Comments from Medical Students from USA
Year 2009 Internship Students - Olivia Jee, Roxanne Felt, Kyungmin Kang and Diane Fiander)
We had no idea what to expect when we set out on this trip. We knew that we were going to rural India so we did not expect the greatest of conditions or resources. But when we got here, we were pleasantly surprised. Here, seemingly in the middle of no where, we found a hospital full of modern medical technology, CT scan to radiation therapy and laparoscopic surgical equipment. It was medical oasis in the middle of rural expanse. We were very fortunate to be able to observe and participate in many of the goings-on, births, surgeries, biopsies, imaging studies as well as seeing cases of diseases which we would probably never seen in the US. We gained insight into a broad range of medical specialties. From visiting all the departments of BKL Walawalkar hospital we were able to see a patient through from his diagnostic ultrasound, sat in on his laparoscopic surgery and then saw his recovery during rounds in the ICU. Not only was each encounter a great insight into medicine but by following this patient through the course of his treatment, we were able to gain an appreciation for the entire clinical experience. We were impressed at the hospital’s ability to bring quality medical care to a population far from other resources and also by the dedication of the physicians who devoted their career and lives to this institution. We are very grateful for the opportunity to not only gain the medical knowledge but acquaint ourselves with another culture.
Dianne Fiander Roxanne Felt Olivia Jee
Comments from Medical Students from USA and Germany (2008)
Ms. Susanna Wolf. Hamburg, Germany.
What to mention first?!
The mangos?!
The rainfall?!
The camp?!
The cases I’ve seen?!
My stay at Walawalkar hospital gave me the opportunity to illustrate my so far theory dominated medical education. It gave me as well the chance to share the every day life of some junior doctors. The infrastructure of this hospital, its facilities, staff, programs & future plans make it to be a very very special place!
Liang Ge. U.S.A.
Medicine is a journey- A journey of self discovery. My personnel expedition has led me to India. It is impossible to imagine that I would be where I am now, just a short time ago. But yet here I am.
It is difficult for me to express into words all of the things that this hospital has taught me about not only medicine, but myself. The patience & kindness that the doctors & staff here have shown me have surpassed my grandest expectations. The things that I’ve seen& the friendships I’ve made, I am certain, will help to guide me on my journey. It is with great charging that I must leave BKL Walawalkar when I’ve so much to learn .But if fate should be true to herself, I am sure she will lead me here again. For now, my experiences will keep me secure in the warm ambiance of the Indian sun.
William Spolding. U.S.A.
Like most of my colleagues I have no idea what to expect from this trip. I knew I would be working in a hospital but that was not all about it. Thankfully my experience here was more rewarding than I could have imagined. The doctors, sisters, staff & especially patients were all so kind and eager to teach, even when it was obvious how little I knew. I feel that I have made true friends here in Dervan & have learned more than I thought possible .It is with a heavy heart that I now propose to leave , but I look forward to returning to America and sharing my experiences with friends & family ,& of course future doctors like myself. I will return with not only medical experience, but a deep appreciation of Marathi culture (& food) Thank you to everyone of BKL Walawalkar hospital for your patience and generosity. I hope to see you again (in America perhaps!)
Juliette Moore. U.S.A.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see & experience so many things at your wonderful hospital so early in my early medical career.
The doctors, sisters, & patients have all been so welcoming.
I truly appreciated that, Thank you again.
Karmin Nissan. U.S.A.
I would like to thank everyone here at B.K.L.W.Hospital for their hospitality & sincerity during my stay here. I arrived here not knowing what to expect, unaware of all the wonderful experience I would soon encounter. Over the last few weeks I have come upon many cases that will greatly help me throughout my clinical years. The doctors never cease to amaze me with their broad scope of knowledge & more importantly, generosity in taking the time to teach me.
I leave this place knowing I have exceeded my expectations I could have dreamed of, & I hope to someday to comeback to Walawalkar hospital with an even greater volume of medical knowledge . This experience has reinforced my desire to pursue the medical degree in order to day have the same level of impact on those in need of help.
Russell Moore. U.S.A.
Before coming to BKL Walawalkar hospital I was well aware of the fact that since I’ve only completed one year of medical school that I knew very little. My goal for this trip was to expose myself to as many different aspects of medical as I could. I can gratefully say that I have achieved that goal. Each & every one of the physicians that I’ve shadowed has been opt to my presence & has been happy to answer any questions I had. As a result, I’ve learned as much here as I did in school. I also found at a lot about myself as well. I got a few of my medical firsts here , some good, some bad , but each of those experiences only re- forced that in choosing medicine, I have chosen the right profession . I am very grateful to all the staff here & hope to return one day as a practicing physician.
Alysa Kriegermeier. U.S.A.
I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here at B.K.L.Walawalkar hospital, but I can honestly say I’ve been nothing but impressed by what life seen here. The faculties, staff & attitudes here are amazing. I’ve just started my medical training, so I was way out of my league but I learned so much here and everyone was so patient and willing to teach. The long hours the staff puts in & their never ending compassion have truly been an inspiration. I’ve fallen in love with this country & culture & hope to come back here soon.