Hey there, I’m André! During my project unit, I did a surgery internship in São Tomé and Principe (STP). This experience was particularly significant to me as I had previously been in other African countries such as South Africa and Cape Verde, where I observed the challenges faced in resource-limited settings, particularly in terms of education, nutrition, hygiene, and healthcare.

My main motivation for choosing this internship was discovering how to manage the variety of problems encountered in such environments, despite lacking the necessary resources. This allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by healthcare professionals and to adopt a doctor's mindset for the first time.

I observed and provided practical assistance during surgeries, including one lasting six hours. Throughout this operation, I endured physical discomfort, thirstiness, hunger, and sweating due to the intense heat of Africa, which made it a demanding experience to cope with. Furthermore, I actively participated in emergency rounds, encountering some of the most shocking and unthinkable clinical scenarios. Additionally, I had the opportunity to present a common local disease at a congress organized by the Ministry of Health, in which I earned the award for best presentation.

In conclusion, it was very insightful to see my two years of medical knowledge and critical thinking into practice. Reflecting upon all of this, I can say that I am more confident in my work and more motivated to continue this journey.

André Gaspar – 2nd year student