OxPal’s Summer School for Palestinian Medical Students – September 2024

OxPal, a student-led organisation in Oxford, hosted its second Oxford Summer School for Palestinian medical students in September 2024. This two-week programme was aimed at fourth-year students preparing for their first clinical year and included displaced Gazan medical students.

Participants engaged in hands-on training at the John Radcliffe Hospital‘s skills lab and simulation sessions with Oxford Simulation, Teaching, and Research (OxSTaR). They also attended seminars on communication skills, medical ethics, and surgical techniques and shadowed doctors in various departments through observership contracts with Oxford University Hospitals.

FQMS/Hanoon sponsored the OxPal Summer School 2024 for the displaced Gazan students, recognising that while this does not solve their long-term challenges, it supports their clinical skills development.

Please see Dana’s testimonial below.

My experience with OxPal began when I received the news of my acceptance into the OxPal summer course after a year of interrupted education due to the war. This was a turning point in my life, as I chose this course because one of my dreams has always been to visit the universities and hospitals of Oxford. However, as a Gazan, this dream of travelling seemed impossible.

When I discovered this course, which focuses on clinical skills preparation, I felt it was my chance to escape the hardships and challenges I had been facing and to remember that I am still a medical student. It helped reignite my passion for medicine.

The visa process was extremely difficult, but when I finally received approval for my UK visa, I felt an unparalleled joy. Travelling, especially obtaining a visa, is nearly impossible for a Gazan. The arrangements afterwards were smooth, thanks to the incredible support I received from the OxPal and FQMS teams. They assisted us with the visa, travel tickets, and accommodation, and they never left us alone throughout the process.

It was a perfect experience and adventure. This was my first time travelling outside of Gaza, my first time on a plane, and everything felt like a dream or a fantasy. The entire journey was made possible by the support of FQMS, which covered all the travel and accommodation expenses and supported me every step of the way.

I learned surgical skills from expert doctors, including suturing and practising with surgical tools. This course significantly enhanced my medical knowledge and influenced my future plans.

The highlight of the course was visiting hospitals. I visited John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals, and one of the most memorable moments was attending surgical operations for the first time, wearing scrubs and observing an umbilical hernia surgery under the supervision of a skilled doctor. I was amazed by the doctor’s expertise throughout the surgery, and when the operation ended, I discovered that the surgeon was Palestinian from Gaza, which filled me with immense pride.

This experience was not only enriching academically but also deeply human. The doctors treated us with great respect and professionalism, answering any questions we had. I also had the privilege of meeting and interacting with doctors from different nationalities, which broadened my horizons and made me feel part of a global medical community.

This experience not only benefited me medically but also played a significant role in my personal growth on a social level. I had the chance to make new friends from different nationalities and cultures, and together, we explored the beautiful city of Oxford. It was an incredible experience in a city filled with tranquillity and natural beauty, one that I will remember for the rest of my life. None of this would have been possible without your support, which gave me this wonderful opportunity.

This course had a tremendous impact on my psyche, as I was eager to learn everything new. It opened new doors for me and reignited my dreams and aspirations for the future.

Based on this experience, I hope to have another opportunity to study and visit the universities and hospitals of Oxford again.

Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to travel, register for this course, or achieve any of my dreams. The support I received from FQMS was key to the success of this journey and making it a reality.

I cannot fully express my gratitude to OxPal and FQMS for making this dream possible. Without their continued support, I would not have been able to travel, enrol in this course, or achieve any of my aspirations. Thanks to their financial and logistical support, I was able to experience a rewarding journey, both personally and professionally.

A special thanks to the OxPal and FQMS teams for everything they did for me. This experience has been a turning point in my life, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to making this dream come true.

Thank you.

Read more about the international training placement programme here