Dalia completed a six-month clinical elective across multiple specialities at Oxford University Hospitals, including Upper GI Surgery, Pediatrics, Cardiology, ENT, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Urology, and Orthopaedics.

“As a Gazan, in a system where healthcare is fragmented and under-resourced, this experience has profound significance.”

During her placements, she gained hands-on experience in patient examination, case discussions, surgical procedures, and multidisciplinary teamwork, strengthening her clinical foundation and inspiring her to improve pediatric and oncology care in Palestine.

Over six months, I rotated across multiple specialities within Oxford University Hospitals. My initial placement in Upper GI Surgery introduced me to ward rounds, multidisciplinary meetings, outpatient clinics, and major surgical procedures. This was followed by paediatrics under Dr Lucy Howarth, where I gained broad exposure to subspecialties including gastroenterology, oncology, endocrinology, and acute care, with emphasis on family-centred communication.

In cardiology, I participated in structured rotations through outpatient clinics (echo, arrhythmia, heart failure) and ward-based care of acute coronary syndromes and arrhythmias and observed percutaneous coronary interventions in the cath lab. My ENT and dermatology placements provided further insight into head and neck pathologies, surgical theatres, and dermatological procedures.

Orthopaedics offered a unique view of joint replacement, limb salvage, and diabetic foot care, emphasising teamwork across surgical and podiatric services. My time in ophthalmology was especially enriching, spanning subspecialties from vitreoretinal disease to inherited retinal disorders, with added exposure to laboratory-based research discussions. Finally, in urology, I attended theatres, ward rounds, and clinics.

These placements provided a rare opportunity to engage with a variety of clinical environments in a world-leading healthcare system. I developed practical skills in patient examination, case discussion, and evidence-based management. Observing high-level teamwork across departments reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary care. The broad exposure has strengthened my clinical foundation.

This experience also fulfilled the requirements of my fifth year of medical school, which concluded with the completion of both my theoretical and practical examinations at Oxford University Hospitals under the supervision of my home university, The Islamic University of Gaza, and volunteering medical staff at the NHS OUHs. The clinical exposure, combined with assessment, consolidated my progress towards advancement into my 6th and final year.

As a Gazan, in a system where healthcare is fragmented and under-resourced, this experience has profound significance. I witnessed how structured care pathways, multidisciplinary coordination, and patient-centred approaches improve outcomes in complex cases such as cancer, congenital conditions, and chronic diseases.

I aim to specialise in paediatrics with a special interest in paediatric oncology, driven by the lack of cancer care I witnessed in Gaza. My goal is ultimately to serve my Gazan community, who desperately deserve—but often lack access to—proper medical care. By applying the skills and lessons learned at Oxford, I hope to contribute to building stronger paediatric and oncology services in Palestine, while also mentoring peers to ensure sustainable improvements.e of the best hospitals in London. My gratitude goes to the UCLH departments and The Hanoon Foundation for facilitating this opportunity. This experience will make me a better doctor and one day help me make an impact on the healthcare system in Palestine.

Read more about the international training placement programme here