Rhona Loxton

I’m a fourth-year medical student at QUB, and as part of my medical elective, I undertook a four-week medical placement in Tanzania. 

I thought it would be a good opportunity to travel overseas, and I was keen to meet new people, explore Tanzania, and learn more about a totally different healthcare system. 

The hospital I was placed in was much bigger than I expected. The staff were so welcoming and helpful. I felt a bit nervous on my first day, but I enjoyed it once I got that out of the way. 

I spent two weeks in paediatrics and two weeks in O&G, mainly in theatres. I saw how the hospital teams communicated and managed patients with very complex diagnoses, I observed surgeries, attended ward rounds, and talked with local medical students about their experiences and med schools. I also had the opportunity to observe a number of interesting paediatric neurology cases on the ward. 

Patients in Tanzania have to pay for their hospital bills themselves. This means they present with much more advanced conditions than what I would see at home, it was eye-opening. 

Dar es Salaam is a great city. After placement, there is so much to do. I went on a walking tour of the city, visited local markets, went to beachside restaurants for dinner and drinks and often just chilled by the pool at the Work the World house. 

I would highly recommend this experience. You’ll see so many interesting cases and make lifelong friends.