Background and Motivation

Hi there! My name is Daniela, and I'm a final-year graduate entry medical student at Warwick University. Though I was born in Colombia, I was raised in London, which has given me a diverse cultural background and a love for travel. Recently, my passion for medicine and exploring new places led me to an incredible experience in Hong Kong.

Last year, while visiting Hong Kong with a friend, I met an A&E consultant who kindly offered me the chance to shadow him. Though my initial visit was brief, we stayed in touch, and I later arranged to return for a more extended shadowing placement. With approval from my university, I spent an enriching week on the A&E ward, deepening my interest in emergency medicine.

Medical Placement Details and Routine

How long was your placement, and what was your role?

The placement lasted one week, during which I shadowed the consultant and other doctors on the ward.

Can you describe a typical day at the hospital?

Each day began at 9am when I changed into scrubs and joined the consultant for the morning ward round. We reviewed about 25 patients admitted over the past five days, adjusting medications and treatments as needed, and sometimes discharging patients. The efficiency of the team, thanks to the ample staff, was impressive.

The hospital environment was bustling with activity. The sight of doctors and nurses in motion, the sound of monitors beeping, and the constant flow of patients created a dynamic atmosphere. At midday, I had lunch and then spent the afternoon in the A&E department, mainly in the high dependency unit, observing the care of critically unwell patients. My day typically ended around 5pm.

Hong Kong Cultural and Professional Insights

How did working in a Hong Kong hospital differ from your previous experiences?

While the medical treatments were similar to those in the UK, the efficiency in Hong Kong was noteworthy, largely due to the higher staff-to-patient ratio. However, the language barrier posed a significant challenge, as most patients spoke only Cantonese. Communicating directly with patients was difficult, but I managed to interact effectively with the doctors, who all spoke English. I learned that medical education in Hong Kong is conducted in English, which facilitated our communication.

Were there any unique medical practices or techniques you encountered?

Although the practices were generally similar, the experience of observing how a high-volume emergency department operates with such efficiency was enlightening. The seamless coordination among the staff and the speed of patient processing were impressive.

Challenges and Learning

What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was the language barrier. Using a translation app was unprofessional, so I relied on the doctors for communication. This limited direct patient interaction, but I focused on learning through observation and discussion with the medical team.

What did you learn from this experience, both professionally and personally?

I learned that medical skills are universally valuable and can be applied anywhere in the world. The experience highlighted the vast opportunities available in international medical practice and inspired me to consider working abroad in the future. On a personal level, it reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability in healthcare.

Memorable Moments and Advice

Can you share a particularly memorable moment from your placement?

A particularly memorable moment was participating in CPR on a patient who went into cardiac arrest. The intense atmosphere, the coordinated efforts of the team, and the gravity of the situation made it an unforgettable experience, despite the patient not surviving. It underscored the critical nature of emergency medicine and the importance of every role in such scenarios.

What advice would you give to others considering an international medical placement?

I highly recommend international medical placements! Consider the language of the country to ensure you can fully engage with the experience. Be proactive and immerse yourself in every opportunity to learn. It’s also helpful to research the healthcare system and cultural norms beforehand to better understand the environment you'll be working in.

Future Plans

Do you plan to undertake more international placements in the future?

Absolutely! I love travelling and learning about different cultures and healthcare systems. Experiencing medicine in various countries can offer invaluable insights and enrich my practice as a future medical doctor.

I hope my journey inspires other medical students to explore international placements. The experience is both professionally and personally rewarding, offering a broader perspective on global healthcare practices.

View Daniella's Hong Kong TikTok here. PS. She's wearing our customers' favourite Koi Next Gen collection.