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

In September 2024, OxPal hosted its second Oxford Summer School for Palestinian medical students, focusing on fourth-year students, including those displaced from Gaza. The programme featured hands-on training at the John Radcliffe Hospital’s skills lab, simulation sessions with OxSTaR, and seminars on communication skills, medical ethics, and surgical techniques. Participants also shadowed doctors through observership contracts with Oxford University Hospitals. Sponsored by The Hanoon Foundation, the initiative aimed to support the clinical skills development of displaced Gazan students.

Testimonial:

As a medical student from Gaza entering my fourth year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend this two-week summer school at Oxford. This transformative experience was both academically and personally enriching.

I learned from experienced doctors, particularly during my placement in the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Unit with Dr. Michael Silva. The supportive team provided hands-on teaching and exposure to advanced medical concepts, significantly enhancing my clinical skills and boosting my confidence.

Beyond academics, I enjoyed exploring Oxford’s rich history and beautiful architecture. I immersed myself in local culture by visiting museums and gardens. A highlight was connecting with colleagues from the West Bank, sharing our passion for medicine and stories from home, and fostering strong friendships in a supportive environment.

This experience deepened my appreciation for global collaboration in healthcare and left me feeling empowered and more connected to my peers. I am immensely grateful to OxPal and FQMS for making this unforgettable opportunity possible, as it has been one of the most enriching periods of my academic journey.

Read more about the international training placement programme here