Omar, a medical student from Al-Quds University, completed his pediatric elective in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. During his rotation, he gained hands-on experience in patient care, physical examinations, history taking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while becoming familiar with electronic medical records and the American healthcare system. This experience strengthened his clinical skills, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered approach, preparing him to contribute to pediatric care and medical education in Palestine.
“This elective has expanded my clinical perspective and deepened my commitment to improving pediatric healthcare for children in Palestine.”
Check the photos and testimonial below.
I was able to conduct many physical examinations and history taking. I also observed many cases in the paediatric population over the course of the month of August. The doctor was an amazing help to me in the medical field. She gave me full responsibility for caring for the patients under her supervision. I observed and participated in patient care under the supervision of experienced physicians. I gained hands-on exposure to the American healthcare system, familiarised myself with electronic medical records (EMRs), and developed clinical reasoning, patient communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. This experience will help me reach my goal of finding a match in the US medical system.
This experience has strengthened my clinical acumen, sharpened my diagnostic approach, and broadened my perspective on patient-centred care. Exposure to diverse patient populations and a high standard of care has prepared me to thrive in a rigorous residency programme. It also taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning, which are critical to excelling in medical training. The knowledge and skills I gained will allow me to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare delivery in Palestine. By integrating global standards of care and quality improvement strategies, I hope to help bridge gaps in medical education and clinical practice. I hope to implement sustainable healthcare initiatives, mentor future physicians, and advocate for evidence-based, patient-focused care in under-resourced settings.
Being a paediatrician has been a goal for me for more than a year. Finding a residency and completing my education is a high priority for me, and this grant will help in doing that. I plan on returning to Palestine after my residency, opening a primary health-care clinic for children, and working in a reputable hospital in the West Bank. Many towns are lacking these kinds of clinics, and I am hoping to fill these gaps, however I can, in the near future. I expect you to help me in this endeavour, and I will be very grateful in turn, as will the future children of Palestine.
Furthermore, I hope to contribute to medical education by mentoring medical students and junior doctors, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice, and promoting continuous learning. I also aspire to be involved in public-health initiatives that address prevalent local health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health—areas that would benefit from preventive strategies and early intervention models similar to those I observed during my rotations. Additionally, the collaborative research and quality improvement work I participated in during my US training will inform future projects in Palestine, aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, promoting patient safety, and measuring the impact of interventions over time. I believe in building partnerships with international institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and support capacity-building efforts in Palestinian hospitals and clinics.
Ultimately, I see my role as a future physician-leader who not only delivers excellent patient care but also advocates for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Palestine—one that is equitable, efficient, and empowered through global collaboration and local commitment.
Read more about the international training placement programme here