Oncology Internship Abroad

Oncology, the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, plays a critical role in addressing the growing cancer burden in Africa. In 2020, the GLOBOCAN report recorded over 1.1 million new cancer cases across the African continent, with 711,429 deaths attributed to the disease. Kenya alone faces approximately 27,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to the Ministry of Health. In response to this rising challenge, hospitals like the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) in Mombasa are enhancing their oncology departments, creating a rich learning environment for medical students. PA and premed students through Go Elective's healthcare placements abroad.

The Importance of Oncology Placements Abroad

Participating in oncology placements abroad, especially in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, offers medical students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in managing complex cancer cases in low-resource settings. You’ll encounter cases and challenges rarely seen in more developed healthcare systems, including late-stage cancers and access limitations to specialized treatments.

Oncology placements offer hands-on involvement with:

• Cancer screenings: Breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings.
• Chemotherapy: Preparation, dosing, and administration of cancer
• Palliative care: Providing comfort to terminal patients through pain management and counseling.
• Surgical oncology: Assisting in tumor removal procedures and learning biopsy techniques for diagnosis.
• Radiology: Observing the use of imaging tools like CT scans and MRIs to guide treatment.

The CGTRH oncology department, with support from Lafarge-Bamburi Cement, recently opened a state-of-the-art Chemotherapy Day Care Centre, equipped to treat 21 patients daily with advanced resources. This is a tremendous shift from the prior two-bed clinic, transforming patient care and offering students an enriching learning environment.

Oncology’s Rising Challenge in Africa

Africa is experiencing an increasing cancer burden driven by several factors, including:

• Limited cancer awareness and screening programs, resulting in late diagnosis.
• Lifestyle changes that contribute to cancers like lung and colorectal cancer.
• Infections like HIV/AIDS, which increase the risk of cancers such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and cervical cancer.
• Limited access to cancer drugs and modern treatments, particularly in rural areas.

An oncology placement abroad allows students to explore how healthcare professionals in resource-constrained environments adapt and innovate to provide life-saving care.

Learning Opportunities in Oncology at CGTRH

At CGTRH, students will rotate across multiple units, gaining diverse skills and exposure. Key learning opportunities include:

• Chemotherapy Administration: Support pharmacy teams in preparing chemotherapy drugs and assist in patient management during treatments.
• Surgical Oncology: Observe and assist in tumor removal surgeries and biopsies under experienced surgical oncologists.
• Counseling and Palliative Care: Work alongside counselors and social workers to support patients emotionally, especially those with terminal conditions.
• Radiology and Diagnostics: Participate in imaging sessions to guide treatment plans and learn screening techniques for early detection.

This hands-on experience helps students meet the clinical hour requirements for MBBS and MBChB programs, enhancing their diagnostic, therapeutic, and patient management skills.

The Oncology Department at CGTRH

Thanks to partnerships and government investments, the CGTRH oncology department offers:

• Seven treatment bays for chemotherapy administration.
• Outdoor gardens and gazebos for group therapy sessions.
• Three consultation rooms for patient interactions and follow-ups.
• Pharmacy services stocked with affordable chemotherapy drugs.
• The department is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including surgical oncologists, gynecologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, and counselors, providing a holistic approach to cancer care.
  
  

Oncology Subspecialties for Medical Students

During the placement, students will explore various oncology subspecialties, such as:

1. Medical Oncology: Treatment of cancer with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.
2. Surgical Oncology: Hands-on learning about tumor resections and biopsies.
3. Gynecologic Oncology: Observing treatment for cancers affecting female reproductive organs.
4. Pediatric Oncology: Managing cancers prevalent in children, such as leukemia and neuroblastomas.
5. Palliative Oncology: Providing comfort and symptom management for patients in advanced stages of cancer.

These subspecialties offer students a comprehensive view of the various disciplines that form the backbone of oncology care.

Why Choose an Oncology Placement Abroad?

An international oncology placement offers more than clinical skills. Students develop:

• Cultural Competence: Working with diverse patient populations helps students build cultural sensitivity and adapt care to different settings.
• Global Health Perspectives: Gain insight into the challenges of cancer care in resource-limited environments.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Learn how oncologists innovate and manage cases without access to cutting-edge technology.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work within multidisciplinary teams, a crucial skill for future healthcare professionals.

For more insights on oncology and cancer care, visit the American Cancer Society or the World Health Organization.

Transforming Lives Through Oncology Placements in East Africa

Participating in Go Elective’s oncology program in Kenya and Tanzania offers a transformative experience. With the rising cancer burden in Africa, your contribution will make a tangible impact on patient care. You’ll leave with enhanced clinical skills, global health insights, and the confidence to excel in your medical career.

Are you a premed, nurse, PA, aspiring healthcare professional, resident or medical student pursuing MBBS or MBChB degree? This program fulfills essential clinical hour requirements while enhancing your practical expertise and cultural competence.

Embark on an enriching journey that will shape your future as a healthcare professional. Apply now for a life-changing oncology placement abroad.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Oct 22, 2024