Medical volunteering in Karapitiya Teaching Hospital

I spent 3 weeks in the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle (Sri Lanka) where I stayed one week in each other following departments : general surgery, paediatrics and internal medicine. As a second year medical student it was a great valuable experience for me to be able to follow doctors in the hospital and observe how the healthcare system works overseas. Unfortunately, the language barrier with the local population hindered my ability to communicate with most of the patients and create contact with them but the doctors, nurses and medical students were very helpful and always eager to teach me more. I am especially grateful for the amazing support I had from the local family who took great care of me and hosted me. They were very welcoming and helped me with my volunteering in the hospital but also to plan some visits during my stay in Galle and organise my trip in the rest of Sri Lanka. They really introduced me in their culture and involved me in a lot of family events such as a wedding where I got the amazing chance to be invited. I recommend this experience if you’re looking for an authentic experience and if you are eager to learn more about the healthcare system in developing countries.