Younis, a final-year medical student from Gaza and visiting student in Islamabad, completed an elective at UCLH in Upper GI Surgery, Urology, and Orthopaedics.

“I could not imagine that I would survive the conflict in Gaza to do my elective in one of the best hospitals in London.”

He gained hands-on surgical experience, attended multidisciplinary meetings, and strengthened his clinical and communication skills.

Check the testimonial below.

Elective Experience at UCLH: Upper GI Surgery, Urology, and Orthopaedics
I am Younis, a final-year medical student from the Faculty of Medicine – Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine, and currently a visiting student at Shifa Medical College in Islamabad, Pakistan. It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to do my elective at UCLH, London. During my elective placement at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), I had the opportunity to rotate across three major surgical specialties: Upper GI Surgery, Urology, and Orthopaedics.

In Upper GI Surgery, I joined daily ward rounds, observed complex procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomies and oesophagectomies, and attended multidisciplinary team meetings, gaining insight into cancer management and perioperative care.

In Urology, I observed procedures including HIFU and cystoplasty and participated in outpatient clinics. I also witnessed the importance of sensitive communication and reassuring patients with various urological conditions.

In Orthopaedics, I attended trauma meetings, observed joint replacements and fracture fixations, and gained practical experience in fracture clinics, focusing on musculoskeletal examination and X-ray interpretation.

This elective offered me not only clinical exposure but also an appreciation of the multidisciplinary approach within the NHS. It strengthened my clinical skills, enhanced my understanding of surgical practice, and inspired me to pursue further training in surgery in the UK.

Finally, I could not imagine that I would survive the conflict in Gaza to do my elective in one of the best hospitals in London. My gratitude goes to the UCLH departments and The Hanoon Foundation for facilitating this opportunity. This experience will make me a better doctor and one day help me make an impact on the healthcare system in Palestine.

Read more about the international training placement programme here