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

OxPal, a student-led organisation based in Oxford, hosted its second Oxford Summer School for Palestinian medical students. This two-week programme, which took place in September 2024, was specifically designed for fourth-year students preparing to embark on their first clinical year. This year, displaced Gazan medical students were also invited to participate in the summer school.

The students engaged in hands-on training, which included clinical skills sessions at the John Radcliffe Hospital’s skills lab and simulation training with Oxford Simulation, Teaching, and Research (OxSTaR). They attended seminars focusing on communication skills, medical ethics, and surgical techniques. Furthermore, observership contracts with Oxford University Hospitals enabled them to shadow doctors in various departments, including obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthetics, general medicine, and surgery.

FQMS/Hanoon has sponsored the OxPal Summer School 2024 for the displaced Gazan students, recognising that although this does not provide a long-term solution to their challenges, it will allow them to continue developing their clinical skills.

Please read the testimonial from Mohamed below.

This entire experience has been life-changing for me. From the moment I received the email confirming my fully funded scholarship to attend a two-week summer school at Oxford University, I felt as though I had been granted an incredible opportunity. It was hard to believe that I would be attending such a prestigious institution. The excitement was palpable as I navigated the visa application process, which was particularly challenging as it was my first time travelling outside Gaza and Egypt. After initial disappointment when my visa was refused, I was overjoyed to receive approval on my second attempt. The day I got my visa felt like a pivotal moment in my life, and I quickly called my family and friends to share the good news.

Travelling to the UK for the first time, I was overwhelmed with joy as I stepped into the airport and boarded the plane, feeling like the happiest person in the world. The journey from Egypt to the UK was filled with wonder, as I encountered a new culture with people from diverse backgrounds and languages. OxPal and FQMS made the transition seamless with their thoughtful arrangements and funding. From the airport to Oxford, we were well-guided, which alleviated much of the stress of travelling to a new country.

The culture in the UK was delightful, with everything meticulously arranged and an overall quiet atmosphere. The kindness of people, whether doctors or patients, made it easy to feel welcome. Whenever I needed assistance, I found that people were eager to help. The doctors generously shared their knowledge and experiences, enriching my understanding of medicine. During my time at the hospitals, particularly John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospital, I was amazed to witness firsthand some of the best healthcare practices in the world.

My placement in ENT with Dr. Lisa was particularly memorable. She was incredibly kind and supportive, taking the time to explain every detail about the patients and the rationale behind various procedures. It was my first experience interacting with patients in a clinical setting, and everything felt exciting. One of the most intriguing moments was when a female patient came into the clinic using an electrolarynx device. It truly demonstrated how medicine and doctors can profoundly change lives, especially for someone who has lost their ability to speak.

The organisation and cleanliness in the hospitals were impressive, with clear protocols in place for surgeries like tonsillectomies, which were performed efficiently using the latest technologies, achieving remarkable success rates. I was fortunate enough to connect with nearly every doctor I met during my journey. Their support was invaluable, and these connections will be beneficial for anyone looking to pursue elective courses or medical opportunities in the UK.

I am also incredibly grateful to the OxPal moderators like Khadija and Rafiah, as well as the FQMS team, who were the real heroes behind the scenes, ensuring everything went smoothly. Without their generous funding and support, I wouldn’t have had the chance to embark on such an enriching experience. This journey has reignited my passion for medicine after a year without formal education, and it has left me with a deep desire to continue my medical journey in the UK.

The experience has not only provided me with valuable medical knowledge but has also helped me grow as an independent individual in a new community. Although I have not had similar opportunities in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict, I now carry with me memories and connections that will stay with me for a lifetime. I cannot fully express my gratitude to OxPal and FQMS, especially Dr. Shereen, Khadija, Rafiah, and all the kind donors who made this incredible opportunity possible. This experience is something I will cherish and share for years to come.

Read more about the international training placement programme here