!

Please write, upload pictures/videos (lots of them please!), and share your journey with your friends. Like & comment on others sharing too!

1. Your name, matric number, date

2. How is your progress?

3. Points to remember from week 2!

4. Your feelings & thoughts

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

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Week 2 -

1. Your name, matric number, date

Nur Sufia Binti Fauzi - A188057

10th July - 15th July

2. How is your progress?

10th July: Bidding goodbye to the beaches and hello to the OR! Our first day back to the health centre after a long weekend in Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab. The day started early. Waking up at 7am, getting dressed and making our way to the main road to catch a taxi to get to the health centre. Considering it is the second week here, we’ve gotten quite good at hauling a taxi and communicating with the driver. There is a significant language barrier here as most taxi drivers do not speak English but with the grace of God and help from Google we made it to the health centre.

It is quite a journey to the health centre as we need to take a bridge to cross the Nile River. The taxi ride there is an experience in itself. For example, people here drive without adhering to any lanes. You can sometimes see a row of 4 cars driving at once when the road is meant for 2 at a time. Rickshaws are also still one of the main forms of transport, it is common to see them on the road. Not to mention, the taxis here are mostly old cars that do not have air-conditioning, but thankfully the weather is cool in the mornings.

The first surgery is a sebaceous cyst removal on the left breast of a young adult woman. It took less than 10 minutes. The cyst itself seemed to be not more than 3cmx3cm.

Dr Ashraf injected local anaesthesia along the periphery of the cyst and after a while, he made an incision with a scalpel. Using a curette, Dr Ashraf removed all of the remaining abnormal tissue. Dr emphasised how important it is to remove all the tissue as leaving any remains would increase the chances of the cyst to reform.

We also saw a sebaceous cyst removal at the perianal region.

Next, we saw a pressure ulcer debridement in an elderly woman. This case was an eye-opener for me. The patient had a stage 3 ulcer on her left hip. It was quite large, spanning about 7cm x 7cm. The ulcer was so deep that it looked dark and empty within it. When light was shone on the ulcer, it can be seen there was a lot of necrotic tissue and slough within it. Next was the highly anticipated revision surgery on a motor vehicle accident patient, this patient had a prior surgery done in Cairo but for some reason his wounds started to undergo dehiscence.  Due to that, Dr Walid had to remove all the sutures and remove some of the tissue and redo the sutures. Dr was patient and careful in explaining to us each step of the surgery. For example, how he uses mattress sutures to promote eversion of the wound. The whole surgery was long as both lower limbs were affected and an abdominal flap was done.

Surgeries were over and we had our breakfast. The health centre provides us with an authentic Egyptian breakfast known as Taameya; made of pita with falafel filling. A simple but very fulfilling meal.

As it is a Wednesday, we see a larger number of diabetic foot patients. Diabetes is a major health problem in Egypt. A Lot of debridement occurs and dressing changes are done during the clinic. Most are headed by Dudu (the diabetic nurse). The clinic session taught me the importance of debridement, as removing the tissue or hardened skin prevents excessive pressure around the ulcer sites. A day in the clinic is always fun as patients also take time to connect and converse with us. Another exciting part of the clinic is the generosity of the nurses. They are always ready with multiple snacks throughout the day. We eat fruit, bread on the patient’s bed in the procedure room. Some highlights from the day was seeing a case of incisional hernia in a middle age man and a case of chronic lymphoedema. But the star of the day was the VAC removal. . It is normally used in patients who produced a large amount of pus or discharge. Using this device, removes the need to have multiple dressing changes. A specialised technician comes in to remove the device and change the dressing and sponge for the patient. I was shocked to see the amount of pus the patient had produced within a span of 3 days. By my estimation, it looked like 500mls of pus. With that amount of pus, you could only imagine the smell it emitted. It had a very distinct fishy smell, something much more stronger than your normal diabetic foot smell. It is something I’ll remember for years to come.

12th July- 15th July: Aswan & Luxor lets go!

This week's trip is strikingly different from the previous one. While the last excursion was a backpacker trip with lots of physical hardships and outdoor adventure. This trip is like a present wrapped in a bow with hints of luxury and leisure. We took an 8hr van ride to Aswan to board a beautiful cruise sailing through the Nile river. Throughout the cruise, we stopped to go to the historical sites of Ancient Egypt. Learning all about the myths of their by visiting the Philae Tombs, Luxor temple, Valley of the Kings, and many more . It was amazing to see how beautifully preserved these sites were. The hieroglyphs and markings on the wall were still vibrant and did not seem to fade with time.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

Communication extends far beyond spoken words - In a foreign country, language can present as a challenge, from hailing a taxi to ordering food, engaging in conversations. Fortunately, technological advancements like Google translate, we are able to translate menus, talk to taxi drivers and have full on conversations. But, what really fosters relationships are the non-verbal communication. Such as, the hugs the nurses give us to greet us when we arrive at the clinic, the broad smiles from the patient when they see us and the plates of food the nurses offer us all translate to a language of love, kindness and affection.

Grateful. It is hard not to feel this way when you’re halfway across the globe, cruising down the Nile river. What used to be a name, I read about in my Form 5 Sejarah textbook; the river that helped build civilizations. Now, someone could ask, what does the Nile River look like? And I could describe it firsthand; the people on the embankments look more African than Arab, the colour of the water is an emerald green and how the heat of the Sun is hot and dry, nothing like that of Malaysia. That itself is surreal and I thank God for the opportunity to witness it.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I felt amazed and shocked when I saw the practices of the clinic. It is amazingly resourceful - they work with very little yet make it work. The nurses use an old water can to prop up the patient's leg when they do procedures. They also use plastic gloves instead of rubber gloves. In the same procedure room, we take our wuduk, do our Zuhur and Asr prayers, make hot drinks and have meals. Time here has shown me that, less is sometimes more.

I felt a deep sense of awareness and enlightenment regarding the culture and daily life of Egyptians. Being a neighbouring country to the ongoing conflict in Palestine, I realised that the situation has impacted Egypt as well. The country has heightened its vigilance against potential threats. This was evident during our journey to Aswan. We encountered multiple checkpoints on the highway, conducted by the army. It was quite scary to see the soldiers but I was thankful our PIC was with us all throughout the time.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practise now!

One good thing I can practise now is resourcefulness! Making do with what you have. I think this resonates with being a young adult in the age of microtrends. Where it is all about having the trendiest item (in regards to everything). My time here has shown me that I already have an abundance and that I should appreciate and utilise more of the current things I have in life.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Scams. Touristy areas always have people pushing you to buy things. I learnt to be stern. Learn to say NO or LA. Yes it can seem a bit harsh, but it is better than having them pester you.

Food.  Although  it is the second week, I am still adapting to the local cuisine. On the cruise, I had a wonderful gastronomical adventure. However, when I was in Beni Suef, I made sure to have safe food options. I went to the grocery store and bought cereal, bread, and Maggi. This helped me avoid hunger when I could not fully enjoy the Egyptian meals.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

More and more surgeries. Soak up as much knowledge as I can during this week

I have a big decision to make. To go or to not go on the next excursion trip? When conscience and emotions are at odds. I guess we will see next week

To find more Egyptian food that I am able to enjoy

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Nur Fatihah Jazlina Binti Mohd Faizal

Matric Number: A181504

Date: 10th July-15th July 2024

2. How is your progress?

10th July:

Returning from our surreal social trip to Dahab, we resumed our clinical attachment with Dr. Ashraf. Today was filled with intense learning as we observed complex surgeries like the removal of sebaceous cysts from unexpected areas (breast and anus) and the correction of wound dehiscence in a failed skin graft from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) patient. These surgeries were not only technically challenging but also incredibly rewarding to observe. Dr. Ashraf, alongside Dr. Walid (another general surgeon) and Dr. Muhammad (a plastic surgeon), provided detailed explanations throughout the procedures, making the experience invaluable. We also gained insight from Dr. Amani, an anesthesiologist and Dr. Ashraf's wife, who guided us through the patient recovery process post-anesthesia. The teamwork and dedication within the surgical team were truly inspiring, and I felt privileged to witness these operations up close, something that's harder to experience back home.

In the afternoon, we returned to the clinic for another session focused on diabetic foot care. Despite the language barrier, the nurses were warm and made efforts to communicate with us, and the patients even greeted us as they received treatment. It was heartwarming to be part of this environment. Using our translator app, we managed to bridge the communication gap. We observed how the nurses skillfully dressed wounds for diabetic foot ulcers, amputations, and neuropathy. The day was highly productive as we also delved deeper into vascular and hepatobiliary cases, further honing our skills in interpreting abdominal ultrasounds.

11th July:

No clinical attachment today, so we focused on preparing for our next social trip to Luxor and Aswan, where we will experience a cruise for the first time!

12th - 15th July:

Our journey to Aswan took about 9-10 hours by van, after which we boarded a cruise that would sail from Aswan to Kom Ombo and finally Luxor. The cruise was stunning—elegantly decorated with a rooftop pool lounge, and the daily buffet was a culinary delight, possibly the best food I’ve had in Egypt so far, featuring cuisines from around the world. This experience was a first for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Throughout the weekend, we explored the vibrant Luxor night market and visited numerous temples, such as the Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Hatshepsut, and the renowned Valley of the Kings. Despite the intense heat, reaching up to 46°C, I was deeply engaged in learning about the rich history of these sites. The experience was both exhausting and exhilarating, offering a deep dive into Egypt's ancient past.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

- Importance of communication and teamwork:

The warm interactions with the nurses and patients despite the language barrier made me realize that we share the same value in language of care and compassion in medicine. Teamwork was also important, as the smooth collaboration between the surgical and nursing teams was crucial to the success of the procedures.

- Balancing work and exploration:

This week taught me the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal exploration. While the clinical attachments are vital for my growth as a medical professional, the social trips offer cultural insights and experiences that are equally valuable for my personal development.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

This week has been a blend of professional growth and personal discovery. I felt incredibly fortunate to observe such complex surgeries, gaining hands-on knowledge that is hard to come by. The sense of accomplishment from understanding these procedures was deeply satisfying. At the same time, I was touched by the kindness and warmth shown by the nurses and patients in the clinic, which made me feel more connected to the local culture despite the language barrier.

The social trips, though exhausting due to the heat, were exhilarating and gave me a deeper appreciation for Egypt's rich history and culture. However, there was an underlying concern about missing out on clinical exposure due to the trips. I was relieved and grateful when Dr. Ashraf encouraged us to not miss the opportunity to visit Luxor and Aswan, assuring us that this experience was just as valuable.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

One practice I can carry forward is the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with self-care and exploration. This week, I learned that taking time to explore and experience new things, like the cruise and temple visits, can rejuvenate the mind and spirit, making me more focused and energized for my clinical duties.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

The most significant difficulty this week was dealing with the effects of the extreme heat on my skin and lips. My skin became increasingly dry and irritated, despite using sunscreen and moisturizer. My lips also became painfully cracked and even bled at times, leading me to worry about my appearance and comfort. After some research and a friend's recommendation, I purchased a new moisturizer and lip balm, which I used consistently. Thankfully, this routine improved my skin condition, allowing me to cope better with the harsh climate.

Additionally, I was concerned about missing out on clinical experiences due to the social trips. However, after consulting with Dr. Ashraf and receiving his encouragement, I felt reassured that the trips were a valuable part of my overall experience in Egypt.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

For Week 3, my plan is to fully immerse myself in Dr. Ashraf’s teachings and gain as much clinical experience as possible. I aim to attend every clinic and surgical session, deepening my understanding of general and vascular surgery.

I also plan to continue building rapport with the medical team and patients, overcoming language barriers by learning more Arabic phrases.

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Life at the desert, I thrive like a cactus 

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Life at the desert, I thrive like a cactus 

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Soneeta Kaur

A187948

7th to 15th July 2024

2. How is your progress?

In the 2nd week of being in Egypt, I started attending the hospital to the GIT general surgery department. We started our day waking up and getting ready at 8am to walk to the department as class starts at 9am. The walk was about 15 min away from our hostel. Our supervisors which is Dr Ahmed Shehta and Dr Ahmed Farouk was very welcoming and friendly to us. The doctors there was really nice as they provided coffee and biscuit to us in the OR for the first 2 days. A very surprising treatment for us in the OT because we thought we will be treated the same here with our home country.

I would say we learned a lot in just 1 day being in their OT compared to the 3 months of surgical rotation in UKM.

Day 1- we observed ERCP, MRCP procedure & liver transplant for a pt with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Day 2- we observed liver transplant for a pt with autoimmune hepatitis

Day 3- we observed a right liver resection for a pt with giant liver hemangioma & whipple procedure

Day 4- we observed a right ascending Colectomy

By the end of the week, we travelled to Dahab which was a 9 hour drive by bus. Going there was a bit special because all the medical incoming to Egypt from all over the world, who were allocated to do their elective at different states are all gathering at Dahab. We mostly went to the beaches where it was my first time seeing a camel in real life. And we also drove a quad bike around the desert and hiked up a mountain. In Dahab we had an event called the National Food and Drink Party where each country would prepare foods and drinks from their nation and share it with others (somewhat a cultural event). I sadly had gotten fever after the quad bike activity, hence I did not exactly experience the NF&D party till the end.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

Mansoura Hospital is extremely big, instead of having 1 building with multiple departments ….they have allocated 1 building just for 1 department. That being said, the entire state of Mansoura by land feels like it’s being covered 50% by the hospital. Other than that, Egypt is one of the countries famous for live organ donar transplant, behind Turkey. Many Malaysians after high school are studying in Mansoura University because it’s cheaper compared to the medical private schools in Malaysia.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I was surprised people do smoke inside the hospital, this includes some doctors that I have seen smoking in one of the rooms outside the OT. Other than that, I was really happy to meet many friendly students studying in Mansoura University. They were so willing to lend a helping hand that they even gave us their contact numbers if we ever needed help and we have exchanged Instagram accounts to keep in touch. I had the chance to exchange information with some of the Malaysians studying medicine in Mansoura and get their insights about their experience studying in Egypt.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

I have observed many GIT procedures & have visualised live human anatomy better from the OT. This might not help me now but will surely make me a more experienced medical student. It is also my first time seeing an open surgery with all the organs coming out of the patient’s body, which in all honesty …. I did feel nauseated and sick from the sight but I have gotten used to it.

I can also drive a quad bike anywhere now !!!

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

It feels like it’s getting hotter day by day, which makes it very difficult to sleep. Since there is no AC and there is only 1 wall fan that does not rotate, me and Shrruti have been sleeping on the same bed every night. To the extend that we have to sleep without our shirts to avoid sweating and waking up in the middle of the night.

Other than that, we wash our clothes by hand everyday. It is tiring but it’s better than having to see a pile of stinky clothes in our room.

When I got sick at Dahab, I did not enjoy to the fullest. It got so bad because of the heat while we were beach hopping from morning till afternoon. We continued with the NF&D party at night but with no appetite I was eating yoghurt with biscuit and went to bed early.

It has also been difficult to communicate with the locals because Mansoura is not a famous place for tourist hence the locals don’t understand English unless they are young adults who may speak a bit of it. We used google translate to help us but it had its limitations, not every word could be translated perfectly into sentence.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

My plan is to learn and read Arabic, hence I have been learning Arabic from Duolingo. I would also like to walk around the streets of Mansoura and observe how the locals live and learn more about their lifestyle & culture.

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Shrruti A/P Suresh Kumar, A189624, 07/07/2024-13/07/2024

2. How is your progress?

We finally entered the hospital and met our Drs that will be teaching us for the next 3 weeks. We attended several OTs (namely, liver transplants, a whipple procedure for pancreatic tumour, right liver resection for liver hemangioma and primary biliary cholangitisand a right-sided colectomy for right ascending colon tumour. I have not viewed any of these procedures this close and the Drs were so nice to explain the procedure, step-by-step. I also saw a few endoscopy, colonoscopy and ERCP procedures. The Dr was able to showthe normal anatomy and pinpoint the abnormal sites to us. For the weekend, we had the national weekend in Dahab. All the incomings across Egypt gathered in Dahab and we participated in some extra fun activities. We saw a bunch of breathtaking views at the Red Sea, 3 Pools, Abu Galum, Blue Hole and the Blue Lagoon. We also went for the Bedouin Tawilat Mountain Party and saw so mamy traditional performances and fire shows. We also visited El-Mamsha, where we got many souvenirs in the local markets. On the last night, we had the National Food and Drinks Party (NFDP). All of us shared traditional food and snacks from each country and partied for some time.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

I learnt that adapting to new norms is not as easy as it seems. Normally, I go on holidays that last a week or so, and I can easily get back home to my usuals. But staying for so long in a foreign country which is far from home was getting kinda hard especially when I had to start going to the hospital in the mornings and to manage the sightseeing activities at nights. However, with a good bunch of friends, everything was manageable.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I am feeling very excited to visit more of the touristic spots around Egypt. The rich history of medicine here fascinates me, from ancient practices to modern innovations. Navigating cultural differences in healthcare has been challenging yet incredibly enlightening.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

One good thing from my exchange program in Egypt is that I can now practice a deeper cultural sensitivity and understanding in patient care, which helps me provide more compassionate and effective healthcare to diverse populations. This experience has also enhanced my ability to communicate effectively across language barriers and different cultural norms, fostering a more inclusive approach to medical practice. Overall, it has equipped me with invaluable skills to navigate and contribute positively in multicultural healthcare settings.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

During my exchange program in Egypt, one difficulty I faced was the language barrier, which sometimes made it challenging to fully understand patients' needs and medical histories or to navigate my way around the city. To cope with this, I relied on medical interpreters and learned basic Arabic phrases to facilitate communication. Additionally, navigating differences in healthcare practices and resources required adaptability and open-mindedness, which I developed through observation, asking questions, and seeking guidance from local healthcare professionals.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

Next week, my plan involves consolidating the knowledge and experiences gained from my exchange program in Egypt. I'll review my notes and reflections, organize my thoughts into a structured learning framework, and discuss key takeaways with my peers and mentors. Additionally, I aim to visit more areas around me in my free time and know about how the locals live around here