Gap Medics: Pre-medicine programs

My entire trip was jam packed with things to do- educationally and leisurely. The medical experience was incredible, and I met some amazing friends on the resort and within the community.

Monday-Friday, I spent my days at Chiang Mai's Hospital of Neurology (the placement of my choice) which was incredible. Each day I spent in a different ward (ie. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Surgery, etc.) and I was able to learn about the different procedures while bonding with the staff and patients. In the evenings, we had clinical sessions and Thai lessons. In our down time, we explored the local temples and went Bungy Jumping (that was scary, but so much fun!)

The GapMedics staff was very welcoming and helpful. They engaged in games with us during our down time, and even guided us throughout the city to show us the local stores and attractions.

One experience stood out to me the most:
On my last night there, I got on a red taxi to the airport. With red taxi's, they are cheaper but anyone can flag down the driver and get aboard at the driver's discretion. At the time, three people had got on after I did. One of the people that got on was a teacher, and was able to speak some English. After speaking with her, I realized I would not make it to the airport in time to make my flight if they were dropped off first as planned. The local spoke with the driver and requested to be dropped off immediately and paid the driver so that I would be able to make it to the airport in time. I couldn't help but cry after experiencing such kindness from strangers I had just met.

I'm going to miss the whole experience- the program, community and friends that I made. I would recommend it to anyone!

This program was one of the most influential experiences in regards to gaining clinical experience for medical school. Gap Medics provided me a chance to see healthcare in a setting that is dramatically different from the one I've experienced back at home (United States). The surgeries that you'll see and the way that healthcare is delivered is one of the most eye-opening experiences. It is definitely a chance to step outside your comfort zone and gain insight to medicine practiced in other parts of the world. Additionally, the people that you meet in the program adds to the wonderful experience of connecting with peers from other parts of the world with radically different backgrounds.

I spent 3 weeks at the gap medics house in Tanzania and can say with confidence that they were some of the best 3 weeks of my life. I meet amazing students from around the world and learned A LOT about medicine in the short time I spent at the hospital. The doctors were great and the Gap Medics staff was more than welcoming. The food was wonderful, orientation very thorough, always things going on (fun things!) and informative seminars. These 3 weeks helped guide me in the right direction and am now entering a physician assistant program in the Fall. Thanks Gap Medics for the amazing opportunity!

I have been to Thailand in 2014, and it is a truly amazing experience. Part of the reason is you don't get such opportunities to 'be a staff' in fields related to healthcare. I enjoyed everyday of the trip. Not only you are allowed to visit the deepest part of their system, also to meet some fantastic or even life long friends. The staffs were so nice and they were so helpful in everything. It is just amazing.

Being able to travel to Thailand was most certainly an amazing experience. Going to the hospitals everyday and being able to witness surgeries and other medical procedures was eye-opening. Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful city and the activities organized for us were fun and engaging. The night market and visit to the temple were highlights during the trip.

My Gap-medic experience was incredible. Even though I am studying Occupational Therapy, working with the doctors and nurses taught me a great deal. Not only did I learn about conditions and diseases, which I can and actually have applied to my studies, but I also learnt just how much I love my current career path. I am now far more confident with my patients and have a greater respect for my own occupation. Through Gap-medics I have gained valuable insight into the medical model by observing the doctors and I now understand their approach that they take towards patients.I love children but I have never wanted to work with them, however spending time at the orphanage and a week in the labor ward...I have a completely different mindset and I can not wait to work with children in my future pediatrics block! Gap-medics not only gave me invaluable lessons in the hospital but they also gave me such beautiful friends from around the world. There's something so special about a group of young people coming together from all around the world sharing the same passion to make a difference in a life...everyone just clicks. The only downfall of going on a Gap-medic program is now that I am looking for other volunteer programs to do... not one comes even close to the one that Gap-medics offer. You can not get better than the warmth of all their staff, their professional manner, the specific details that they give you before you depart on your journey (which really helps calm the nerves if you are travelling alone) and the safety that they provide for all their students. I would definitely repeat my Gap-medic experience again.

Following completion of my first year at University during the Summer, I was keen to embark on a five week journey overseas to gain some relevant medical experience that I could reflect upon into entry into my second year at University.
I heard about the Chiang Mai, Thailand medical work experience project that was on offer through Gap Medics and after hearing the reviews of this programme, had my mind set that this was the right place for me to undertake this adventure.
I decided to squeeze in five weeks work of placement experience. I found the application process and journey preparations ran smoothly. I spoke to the Gap Medics team on numerous occasions before my departure and found them to be incredibly friendly and helpful, answering all my questions and concerns.
I was reassured instantly upon arrival at the airport when I was met by one of the Gap Medics team, who met myself and the other arrivals and answered our burning questions.
Upon arrival at the Jungle Lodge resort, I met numerous other volunteers from all areas across the world. I think the age range of 16-25 year olds accepted upon the programme gives a wide mix of individuals at various points in their education and allows the sharing of learning experiences between one another. All volunteers were friendly and sociable and you will instantly form solid friendships with likeminded people. I stayed at the Jungle Lodge resort and shared living accommodations with up to 64 other students at the busiest time of the year. I felt as part of a large family and we were cared for by the caterer and Gap Medics Team. The caterer called us her ‘sons and daughters’ and was very popular, turning into a surrogate Mum for many students! The cleaners, despite speaking little English made us feel very welcome. We further had help at hand from Gap Medics staff who also lived on site and took us under their wings during scheduled activities. The staff felt more like friends than staff and were really keen to help make each students experience as enjoyable and fun-filled as possible. The food offered was served in a buffet style and was always varied and enjoyable!
My first placement experience consisted of a week on a general surgery ward at one of the busiest hospitals in Chiang Mai. This week I got to scrub into theatres and observe firsthand operations ranging from minor procedures, such as hand reconstructions to emergency procedures, such as neurosurgery. I even witnessed the performing of C-sections and was a bit taken aback when a surgeon handed me a newborn baby to hold! I found despite the pressure the surgeons were under, they were still keen to try and explain the procedure in every way they could. I gained a lot of knowledge from witnessing the differences in the healthcare system and was exposed to opportunities to witness procedures that wouldn’t have been possible in the UK. This placement gave me a deep understanding of the human body, including anatomy and physiology that I would not have been able to gain from a textbook!
My second week consisted of a placement in orthopaedics in one of the largest teaching hospitals in Chiang Mai. During this week, most mornings we received English taught lectures on fracture case reviews that were occurring in the hospital by the junior Doctors and Registrars, which were very informative and interesting to watch. The staff at this placement were both incredibly welcoming and keen to supply students with ample learning opportunities. We were able to accompany the doctors on ward rounds, who spoke very good English and would translate everything spoken in Thai for us. A junior Doctor also took us out for the lunch period, which allowed us to embrace the local culture. The days were varied, we would rotate around different departments of the hospital, for example, routine outpatient appointments, plastering, X-Ray and theatres, which ensured a good varied placement experience and an understanding of the journey that the patient may encounter.
My third week consisted of a week in a new private hospital in the local Accident and Emergency Room. During this week, I got to witness a variety of procedures, for example, burns treatments, suturing, plastering and local healthcare procedures. It was interesting to also witness the differences in the healthcare provided and the facilities between a public and private sector hospital. Although some days were busier than others, due to the nature of the placement, the staff, including the student nurses, were very keen to communicate and share their experiences with us.
My fourth week consisted of a week in a psychiatry hospital. Despite initial uncertainty regarding this placement, I really enjoyed it. I was able to learn about various mental health conditions and observed cognitive behavioural therapy sessions and day to day sessions/activities that the patients took part in. Throughout our time at this placement, the Doctor was keen to show us all aspects of mental health care and arranged for us to go with the low risk patients on an away day, which was really rewarding to be a part of.
My final week consisted of a week on neurology and a neurological hospital. The staff at the hospital devised a timetable for us, which enabled us to attend various departments throughout the hospital. I spent time on the rehabilitation wards, which gave me an idea of the management of care required for neurological conditions. On our final day, we were fortunate enough to witness a planned spinal surgery, which put into perspective what we had learned about at the beginning of the week.
I found Chiang Mai a very exciting and fun filled place to live. The programme at Gap Medics is jam-packed. Every day after placement there is a scheduled activity, whether this is a Thai speaking lesson, clinical taught session, trip to the local Bizarre night market or evening meal out with the house. There is always plenty to do and culture to embrace and the Gap Medics team are keen to facilitate activities for the students depending on their desire. I would highly recommend partaking in the Hill Tribe experience as this was an unforgettable experience, which involved staying with a host family in the jungle, riding elephants, zip wiring and rafting. I would also recommend going to see the world famous lady boys show, which really is a must!
To conclude, I had an unforgettable experience on my Chiang Mai medical placement with Gap Medics. I found the placements informative, relaxed and provided a good learning environment. I have also met some amazing people, who I will remain friends with and feel like I have developed as a person from embarking on this journey.

Having had to take an unexpected Gap Year, I was looking for something to do that would be an amazing experience, but also useful in my University Application. I came across this program on the internet, and it was one of the best decisions ever! The house was beautiful, and being able to relax in the pool every night was a big bonus. The staff were all friendly, the food was delicious (If all a bit rice based) and I met some very lovely people.

The actual work experience placements were very well organised and interesting. During my time at the Neurological Hospital I saw every aspect of the Hospital, including spinal surgery, and at the Maternity Ward of another hospital I saw some caesarian sections and natural births.

If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend the Hill tribes weekend excursion. In just two days we went on an elephant trek, white water rafting, hiked to a waterfall, went zip-lining and went to a tiger safari! Only six of us went whilst I was there, but it was still an amazing experience.

The lack of wifi at the house was a bit of a con, but there was an internet cafe a few minutes up the road so it was still fairly easy to contact home. Also, beware of bugs!

Overall, it was a fantastic experience, well worth the money. It has inspired me to pursue Neuroscience at University, and really helped my personal statement stand out.