Zainab participated in the Oxford Summer School in Medical Education, gaining extensive clinical and surgical training, developing essential skills in patient communication, history-taking, and practical procedures, and benefiting from mentorship and guidance by senior doctors.

“This experience was not just a training course but a life-changing journey.”

Check her photos and testimonial below.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The Hanoon Foundation for their generous support and sponsorship, which made my participation in the Oxford Summer School in Medical Education possible. Without their kind assistance, this invaluable opportunity would not have been attainable. Their dedication to supporting Palestinian medical students is truly inspiring, and I am deeply honoured to have been one of the beneficiaries of their generosity.

My Experience
My participation in this programme was a true turning point in my academic and medical journey. It was not only about acquiring new knowledge but also about transforming the way I think, motivating me to aspire to goals much greater than I had ever imagined. Today, I dream of pursuing additional training opportunities and elective courses at Oxford or other prestigious institutions, with a renewed awareness of my ability to advance and compete on a global level.

On the academic and professional side, my clinical skills improved significantly. I learned structured history-taking, effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds, and mastered a range of clinical examinations including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological assessments. I also trained in vascular and breast examinations, as well as the systematic A–E assessment (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure). In addition, I gained hands-on experience in measuring vital signs, practising phlebotomy techniques using different methods, and maintaining the highest standards of hand hygiene and safety at every step.

From a surgical perspective, the Summer School provided me with a solid foundation in practical skills. I was trained in basic laparoscopic skills, hand-tying, and subcuticular suturing such as the Aberdeen knot. I also practised excision and closure of skin lesions and became familiar with different suturing techniques, including vertical and horizontal mattress sutures and buried dermal sutures. These experiences increased my confidence in handling both basic and advanced surgical procedures, while deepening my understanding of wound healing and safe surgical practice.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the programme was my clinical placement at John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford. I joined the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, where I received exceptional guidance and support from consultants and doctors. I engaged in case discussions, developed my clinical reasoning skills, and learned how to formulate effective management plans. I also gained insight into the importance of maintaining a clinical logbook for reflection and tracking academic and professional growth.

Practically, I had the chance to observe diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, learn about the role of radiology in endoscopic procedures, and understand the application of Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in managing gastrointestinal bleeding. Furthermore, I gained deeper knowledge of ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) in diagnosing and managing biliary obstructions. These experiences not only improved my technical understanding but also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex cases such as chronic liver disease and gastrointestinal cancers.

Beyond the academic and clinical exposure, the programme enriched me on a personal level through networking and cultural exchange. I met students and doctors from all over the world, which broadened my academic and cultural horizons. Meeting fellow Palestinian students from the West Bank was especially meaningful, as this opportunity allowed me to connect with peers I would not have been able to meet otherwise. These professional and human connections will serve as a foundation for future collaborations and knowledge exchange.

The city of Oxford itself was an endless source of inspiration. I was truly impressed by its breathtaking beauty, its long-standing academic tradition, and its vibrant atmosphere that combines history with innovation. Simply walking through its historic streets and feeling the presence of knowledge in every corner was enough to ignite within me a stronger drive for excellence and ambition. I left Oxford carrying not only knowledge but also the dream of a brighter future.

This experience was not just a training course, but a life-changing journey—a journey that combined knowledge and skills, human connections, and academic inspiration. I would like to renew my deep gratitude to The Hanoon Foundation for their generous support, which made this opportunity possible. What I have gained here will remain a cornerstone in my medical journey and a strong motivation to continue seeking greater opportunities, whether through electives, clinical training, or future research.

I sincerely hope that this support will continue in the future, enabling me to participate in additional courses and training programmes that will further enhance my skills and allow me to contribute more effectively to my community and to the advancement of medicine in Palestine.

Sincerely,
Zainab
4th-year Medical Student

Read more about the international training placement programme here