Dear IMET2000 Team,

Participating in the OxPal Summer School in Oxford has been a very valuable and rewarding experience for me as a fourth-year medical student from Gaza. The programme gave me the opportunity to learn in a different medical and academic environment and to experience new approaches to medical education and clinical training. Throughout the programme, I took part in a variety of educational and clinical activities, including OSCE preparation, clinical examination sessions, communication skills and history-taking. I also received teaching on clinical investigations, including X-rays, ECGs and blood tests, and developed a better understanding of how these investigations are used in clinical practice. I also participated in A–E emergency simulation sessions, which helped me develop a more structured approach to assessing and managing acutely unwell patients. These sessions also strengthened my teamwork, communication and clinical decision-making skills, particularly when working under pressure. In addition, I took part in surgical and clinical skills sessions, where I gained practical experience and had the opportunity to learn from doctors and other healthcare professionals. These experiences gave me a better understanding of the hospital environment and how different members of the healthcare team work together to provide patient care. One of the most important things I learned during the programme is that medicine is not only about having strong scientific knowledge. It also requires good communication, empathy towards patients, teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The programme also helped me become more confident as a medical student and improve my clinical reasoning. It allowed me to connect the theoretical knowledge I have gained through my studies with practical clinical situations. This experience has also had a positive impact on my future career plans. It has encouraged me to continue developing my medical and clinical skills and to seek further educational and clinical opportunities that will help me become a better doctor. It has also strengthened my motivation to continue learning throughout my career and to provide the best possible care to my patients. For me, this programme was more than just an educational opportunity. It was an important personal and professional experience that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my medical education and future career. I am sincerely grateful to the OxPal team and to all the doctors and teachers who generously shared their time, knowledge and experience with us and made the programme such a valuable learning experience. I will carry the knowledge, skills and experiences I gained from Oxford with me as I continue my journey in medicine.

Menna AlKhor

Fourth-Year Medical Student

Islamic University of Gaza