With the support of the Hanoon Foundation, Palestinian medical students gain invaluable clinical experience abroad. Ramez, a fifth-year medical student, recently completed a surgical elective at Oxford University Hospitals in August 2025.
The elective was transformative, giving him hands-on experience in surgery, strengthening his ambition to specialise in plastic surgery, and showing him the real impact of the speciality. A highlight was winning first prize in the OxPal Surgical Skills Competition, which he describes as “an honour that motivated me to keep striving for excellence.”
This experience inspired Ramez to bring back what he has learnt to serve his community in Palestine.
Check his full testimonial and photos below.
Testimonial
“My name is Ramez, a fifth-year medical student from Palestine. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support and for granting me the opportunity to take part in a two-week elective in surgery at Oxford University Hospitals.
This experience has been truly transformative. It was a unique journey, full of invaluable knowledge and exposure, which allowed me to broaden my medical understanding and skills. Most importantly, it gave me the chance to witness first-hand the field I aspire to pursue as my future speciality — plastic surgery. Over these two weeks, I was able to see the full picture of this speciality: the technical precision, the artistry, and the profound impact it has on patients’ lives.
In addition, during my elective course, I had the privilege of continuing the surgical skills competition with the OxPal team, where I was honoured to win first prize. This was a very rewarding and motivating experience, and I am especially grateful to the OxPal team for organising such enriching activities and competitions alongside the clinical learning.
This elective surgery course not only strengthened my determination to follow my dream but also inspired me to bring back what I have learnt to serve my community in Palestine. None of this would have been possible without your continuous dedication to supporting Palestinian medical students.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your belief in us and for investing in our future. Your generosity creates real opportunities for growth and development, and I am truly honoured to have been one of its beneficiaries. With sincere gratitude,
Ramez
Read more about the international training placement programme here