Dear IMET2000 Team,

Participating in the OxPal Summer School at the University of Oxford was a valuable and memorable experience that contributed significantly to both my medical education and my future career development. Throughout the programme, I was exposed to a wide range of teaching sessions covering clinical skills, history-taking, communication, surgical cases, ethics, radiology, chronic diseases, case discussions and emergency assessment. I particularly appreciated the practical and case-based nature of the teaching, as it encouraged me to think beyond memorising medical information and focus more on how knowledge is applied to real clinical situations. 
The programme also strengthened my interest in continuing to develop both my clinical and academic skills. The Academic Writing session was particularly useful in reminding me of the importance of communicating medical knowledge clearly and critically, while the Ethics teaching encouraged me to consider the responsibilities involved in clinical decision-making and patient care. Overall, the OxPal Summer School provided me with an opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians and educators, observe clinical practice in Oxford, and reflect on the type of doctor I hope to become. I am grateful to everyone involved in organising and teaching the programme for creating such a supportive and educational environment.  

My experience in General Surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital was another important part of the programme. Observing the clinical environment allowed me to see how different healthcare professionals work together and how clinical knowledge, communication and decision-making are integrated into everyday patient care. This experience gave me a useful perspective that I can carry forward into my continued clinical training. 

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in OxPal. The experience gave me not only new knowledge and clinical exposure, but also an opportunity to learn from clinicians and students in a different academic environment, reflect on my own development, and return to my studies with greater confidence and motivation.

Lama Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim Shaikheleid

September 2026