Tromsø International Medical School Exchange Program: Kholofelo's Experience
Kholofelo shares his exciting & unique experience of doing an MBChB III elective in Tromsø, Norway. 🇳🇴
In this newsletter & blog, we bring you Kholo’s international medical school exchange program in Tromsø, Norway! This opportunity is available to third year MBChB students on a yearly basis to do an elective of their interest in another country for six weeks in various disciplines including Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Genetics and more. 🧬🧠🫀
As you read, you will agree with us that Kholo is very cool (notice the rhythm? 😂) but also that he has been kind to share his 2024 program experience in order to encourage potential applicants to apply for what promises to be an exciting and key highlight of their medical school journey. Shoutout to you, Kholo, for driving Med Echoes toward its bold vision of becoming a go-to hub of valuable resources for medical students! 🚀
For our readers in junior years, this feature also appeals to you because now that you know such an opportunity exists, you can already start building the experience required to apply (i.e., academic excellence, leadership role, and more).
About Kholofelo 🌱
1. Why did you choose to study medicine – when did the dream begin?
Well, I chose to study medicine because it brings together my passion for science and my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a dream to become a medical doctor. It all started in my childhood and was fuelled by family, who encouraged me to aim for something no one in our family had done before, and as thus I consider this an honour to be the first in my family and, hopefully serve as a beacon of hope for those coming after me. With that being said, the journey hasn’t been easy.
I faced personal challenges and setbacks along the way, which at times made me doubt my dream. But during my BSc and Honours years, I began to excel academically, and it reminded me of what I was capable of. This reignited my passion for medicine and made me even more determined to pursue it. I‘m so grateful to God for the strength and opportunity to pursue this lifelong dream. Despite the hurdles I came across, I believe that they were necessary to prepare me for this moment. Medicine truly feels like where I am meant to be, and I‘m fully committed to the journey, no matter how hard it gets.
2. What do you enjoy most about medical school?
I enjoy the the constant exposure to learning opportunities, whether be it learning how to suture, interacting with patients, or simply assisting in a surgical procedure, it’s never boring. In addition, I enjoy the community of people that I get to do this journey with— these make the journey worthwhile and fulfilling.
3. What are THREE emojis to describe how your medical school journey has been like so far?
🤯 ✨ 🙏🏽
4. What keeps you most brain fueled between coffee, tea, energy drink, & water?
Energy drink, Red Bull to be specific. It’s one reliable companion for those late-night study sessions.
5. What is your TOP 3 must haves as a medical student?
💻 Reliable electronic device - whether a laptop or tablet…this helps one to stay organised and up-to-date with their work, connecting with others and also completion of assessments.
📃 Study resources, this includes summaries of lectures, textbooks, anatomy atlases, as well as flashcards. Lecture slides aren’t that sufficient to acquire knowledge and prepare for assessments at most times.
🫂 Good support system of family, friends and mentors medschool can oftentimes get overwhelming, having someone to talk to can actually be helpful.
About international medical school exchange program ✈️
1. How did you find out about the medical international exchange program?
I first heard about it when I was in my second year of study, when Prof Danie Lombard encouraged us to apply for a tutoring position as it gives one an additional advantage to be selected for the medical exchange program. I got drawn to it because it promised quite an invaluable opportunity to learn in a new healthcare system and get to travel internationally, especially for the first time.
2. What elective were you doing in Norway?
Cardiothoracic Surgery 🫀🫁🪡
3. What is the purpose of the international exchange program & how long is it?
I believe the sole purpose for the exchange program was to broaden our clinical skills and understanding of different healthcare systems in Norway. The program is 6 weeks long, including one week of induction, i.e, from the second week of October till end of November.
4. What was the application process like – what was required?
The application process was structured around key selection criteria, which focused on academic excellence, evidence of leadership roles, and active involvement in student support such as tutoring and mentoring. In addition, the application process favored applicants with a clear record of academic improvement.
A strong motivation letter, highlighting reasons for wanting to complete an elective in Norway and explaining how the experience aligns with personal and professional goals, was also required. It’s also important to note that while academic excellence was a significant factor, the program also prioritized balanced gender and demographic representation as per agreements between the host and the university.
5. What was your initial reaction to being accepted?
I felt a mix of emotions — excitement and shock! 😮 I never imagined my application would be successful, given the tough competition. But one thing I remember for sure was that I had little faith when I applied and I’m grateful to God it was rewarded.
About Reflections on Clinical Experience 💬💭
1. What has been your biggest clinical lesson learnt in the elective you are doing?
I would say the biggest clinical lesson I learned is just how important teamwork is in patient management. Watching how the surgeons, anesthetists, and scrub nurses work together so seamlessly in the operating room has been incredible. Everyone plays a crucial role, and it is noticeably clear that effective communication and trust are at the heart of it all. It has made me realize how collaboration goes into every successful surgery and how vital it is to value every member of the team.
2. What has been a challenge about doing medical school in Norway?
The biggest challenge has been language barrier, especially during morning meetings and ward rounds, where discussions are primarily in Norwegian. 🇳🇴
Fortunately, I’ve worked with doctors that could translate and explain things to me in English. They would brief me before the patient interactions or clarify after examinations. Even in surgeries, whenever I had questions, they were so kind to answer in English, which made the experience much easier and more inclusive.
3. What is the difference between medical school in Norway and medical school in South Africa (University of Pretoria)?
Although I did not attend medical school classes in Norway, my experience during the clinical rotations in the hospital allowed me to see some key differences in the approach to healthcare. Norway is a first world country, so the healthcare system is well-resourced, with advanced medical infrastructure, and has a universal coverage and high-quality care.
In contrast, my experience in South Africa has been shaped by the challenges of high patient volumes, and resource limitations, which demand adaptability and problem solving. I can say both healthcare systems have taught me valuable lessons about distinct aspects of medical practice. 💉
4. If specializing in medicine is an option for you, has the elective you are doing in Norway informed your choice of specialization?
Absolutely! Doing my elective in Cardiothoracic surgery here in Norway has deepened my interest in the field. It’s been my desire to do my elective in a surgical field, and I was fortunate enough to be placed in cardiothoracic surgery. ⚡️
The precision and teamwork involved surgeries, along with the impact these interventions have on patients’ lives, resonate with my aspirations. This experience kind of reaffirmed my desire to specialize in surgery, while I’m still exploring and learning about other specialties, Cardiothoracic surgery holds a special place in my heart—quite literally. 😅
5. What does a typical day in Norway look like for you?
A typical day starts early in the morning when I get ready and take the bus to the hospital. Once there, I attend the morning meeting with the Cardiothoracic department, followed by ward rounds where I get to observe and assist with patient care. Depending on the schedule, I may head to the operating theatre to either observe or assist in surgeries, especially if it’s an elective case. On other days, I’ll join a junior doctor to take patient histories, perform physical examinations, and discuss the patient afterwards.
After hospital, I usually head back to my place to unwind—either spending time with my housemates, cook supper or just relax by catching up on a good series. I also make time to connect with family and friends back home through video calls. Weekends are usually my chance to explore Tromsø and enjoy the surroundings.
About Reflections on Non-clinical Experience 🎈
1. What Norwegian custom or tradition do you find most fascinating or enjoyable?
I would say their love for open-air activities, be it hiking, skiing or simply taking a stroll with family and pets, there is that deep appreciation for nature and spending quality time outside regardless of the weather conditions. I discovered that mindset promotes both physical and mental wellbeing, as well as social interaction.
2. How do you spend your downtime in Norway outside of clinical duties?
Outside of clinical duties, I enjoyed exploring the stunning Norwegian landscapes, whether be it through taking a bus to a particular place or taking walks. On quiet days, I would visit the coffee shop to have coffee and read my favorite book. I just made sure I had a balance between adventure and relaxation during my visit in Norway.
3. What have you learned about yourself during this time in a foreign country?
I learned that I am more adaptable and resilient than I thought. Navigating through an unfamiliar environment, culture, as well as healthcare system has shown me how quickly I adjust and thrive outside of my comfort zone. I have also learned the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
4. If you could bring back one souvenir or item from Norway to represent your time there, what would it be and why?
I would bring a snowball (yes, I actually brought one with me 😂). It symbolizes the Arctic Cathedral, with its surrounding architecture, as well as the reindeer, Tromsø Bridge, and a cruise ship. These are all iconic sights that defined my trip in Norway, capturing the beauty of Norway and the beauty as experienced throughout my journey.
We encourage you to take a leap & apply for the opportunity, even if you think the odds are stacked against you because the point is - you just never know! After all, it could be you posing next to a real life reindeer.
💡 Did you know? Med Echoes recently started an Instagram account and we hope to grow our following. Please find and follow us on IG @medechoesofficial. You can also keep up with Kholo on Instagram @shadmas_24. 🙂🌱