Thomas Davidson

Principally, I wanted to experience a healthcare system significantly different to the UK's, and to see how financial, logistical, and cultural barriers require a different approach to practising medicine. This also included seeing the diagnosis, management, and patient experience of conditions I would otherwise rarely see.

Nepal, in particular, is a unique country that combines environmental (e.g. high altitudes, rural villages) and cultural (e.g., homoeopathy, health beliefs, family roles) factors to create a fascinating healthcare microcosm.Bypassing the need to individually organise elective services independently meant that more time, effort and money could be directed towards making the most of our trip, as opposed to stressing about these things ourselves. 

Overall, the team made what should have been a logistical nightmare into a perfectly organised experience.

The house is big, and in a very safe area of Kathmandu. The gates and guards also help to reinforce the feeling of safety. The communal areas are spacious and comfortable, and there is an outside area to relax in. The bedrooms and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, and the staff are always lovely and very helpful. Living in the World the World house is a great experience.

Living in a house that’s exclusively for healthcare students offers ​excellent exposure to like-minded people studying in the same environment. Social gatherings such as Dhal Bhat night and BBQ night provided an excellent social catalyst, in which we made new friends and lifelong memories. 

Sean's visit for these nights was also a highlight, with him providing a continuous vector for conversation. 

The main difference between healthcare in Nepal and healthcare in the UK was: 

Local Healthcare system: 

• Paid services. Payment is a prerequisite to treatment, almost universally
• Family involvement in patient care
• DNACPR being family based decision
• Focus on theoretical knowledge over clinical knowledge

UK Healthcare system: 

• Healthcare services are paid for by the UK taxpayer, so no payment needed before treatment
• Patient care delivered only by healthcare professionals
• DNACPR is a clinical decision made by the healthcare team
• Focus on clinical knowledge over theoretical knowledge

Generally, in the evenings we would go sightseeing - this included walking around Thamel, visiting temples like Swayambhunath or Boudhanath Stupa, visiting museums (Narayanhiti Palace, National Museum) and other local landmarks (Sundarijal, Kopan Monastery).

On the weekends, we went on day trips to Pokhara and Chitwan National Park, or we went out clubbing / to sing karaoke in Thamel!

Work the World provided excellent housing, food, transport, advice, placement logistics and opportunities for reflection during this trip.

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