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Date : 25th to 31st July 2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

The primary objective of my project was to gain knowledge about Egypt’s health system, its challenges and compare it with Malaysia’s.

Egypt and Malaysia share a similar burden of non-communicable diseases, with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung disease, and diabetes accounting for approximately 84% of total mortality in Egypt.

Regarding primary healthcare, Egypt has many private clinics even in urban areas like Mansoura. However, the overwhelming number of patients seeking care at government hospitals, such as Mansoura University Hospital (MUH), suggests a heavy reliance on public healthcare. This is evident in the daily sight of people waiting or sleeping outside the hospital. Similarly in Malaysia, majority of our citizens opt to get treatment in the government hospital due to its significantly low fees.

Mansoura's cleanliness is notably lower compared to other Egyptian cities I visited, such as Alexandria, Dahab, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Littered streets and the presence of beggars are common sights in Mansoura. I would assume the people in Mansoura are living in poverty as there are many women who begs in the streets while carrying their babies and children going around asking tourist for food and money.

MVA are common in both Malaysia and Egypt. However, road safety is a significant concern in Egypt. The absence of clear road markings and reckless driving behaviour were shocking to me when I first travelled from Cairo to Mansoura. Not to forget, children driving in impoverished areas, pose significant risks.

This brings me to question “how are Egyptians still living in this state and why”, “why are the government or people not doing anything about it”, or “why haven’t the people left and immigrate to somewhere better”

I’ve realised that the government have restrictive policies on travel. Even though they are under a democratic republican system, it is heavily controlled by their military. Moreover, Egyptians have restrictions with their passports as they can only travel to 70 countries without a visa. However, the Egyptian medical students who I have spoken with have plans to seek opportunities abroad. The educated ones wants change and to break free from the constraints of the government but the less educated ones are stuck living in an unhealthy environment under a corrupt governance.

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

Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and forging new friendships has been a satisfying and joyful experience. The conversation between them has broadened my perspective and enhanced my interpersonal skills.

Other than that,exploring Egypt's rich history that includes the ancient Egyptian mythology, and witnessing its unique landscapes, historical sites and mummies were truly captivating.

Last but not least, gaining firsthand experience in a healthcare setting, particularly observing skilled doctors at work, has been immensely inspiring and will undoubtedly motivate my future endeavours.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The living conditions in the Mansoura hostel presented several difficulties. The lack of air conditioning, washing machine, kitchen, the need to climb multiple flights of stairs daily, and the unclean surroundings were notable challenges.

However, these challenges are all learning experiences and as they say “what doesn’t break you makes you stronger”.

4. What has really worked?

What worked out was coming home to Malaysia in one piece. Because my family was not convinced that I will survive in another country by myself. Them being anxious and overprotective parents, were afraid I would be robbed or kidnapped for human trafficking, however none of that happened.

Overall, it was a great trip. I journeyed with an open mind without any high expectations. Hence, I fully appreciate the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I believe the Egyptian IFMSA committee could enhance the social programs by being more organised and providing the itinerary earlier with the price of the tourist attractions to gain trust from the incoming students.

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WERE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT FULFILLED

The objectives of the project were fulfilled in every aspect. My clinical exchange programme in PTE Clinical Centre provided a robust platform to apply many skills such as decision making, interpersonal communication and critical thinking. Being in an unfamiliar environment, I was frequently required to make informed decisions and communicate clearly with both peers and the healthcare workers there. Besides the hospital settings, the skills were applied in the daily life during my stay in Pécs for a month. These experiences enhanced my ability to manage learning outside the traditional campus setting and strengthen these important skills in real-world scenarios. I was also able to fullfil the tasks assigned to me responsibly, which involved understanding new healthcare system, engaging with the local medical personnels and adapting myself with the different setting. Thus experience fulfilled the objective and enriched my learning journey, and helped me to reflect in my growth in both professional competency and personal maturity.

WHAT HAVE I ENJOYED OR LIKED THE MOST IN THIS PROJECT

I was impressed when I learn that the students here were actively involved in patients' management such as administering drugs and doing certain procedures. I love the concept where the students and healthcare workers have mutual respect and they highly cooperate with each other in every way that is possible. I took the chance to scrub in and managed to perform my first suturing on real patient. Besides, I also performed urinary catheterization on patients multiple times in the last two weeks. These skills that have been practiced on mannequin has finally shifted to real patients, and I really enjoyed the experience. It was wonderful to feel how a healthcare personnel is doing things.

WHAT HAVE I FOUND CHALLENGING IN THIS PROJECT?

I found the language barrier challenging here. Although Hungary is an European country, however there are a lot of them only speak in native language. This includes in the hospital setting, hence it was quite hard to communicate when there are tasks to be performed. However, the people there were helpful and considerate, they tried their best to speak in English and used Google Translate when interacting with me. This gesture was really thoughtful and I appreciate them so much.

WHAT HAS REALLY WORK?

The elective posting in Hungary has provided me with exceptional clinical exposure and hands-on experience, which significantly contributed to my learning. I had the opportunity to assist in complex surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve replacement, which were invaluable for my clinical development. Moreover, being able to suture and perform urinary catheterization on real patients for the first time helped build my confidence and practical skills. The support and guidance I received from local students and healthcare staff were instrumental in overcoming the language barrier and navigating the unfamiliar environment. The mutual respect and cooperation between students and healthcare workers fostered a positive learning environment, enabling me to fully engage in patient care. This experience not only enhanced my clinical skills but also allowed me to grow personally by improving my decision-making, communication, and critical thinking abilities in a real-world setting.

WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED IN THIS PROJECT?

While the overall experience was highly beneficial, there are areas that could be improved to further enhance the learning process. One challenge I encountered was the lack of pre-surgical briefings, which sometimes left me uncertain about the procedures I was observing. Implementing a system where students are briefed before surgeries would provide better context and understanding, thereby maximizing the educational value of these observations. Additionally, the language barrier posed a significant difficulty, particularly in a medical setting. Although tools like Google Translate were helpful, offering basic Hungarian language lessons or ensuring more English-speaking staff are available could greatly improve communication. Finally, a more structured feedback from supervisors would be beneficial in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that students fully grasp the skills and knowledge required during the posting.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I learnt a lot about the healthcare system in Czech republic. It is somehow similar to Malaysia but I must say Malaysia still has the best healthcare system. I also made a lot of international friends which I believe would serve as bridge for future career. I met people from Lebanon, Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Portugal which I also learnt about their healthcare system. I also trained my critical thinking skill. As a first timer in Europe and in the Czech Republic which is not an English speaking country I felt challenging about the language part but luckily Google translate and Google map always come in handy and I manage to overcome most of the problems.

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

What I enjoyed the most is I am able to meet a lot of different people across the world and it really widens my horizons as well as change the way I see something. I really like it when all of us sit down together to talk about our own country. This is what I liked the most about the exchange. It is not just an exchange from academic aspect but also an exchange of culture.

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

Definitely language barrier. Czech republic is not a English speaking country so most of them don't speak English and if they do they have strong accent which took me a longer time to understand them. Due to this problem, I weren't able to assist in a lot of the surgery as they prefer to work with someone who understands them better and able to work faster. Although I tried to learn some common Czech words beforehand, of course it is not enough for the surgeries.

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

I think this project really provides a good platform for me to explore the culture of another country that is totally different from Malaysia. For instance, all the staff including doctors, medical students and nurses greet each other in the hospital no matter they know each other or not. It is really surprising to see that. The surgeons also allow students to assist them more than I thought. This is one thing that I think worked well.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I think if I was given the opportunity to explore different departments it would be better as I was assigned to the cardio-surgery department for 4 weeks but there were fewer surgeries than I thought. There were too many students at the time so I didn't really have much opportunity to observe from the best angle. Perhaps exploring different departments would be a better idea.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives were achieved beyond my expectations. Over the course of my four-week hospital attachment in Bangkok, I gained valuable experience and knowledge in the medical field and significant personal and professional growth. I could apply the theoretical knowledge I’ve learned in real-world scenarios, greatly enhancing my understanding and confidence in my medical abilities. Furthermore, I was exposed to diverse medical practices and patient care approaches, broadening my perspective and enriching my overall experience.

2. What did you enjoy or like most about the project?

What I liked most about the project was that it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. It gave me the opportunity to become a person I never imagined I could be. I went from always mingling with the same group of friends to forging amazing friendships with other students, doctors, and local people from diverse backgrounds, which has also been valuable for social networking. The friends I made here are wonderful, and I was deeply touched by the surprise birthday celebration they organized for me. The project also provided me with opportunities to challenge myself in new ways, such as navigating unfamiliar situations and adapting to different cultural norms. Additionally, this project sharpened my decision-making skills, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and independence, all of which are crucial for my future career.

3. What did you find challenging about this project?

The most challenging aspect of the project was the language barrier. Despite this being my eighth time in Bangkok, I assumed that most people could converse in basic English. However, I was mistaken, as my hospital was not located in the central tourist area of Bangkok. This made communication with patients and some hospital staff difficult at times, but it also pushed me to find creative ways to overcome the barrier, such as learning basic phrases in Thai and using translation apps. This challenge, although difficult, ultimately strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills.

4. What worked well in the project?

I think I managed to cope well with loneliness, as I was the only participant from Malaysia/Asia. I used my alone time to reflect, get to know myself better, and engage in activities I love, such as reading and exploring coffee shops. This solitude provided me with a unique opportunity to grow emotionally and mentally, as I learned to rely on myself and embrace new experiences independently. Adapting to a new environment was not as difficult as I anticipated; it took less than a week for me to feel completely comfortable and familiar with the place. I also found that the support from the local students and hospital staff helped ease the transition, as they were welcoming and eager to assist whenever needed.

5. What could be improved in this project?

I wish there had been more programs organized by the Local Officers. The only time we gathered together was during the first week for a short meeting and dinner, and that was it. There was no final gathering with the local students, which I believe would have been a valuable opportunity to reflect on our experiences and strengthen the bonds we had formed. We had to organize our own National Food and Drink Party to bring everyone together, but unfortunately, the other local students couldn’t attend. More structured social and cultural activities would have greatly enhanced the experience, providing us with more opportunities to interact, share experiences, and learn from each other outside of the hospital setting.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes. I acquired sufficient knowledge about healthcare in a multicultural setting and widen my viewpoints on healthcare matters. I was also able to learn the basic epidemiology, primary health priorities and global health concerns unique to Egypt, drawing comparisons with the circumstances to Malaysia.

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

I loved the fact that my tutors were very dedicated to teach me throughout the exchange period. They made sure that I was informed about each procedure that I was viewing and were always ready to answer any queries. I also enjoyed all of the social programs that were planned. Seeing the pyramids made me feel like a child again.

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

The hardest part of this exchange would be keeping up with all the activities planned. We had a packed-up schedule and very less time to rest and recharge which led to many days with zero energy.

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

Adding social programs to the project really boosted my energy. I realise that if I had to spend one month in a foreign country repeatedly visiting the hospital and reviewing cases, I would not have enjoyed the process. The presence of both the educational aspect of the exchange and the bits where we were allowed to tour around the country made this project amazing.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Although I am glad that there were social programs, I was not satisfied that there was no balance between both aspects. There was very little structure in terms of planning and scheduling, which resulted in last minute informing and troubled me in terms of packing and spending my money. I hope that the committee in Mansoura, Egypt can find a way to deal with this problem to provide a better experience for the future incomings.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes. I believe the objectives of this project have been fulfilled.

In regards to the first objective, Egypt’s healthcare system is similar to Malaysia’s in that both have a government-subsidised sector as well as a private, self-funded sector.  The patient load in the government sector is high leading to most patients opting for the private sector. However, access to healthcare is not fairly distributed in Egypt. In a rural town such as Beni Suef, there is a notable lack of access to primary health-care clinics. The lack of clinics for early intervention coupled with low health literacy and high sugar consumption significantly contributed to the country’s disease burden, diabetes. Nearly 90% of patients we saw at the outpatient clinic were diabetic patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

My time in Egypt has truly allowed me to grow and blossom as an individual. Living independently showed me how to be self-reliant in managing my day-to-day tasks. This included cooking and managing my finances. This proved to be a tough feat as I also had to juggle language barriers. Egypt comes with its own cultures and social customs which I was able to integrate to. As time went by, I found talking and communicating with Egyptians to be seamless.

Making new relationships was a central theme during this trip. Upon arriving in Egypt, I was able to make a new friend. Mina, a physical therapist student from Qatar. We talked and laughed while we waited in line for immigration. This openness continued throughout my stay. Befriending and connecting with  the other medical students as well as the doctor and nurses at the healthcare centre. By the end of my four weeks, saying farewell to all of them left me feeling emotional. The experiences we shared together made me appreciate each and everyone.

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

What I enjoyed the most about this project was the relationship fostered with all the individuals I met throughout my stay. Firstly, my lovely group of girls in Beni Suef. Their support was invaluable, especially when I fell Ill, checking in on me and making sure I was okay. Our shared experiences, road tripping, arguing with taxi drivers, getting held up at checkpoints, riding ATVs, climbing deserts, allowed us to bond over both the joys and challenges.Being a part of such a supportive and caring group made me enjoy my time here.

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

The most challenging thing about this project was being placed in a remote village. Beni Suef is nothing like Cairo, Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam.There were times we would get power outages. We would be left in the sweltering heat for hours at a time. Uber also is not a thing in Beni Suef, so we had to get taxis the old-fashion way. There were also no supermarkets and not many restaurants. Yes it was challenging but it taught me the most about adapting to changing and being self-reliant.

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

Blissful ignorance was surprisingly beneficial for me. Before coming here, I did not do in-depth background checks on Egypt. This helped me maintain an open mind and avoid preconceived biases or prejudices. As a result, I was less anxious about my trip and more open to coming here. Social media often portrays Egypt in a negative light but my personal experience was the opposite. Given the chance, I would hop on a plane to Egypt and do this all over again without hesitation.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I think the structure of this exchange could be improved. One key area for improvement would be to provide the students with a rough schedule. Often, our person-in-charge would only provide the plan for the upcoming week one day in advance. This left us uncertain and unprepared at times. They lack foresight in planning despite organising exchanges every month. Thus, a schedule would have helped me prepare better.

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Assalamualaikum & hi everyone!

It’s the final week! Congratulations everyone, you all deserve a pat on the back for making your project possible!

Please write, upload lots of pictures & videos in this final Padlet =)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

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

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

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

5. What can be improved in this project?

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were definitely met. I deepened my medical knowledge through direct observation and hands-on experiences in various surgeries and clinical settings. The chance to interact with esteemed surgeons like Dr. Ashraf and his team was invaluable. I learned practical skills and techniques that will be beneficial in my future medical career. Besides, by exploring local health concerns, especially around vascular and diabetic care, I got the inside scoop on what are Egypt's health concerns. It was a great way to compare notes with Malaysia and see how we all tackle similar challenges in our own unique ways.

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

The best part of this project is the amazing friendships I forged along the way. Despite our diverse backgrounds and languages, we became a close-knit group, sharing both our triumphs and struggles. The camaraderie we developed was evident in every shared meal, every late-night chat about homesickness and every spontaneous birthday celebration. From tackling power outages together to navigating Cairo’s bustling streets, these experiences created bonds that I will cherish forever. Saying goodbye was tougher than I expected—I never thought I’d get teary-eyed saying goodbye but there I was, fighting back the tears when we parted ways in Cairo.

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

The language barrier was a real adventure in itself. Communicating with locals in Arabic was like playing charades—fun but a bit confusing. Thankfully, our trusty translator apps and local friends came to the rescue.

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

Adapting quickly to new environments and situations proved to be crucial. Embracing the local culture, learning to communicate despite language barriers, and being flexible with our schedules all contributed to a successful experience. This adaptability allowed me to maximize my learning and make the most out of both clinical and social opportunities.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One area for improvement would be on balancing clinical attachments with social activities. IFMSA Egypt could create better schedules for the social trips and prepare a much detailed and comprehensive itinerary so there will be ample time for both professional learning and cultural exploration. This would definitely enhance the overall experience of the student exchange.