Best month of my life

My month in Iringa was the best month I've ever had. It allowed me to see far more than what I would've been able to see in a British hospital, without a specific contact. I was able to observe arm amputations, C-sections and natural births. It gave me a valuable insight into medicine. It also allowed me to compare my experiences in the UK with those I gained in a less privileged nation.

You learn so much from the doctors that are supervising you and they are really interesting people as well. The trauma surgeon that I spent my last week with was from Italy and had worked all over Africa because he enjoyed the challenge and it allowed him to practice a wider range of surgeries. He was the most interesting person I've ever met.

However, I would not classify Gap Medics as purely a Medical Experience programme. I feel like I matured as a person during the one month I spent out there, having travelled alone. I have made so many friends from all over the world and I even met my girlfriend too! The best things is that everyone knows how tough it is to get into medicine; everyone is interested in the things you get to see at the hospitals and you are nearly guaranteed to make good friends with others because you're living with eachother. In just one month, it'll feel like you've known some people for years!

The staff who look after you are brilliant, they will allow you enough freedom to feel independent but they will do anything for you. I can't say enough good things about them.

All in all, if you can find the money and think you want to do medicine, Gap Medics is the place to go.