The decision to take up a two-month internship in Cambodia was anything but easy for me. Especially the thought of spending my birthday, Christmas and New Year alone for the first time didn't make it any easier. But you often hear that you can grow as a person when you face unfamiliar situations outside your comfort zone. For me, Cambodia was just as unfamiliar a situation - and this theory more than proved true.
From the minute I walked into Jayavarman VII Hospital, I realized that I would not be on my own here. Everyone at the hospital - really everyone - was incredibly friendly and eager to teach me as much as possible. In addition, there was a mission from Switzerland and France in Siem Reap during the first week. The Swiss doctors and the midwife gave me a deep insight into obstetrics and imparted valuable knowledge. Although I will not choose either gynecology or obstetrics as a specialty later on, I am very grateful for the experience and knowledge I was able to gain.
Thanks to the great willingness of the Cambodians to teach, I was able to expand my medical knowledge and practical skills enormously. Every week I worked on a different ward, which allowed me to deepen my general medical knowledge considerably. I had the opportunity to attend spontaneous abortions, perform minor surgical procedures and even assist with a sternotomy during open-heart surgery. These are just a few of the many procedures I was able to experience - if I were to list everything, this report would be far too long. However, none of this would have been possible without the competent and dedicated doctors and the helpful hospital staff, who supported me at all times.
I was particularly impressed by the pediatric surgery department. I was deeply impressed by the precise work and exceptional commitment of the surgeons. Their expertise and their ability to remain calm and focused even in difficult situations were inspiring. These experiences strengthened my desire to work in a surgical specialty myself later on.
Another aspect that impressed me deeply was the openness, hospitality and warmth of the Cambodians. They were always keen to introduce me to their culture. If I wanted to visit something, someone was immediately willing to accompany me. I was spontaneously invited to exciting sports activities as if I had been part of them for years. On my birthday, I was surprised by the doctor Kongkea with a cake. I was especially touched on New Year's Eve when she took me along to celebrate with her family so that I didn't have to start the new year alone. Thank you, Kongkea, I am eternally grateful to you!
I was also always welcome at birthday parties in the team, as if I was part of the hospital family. I will never forget the warmth and appreciation that I felt every second.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for these two months in Siem Reap. Not only did they give me wonderful memories and new friendships, but they also gave me the opportunity to grow as a person. Of course, there were also sad moments, such as when a child died in my arms during an unsuccessful resuscitation. But such experiences are unfortunately part of our profession. In the end, the positive experiences far outweigh the sad ones and make it all the more difficult to say goodbye.
In February, I will be starting a new chapter at Schulthess Klinik, where I will be taking up a sub-assistant position in orthopedics - a specialist area that interests me greatly. Nevertheless, I am sad to leave Siem Reap, as this extraordinary experience is now coming to an end.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made these two months in Cambodia possible. It was a formative time that I will never forget. I can confirm that: You grow the most when you venture out of your comfort zone.
Goodbye, Cambodia.
See you soon!
Luca
P.S: Next time I'll win the arm wrestling, Prof. Chantana! :)
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