Name: Adam Iskandar

Matric No: A195840

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, my objectives were fully achieved:

• I gained hands-on clinical experience by observing surgeries like arthroscopies, guided growth, and ACL reconstructions. I also joined newborn hip screening sessions, where my supervisor personally taught me how to use ultrasound to check for hip dysplasia.

• I developed my cross-cultural communication and adaptability by working in a Portuguese-speaking hospital and living with students from many different backgrounds. I made new friends with 32 medical students from all over the world, including Europe, South America, Latin America, and South Asia. It was amazing to learn how different healthcare systems work, and to hear about everyone’s unique upbringing.

• I was able to compare the healthcare systems in Portugal and Malaysia. The work culture here is more relaxed, and I noticed the doctor-patient relationship is less rushed. It gave me a new way of looking at hospital life and patient care.

  
  

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

• What I enjoyed most was the people, both in the hospital and among the exchange students. Everyone was kind, welcoming, and willing to teach and share. It was such a rare and meaningful experience to spend a month with 32 students from different parts of the world. I loved hearing about their cultures and experiences in medicine. I did feel a little sad in the final week. I think it is funny how quickly people can become part of your daily life. You grow close, and then suddenly it’s time to say goodbye, not knowing if your paths will ever cross again. It’s a hard feeling, but it also shows how special this whole experience has been.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

• The language barrier was one of the biggest challenges, especially when talking to older patients who didn’t speak English. I had to use simple Portuguese phrases, hand gestures, and pay close attention to understand what was going on.

• Another challenge was adjusting to the food. While the hospital provided lunch, it wasn’t always enough. Sometimes I felt like I wasn’t eating enough because I walked a lot, 30 minutes to the hospital each day, and more when exploring the city. I needed more carbs just to keep my energy up.

  
  

4. What has really worked?

• The hospital placement worked really well. The doctors and staff were all welcoming and kind, and they made me feel like part of the team. My supervisor explained things clearly and gave me chances to observe closely and ask questions.

• The social activities organized by the local IFMSA team also helped a lot. Things like the welcome dinner and weekend trips helped us bond quickly and made the month feel even more enjoyable and connected.

• Another thing that worked well was the peer support among exchange students. Even though we came from different countries, we helped each other settle in, share resources, and figure things out together whether it was how the hospital system worked or where to buy groceries. The whole experience felt less overwhelming because we weren’t alone.

5. What can be improved in this project?

• A short introductory Portuguese session on basic medical terms and patient phrases would really help new students during their first week in clinics.

• It would be great to have a hospital schedule or timetable in advance, so we can plan which clinics or surgeries we want to attend.

• I also think a “buddy system” would be helpful. For example, pairing each exchange student with a local intern or junior doctor who can check in regularly, answer questions, and help us settle in during the first week.

Matrics no: A185503

Date: 28/7/2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of this project were not only fulfilled, but they exceeded my expectations in many ways. Clinically, I came here hoping to gain exposure to Gastroenterology in a European healthcare setting, particularly in a centre of excellence like Borgo Roma Hospital. I was able to observe various procedures, follow cases of complex pancreatic and liver diseases, and learn from experienced consultants despite the language barrier.

But on a deeper, more personal level, one of my main goals was to learn about myself. I had never lived this far from my family before, the furthest being Indonesia. Therefore, coming all the way to Italy, and staying there alone, was a huge step. I wanted to know how I would live, grow, and mingle around independently in a completely new environment. And I did just that.

During just two weeks in Verona, I discovered so many new versions of myself. I learned that I could be resourceful, brave, social, and even humorous in the most unexpected situations. I formed meaningful connections with people I had never met before, strangers who quickly became friends in a matter of days. These friendships and the independence I gained have shaped me for the better, and I return from this exchange more confident, self-aware, and inspired.

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

There are so many aspects of this journey that I’ve truly enjoyed. First, the opportunity to travel to this part of the world has been nothing short of a dream. Travelling to Europe has always seemed out of reach to me—it’s expensive, far, and unfamiliar. But I’ve always admired its beauty through pictures and videos online. To finally see places like Verona, Florence, Venice, and the Italian countryside with my own eyes was breathtaking. The buildings, the history, the food—it was everything I imagined and more.

I also enjoyed witnessing the differences in work culture between Italy and Malaysia. Here in Verona, I found the doctors and staff to be incredibly warm and welcoming. There was a sense of camaraderie during coffee breaks, where learning didn’t stop but continued in more relaxed, human conversations. Being included in those moments made me feel like I belonged, and I cherished that.

But perhaps what I loved the most was forming friendships across borders—laughing with medical and non-medical students from all over the world, hearing their stories, learning about their lives, and feeling like I was part of something much bigger than myself. Although I flew back earlier than planned, I will continue these friendships through social media.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

One of the most challenging aspects was definitely the language barrier. Being unable to understand or interact freely with patients and healthcare staff made me feel quite limited, especially since I’m used to clerking and having meaningful conversations with patients back home. There were moments during ward rounds when I felt a bit lost, especially when long discussions were held in Italian.

Another big challenge was adjusting to the physical environment—specifically, the intense summer heat in Verona. Coming from Malaysia, I thought I was used to hot weather, but the dry, oppressive heat here, coupled with the absence of a fan or AC in the dorm, made sleeping and resting extremely uncomfortable in the first few days.

Lastly, the emotional challenge of being far from home, alone in a foreign country, dealing with daily tasks and safety concerns, was difficult at times. But every challenge taught me something new about resilience.

4. What has really worked?

One thing that worked exceptionally well was the support I received from IFMSA, especially from my contact person, Ruxanda. She didn’t just help with logistics; she truly looked out for me. She guided me on my first day at the hospital, made sure I settled in comfortably, and even accompanied me on walks back to my dorm at night when I was afraid to walk alone. Before I left Verona, she personally sent me off at the train station—something I’ll never forget. Her kindness and reliability made a world of difference in how I adjusted to life here.

Clinically, the approachability of the doctors also worked well. They made time to teach me, include me in discussions, and engage in light conversations over coffee. It made the hospital environment feel both professional and human.

5. What can be improved in this project?

In terms of the program, some improvements could be made to support students who face a language barrier, perhaps through a buddy system or brief daily English summaries of the ward rounds to reinforce learning.

On a personal level, one thing I could improve is how I handle uncertainty or discomfort. During my first few days, especially when dealing with the heat and the language barrier, I found myself getting overwhelmed easily. I’ve realised that I tend to retreat inward when things get hard, rather than immediately asking for help or sharing how I feel. Moving forward, I want to be more open in communicating when I need support, and to trust that people around me, whether friends, mentors, or strangers, are often willing to help if I just reach out.

Matric number: A196449

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I truly believe that the objectives of this project were not only fulfilled, but exceeded my expectations. From a professional surgical exchange perspective, I was fortunate to be exposed to a variety of surgical procedures ranging from complex oncological resections like right hemicolectomy and autogenous grafting, to more routine yet essential surgeries like hernioplasty and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. I also had the opportunity to assist in surgery and take part in surgical workshop that allowed me to practice suturing, laparoscopic skills, and trauma triage — this hands-on component truly enriched my experience.

On the cultural exchange side, this experience was deeply fulfilling. I got myself 35 new friends from Poland, Mexico, Spain, Jordan, and more, and these connections helped me learn not just about medicine but about people, language, customs, and perspectives. Living and studying in a foreign country, even just for a short time, gave me a deeper understanding of how cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness play a role in becoming a compassionate and adaptable doctor.

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

What I enjoyed the most, without a doubt, was the deep and meaningful friendships I formed — especially with my housemates, Elvira from Spain, Victoria and Carlos from Mexico. Living under the same roof and sharing daily moments made us very close. We cooked together, celebrated birthdays, laughed at small things, and went on weekend trips — these memories are some of the most valuable parts of this exchange for me. These friendships made Poland feel like home and reminded me how human connection is just as powerful a learning experience as anything clinical.

At the hospital, I also truly appreciated the relationship I built with the surgeons in my department, particularly Dr. Lukasz, my supervisor. Despite the language barrier, he and the rest of the surgical team were always patient, kind, and eager to teach. They made the effort to include me in discussions, explain procedures, and offer hands-on learning when possible. I felt welcomed and respected as part of the team, which boosted my confidence and made my time in the OT both educational and fulfilling. Their professional attitude, teaching spirit, and warm approach left a lasting impression on me — something I am looking forward in my own career.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier, particularly in clinical settings where medical discussions and patient interactions were often in Polish. At first, I found it hard to follow ward rounds or understand patient histories. It was intimidating, especially being the only incoming student posted at the hospital. However, I gradually adapted by asking for help when needed, learning useful phrases, and relying on kind Polish students and doctors who went out of their way to translate and explain.

Another challenge was dealing with occasional feelings of loneliness and unfamiliarity, especially during my solo trip to Warsaw and when my friends are leaving one by one as I am the only person that stay until July 31st. The quietness that followed was difficult, but it became a chance for self-reflection and personal growth. I learned to embrace solitude, stay connected with friends virtually, and find comfort in small daily routines — a valuable lesson in resilience and independence.

4. What has really worked?

The structure of the surgical attachment worked very well as the team was organised, welcoming, and I really enjoyed the flexibility in the hospital. I appreciated how I could join ward rounds, observe surgeries, and attend outpatient clinics. The workshop by MedEx was another great initiative that added depth to the learning experience.

On the social side, what really worked was the informal bonding with other exchange students. Rather than having everything overly structured, we had the freedom to plan our own trips, share meals, and organise gatherings with incoming students from other cities. This balance of academic and social freedom allowed genuine friendships to flourish. Also, having housemates who shared the same excitement and curiosity for learning made the entire experience more enjoyable and meaningful. We supported each other emotionally and academically, and those shared experiences created strong bonds that I know will last beyond this elective.

5. What can be improved in this project?

While my overall experience was very positive, a few areas could be improved. Firstly, a more detailed orientation or guided hospital tour at the start of the posting would have helped, especially regarding hospital expectations, daily schedules, and contacts. Even a short introduction to the Polish healthcare structure or basic hospital logistics could have made the transition smoother.

Secondly, I also feel that having some basic knowledge of Polish before coming would have helped me communicate better with patients and follow clinical discussions more effectively. Even simple phrases would have made a big difference in making me feel more included and confident during ward rounds.

Lastly, it would be nice if the project could offer a variety of departments. I was mostly attached to general surgery, and while I gained a lot, it would have been great to rotate through other surgical specialties like urology, vascular, or orthopaedics for broader exposure.

Matrics no: A195326

Date: 29th August 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives were fulfilled. My goal was to observe cardiac surgeries that I would not be able to observe back in Malaysia. I was also able to clear out all of my doubts by asking questions to the lead surgeon. Besides that, I also get to expand my social circle.

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

I enjoyed my time bonding with the other exchange students who were from Morocco, Italy, Malta, Turkey and Indonesia. Although we were a small group of 8, we tried to make the most of it. For the past weeks, we had been going to the hospital together and we had lunch together. Seeing as we are foreign students, we tried to stick together for most of the time. We had various activities done to strengthen our bonds like going on trips to other cities in Poland and also dinners together. The contact persons who were with us throughout the 4 weeks were also really fun and so welcoming to us. 

I also enjoyed my time in the hospital despite not learning much. It was interesting to see the contrast between Malaysian and Polish hospitals. There were two doctors who spoke excellent English and they were very passionate in teaching us and those simple interactions made me more motivated to learn about Cardiac Surgery.

Lastly, I enjoy it the most when friends from different countries come together and share their cultures. When I described Malaysia to my friends from Europe, they were amazed and intrigued by what Malaysia has to offer. They are also very eager to visit Malaysia after listening to my descriptions of Malaysia.

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

Language barrier. I had tried my best to communicate with Polish people but not all of them know English. Especially for the elders, some were acting mean to foreigners who could not understand Polish language. However, I remind myself that l am visiting their country and I should respect their native language. So, I would use either gestures or Google Translate to communicate with them. But most of the younger generation knew how to speak English so they would help us out whenever we couldn’t understand.

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

I think the dynamic of my friends worked very well, especially whenever we were faced with any hardships, we would work together and solve it. Communication is key when it comes to establishing a strong friendship to overcome obstacles together. Besides, the outings and activities planned by the person in charge are all very interesting and informative.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I think the IFMSA committee should prioritise English speaking countries or hospitals as it would make the whole learning experience much better. In terms of self improvement, I would like to be more active in terms of getting involved in the exchange. I would like to volunteer more often in the operating theatre so that I can get the opportunity to scrub in and learn more in the process.

Yes, the objectives were largely fulfilled. I gained hands-on experience by inserting a laryngeal mask for the first time on a real patient, observed emergency surgeries such as wrist nerve and tendon repairs, and enhanced my presentation skills by sharing information about endemic diseases from my home country. The project provided a well-rounded clinical and cultural learning experience.

2. What Have You Enjoyed or Liked the Most About the Project?

I especially enjoyed the practical experience in the operating room, particularly inserting the laryngeal mask, which boosted my confidence in airway management. The emergency surgery observations were highly educational, showcasing real-life application of surgical and anesthetic skills. I also appreciated the multicultural environment where I could interact with peers from different countries and learn from their perspectives.

3. What Have You Found Challenging About This Project?

The most challenging part was performing procedures on real patients for the first time, which required overcoming nervousness and ensuring patient safety. Additionally, communicating effectively in a multilingual environment sometimes posed difficulties, especially during fast-paced clinical situations.

4. What Has Really Worked? (Any Part in the Project That You Thought Worked Well)

The hands-on approach combined with close supervision worked very well. Having supervisors guide me during procedures and being encouraged to actively participate helped solidify my learning. The presentations also fostered a supportive environment for cultural exchange and broadened everyone’s understanding of global health issues.

5. What Can Be Improved in This Project?

The project could benefit from more structured feedback sessions after clinical activities to help students better identify areas for improvement. Additionally, incorporating more language support or brief communication workshops could help overcome language barriers and improve teamwork in multilingual settings.

Matric No: A195284

Date: 29th august 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

The objectives of the project were successfully fulfilled. I was able to gain valuable clinical exposure through hands-on practice and by observing a wide range of surgical procedures, CABG, AVR, VSD repair, as well as orthopaedic surgeries such as knee replacement and hip relocation. Beyond the clinical aspect, I benefited greatly from the cross-cultural exchange with international medical students. This exposure allowed me to critically compare and contrast the healthcare systems in Malaysia and Poland. Additionally, I developed an appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds while also learning to live independently in a European country. The opportunity to travel around Europe further enriched the experience, allowing me to enhance both my cultural awareness and personal growth.

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

What I enjoyed most about the project was the opportunity to explore the world in both a clinical and cultural sense. I found great value in forming friendships and building networks with students from different parts of the world. Despite our diverse cultural and personal backgrounds, we bonded through simple but meaningful activities such as laughing together, cooking, and sharing time outside the hospital. These experiences created strong and lasting relationships, particularly with students from Morocco, Italy, Malta, Turkey, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Mexico. I also enjoyed trying new foods, which not only broadened my culinary experiences but also deepened my understanding of local culture. Furthermore, the project gave me the confidence to communicate in new languages and step outside my comfort zone, which contributed significantly to my personal development.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most significant difficulty was the language barrier, as many doctors and hospital staff were not fluent in English. This sometimes limited my ability to fully understand medical discussions and procedures. In daily life, I often had to rely on gestures and non-verbal communication to interact with shopkeepers and strangers, and frequently needed to translate information into English. Another challenge was the difficulty in locating halal food, which required extra effort and adjustment. Additionally, I was unprepared for the unexpectedly cold weather in Poland, even during the summer months, as I had initially assumed the climate would be warm. I didn't bring any warm clothes there and I had to buy new jacket

4. What has really worked?

Observing cardiovascular surgeries in the operating theatre was a remarkable and invaluable experience that level up my clinical learning. The bonding and teamwork among fellow international students also worked well, as we supported one another academically, socially, and even in planning trips together. The person-in-charge in Poland was exceptionally welcoming and supportive, which made my stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

5. What can be improved in this project?

It would be more effective if IFMSA partnered with hospitals where English is more commonly spoken, as this would allow international students to engage more deeply with clinical teaching and discussions. Furthermore, making the duration of the program longer would provide participants with more time for clinical exposure as well as cultural immersion, thereby maximizing both professional and personal development. There wasn't enough time spending with my friends, all we do was crying on our last day in Lublin