GEMx Elective Reflections – GEMx African Regional Exchange Experience
Filed under: GEMx Regional Exchanges, GEMx Student Reflections
Post by Kennedy Omondi Ogutu, BScN Student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (KENYA) in 2nd week of GEMx elective at University of Zimbabwe (ZIMBABWE)
PRE-DEPARTURE
Indeed, I lack words to express my sincere gratitudes to the GEMx committee represented by Carol Noel Russo, the host coordinator at the University of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Hope Chuma Vunganayi and my school GEMx coordinator at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Dr.Monicah Karara.
It is my pleasure to thank you all for your commitment and determination made to ensure my elective at University of Zimbabwe attached at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals become a success.
As a medical student, it was always my dream to participate in an exchange program outside my country in order for me to learn and gain skills on how healthcare systems workout in other countries.It was with much joy and happiness when I received an email congratulating me for being elected to participate in GEMx elective at the University of Zimbabwe (MEPI), to me the medical elective was a golden opportunity which only comes once in a lifetime. I was prepared both psychologically and physically to participate in the elective and make it a success.
ACCOMODATION AND ORIENTATION ACCOMODATION.
The day I arrived at Harare International Airport, I was received warmly, I felt at home. Later on, I was taken to the place of residence within the University. Indeed it is a well-furnished guest house meant for visitors who come for elective at the University of Zimbabwe. The house is conducive for learning activities and well secured. Indeed it is nice and comfortable.
CULTURE
The main languages spoken in Zimbabwe is Shona and English. I found it quite a challenge adapting the language because most of the places, the commonly used language is Shona. This led to some communication barriers at times but I was able to cope through the interpreters.
ORIENTATION TO PARIRENYATWA HOSPITAL.
CLINICAL ROTATION AT THE LABOUR AND DELIVERY WARD.
Based on the elective that I chose, majorly dealing with obstetrics and gynaecology, I was attached to the labour and delivery ward for a two week experience
I report to the labour and delivery ward at 7am, where reports from the nightshift duty staff is given to the staff starting of the duty. The reports on the patient was given inform of case presentation.It was a very nice learning session to me during the ward rounds and giving off the patients report. Ward rounds were conducted with the presence of the Obstetrics consultants, the midwives, interns and the students. Different aspects on different patients were discussed based on their condition. The staff were able to teach us the very many obstetrics emergencies and complications and their management. Being a referral hospital, I was able to witness most of the complications related to labour and delivery and their management. Among the complications I came across was post-partum haemorrhage, breech presentation, retained placenta among many others emergencies and complications.
View of Parirenyatwa Hospital
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OBTAINED
For the duration less than 2 weeks that I was attached to the department, I have been able to meet my objectives in the labour and delivery ward. Among the very many objectives set and which have been achieved include; the assessment of a pregnant woman, prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS, management of women with post-partum haemorrhage, eclampsia etc, management of babies with special needs, performing and suturing of an episiotomy, administration of medication used during labour and delivery. Finally, was conducting labour and delivery.
IT IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE.
LESSONS LEARNT
From the deeper recess of my heart,/ express my sincere gratitude to GEMx for giving me this wonderful “golden opportunity”
GOD BLESS
Tags: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Zimbabwe
