Millennium Heights Medical Complex

Experiences and Benefits

My 4 weeks in St Lucia was honestly one of the most valuable experiences of my life and I am extremely grateful to The Hospital Saturday Fund for their support in making it possible. The medical elective provided a comprehensive exposure to medical practices in a different cultural and clinical setting, and it was a pleasure to spend time on St Lucia getting to know the beautiful island and its people.

During my two weeks in anaesthetics, I had the opportunity to assist in a wide range of procedures under the supervision of skilled anaesthetists as well as observe the dynamics of theatres in a different country. It was interesting to learn about the differences in medication and techniques used in anaesthesia. In the pre-operative assessment, a thorough history of herbal remedies was undertaken because these are extremely popular in St Lucia. The staff were often from several different countries with 3-4 languages frequently being spoken in theatres so it was interesting to see the communication still undertaken effectively with a mixture of translations and non-verbal communication. Before leaving to St Lucia, I was considering anaesthetics as an area to specialise in. Witnessing the skill and diversity of the job has solidified my interest in the specialty.

The following two weeks in the emergency department were equally enriching. The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of emergency medicine in St. Lucia challenged me to think critically and act swiftly. I encountered a wide range of medical conditions, from trauma to acute medical emergencies, and worked alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness. Compared to Swansea and other places I have worked in, there was a big difference in the common emergency department presentations. Major trauma from stabbings and road traffic accidents were more common, as well as unfortunately several people who came in with exacerbations of heart failure or epilepsy due to not being able to afford their medication.

The island itself was a paradise full of picturesque beaches, waterfalls and mountains to explore! What really made my time in St Lucia special, however, was the people I met both inside and outside of the hospital. There was a strong sense of community across the island with people looking out for each other. People were incredibly friendly, always greeting you with a smile and a “good morning” no matter what they were doing. It was a privilege to get to know so many amazing locals and to integrate myself into this community by helping in a small way in the hospital.

In conclusion, the bursary not only facilitated my participation in this transformative elective but also played a crucial role in shaping my future career in medicine. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for your support in making it possible.