Surgery: A Dynamic and In-Demand Specialty for Medical Electives and Residency Abroad

Surgery ranks among the most sought-after departments in our Go Elective Medical Internships Programs abroad . Many students and residents are drawn to this fast-paced field, captivated by the chance to shadow and engage* in complex procedures that can save lives and restore health. Whether in general surgery, orthopedics, or pediatric surgery, our programs in Kenya and Tanzania provide immersive learning environments that are invaluable for anyone considering a surgical career.

With access to a wide range of subspecialties and exposure to trauma cases through collaboration with Accident & Emergency departments, interns will have opportunities to develop their skills under the guidance of seasoned surgeons.

Go Elective rotations are tailored to meet the clinical requirements for medical programs such as MBBS, MBChB, and other international degrees, students gain valuable experience that fulfills both faculty expectations and clinical hour mandates for Years 5 and 6 of their medical education.

Overview of the Surgical Department

The Surgical Department at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, our mains placement facility in East Africa, is one of the busiest in the hospital, structured into multiple subspecialties to address a diverse range of patient needs:

• General Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesia
• Urology
• Pediatric Surgery

This department is also responsible for managing trauma patients admitted through the A&E department. Patients requiring surgery are treated in various units and wards, including the Main Theater, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Burn Unit, Orthopedic Ward, and Dialysis Unit.

The department plays a significant role in the hospital’s operations, pioneering resident training programs through COSECSA (College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa), contributing both to patient care and medical education.

Meeting Clinical Requirements for MBBS, MBChB, Residents and More

Our internships are designed to facilitate MBBS, MBChB, and other medical students in their 5th and 6th years that meet their faculty’s clinical hour requirements. With supervised clinical practice, participants engage in surgical rotations that involve supervised hands-on assistance, observation, and patient care under the guidance of experienced surgeons.

• MBBS Year 5 & 6 students: Gain the surgical exposure required to meet graduation competencies.
• Clinical hours: Rotations fulfill essential requirements for hands-on practice mandated by faculties.
• Tailored learning objectives: Our placements are flexible and designed to align with individual educational goals.

Whether your focus is on general surgery, orthopedic care, or pediatric interventions, the program equips you with real-world experience in managing complex cases and performing critical surgical tasks.

Explore more about our healthcare placements.

A Typical Day as a Surgical Intern Abroad

During your surgery rotation with Go Elective, each day presents new challenges and opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of what your schedule might look like:

• Morning rounds: Review patient cases with consultants and attending physicians.
• Surgical procedures: Observe surgeries, from minor procedures like wound suturing to more complex operations like orthopedic repairs.
• Post-operative care: Monitor patients in the ICU and other wards, ensuring smooth recovery.
• Outpatient clinics: Participate in follow-up assessments and learn how surgeons plan post-operative care.

Afternoons may include observing additional surgeries or attending global health seminars that focus on surgical challenges in low-resource settings.

Learn more about our healthcare rotations.

Learning Opportunities in Surgery

The Go Elective Surgery Clerkship program provides varied learning experiences for students at all levels.

• Premedical students: Shadow surgeons during rounds and procedures, gaining exposure to operating room protocols and patient management.
• Medical students and residents: Work alongside surgeons (under supervision), assist in trauma care, and learn how to handle surgical emergencies.

This rotation fosters collaborative learning, as interns engage with consultants, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals, developing essential surgical skills.

Attendance in the Surgical Department at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH):

• Patient load: Approximately 70 admitted patients and 7 surgeries per day.
• Consultants: 5 general surgeons, 5 orthopedic surgeons, 2 ENT surgeons, 1 neurosurgeon, 1 cardiothoracic surgeon, 1 urologist, 1 pediatric surgeon, 1 ophthalmologist, and 3 anesthesiologists.
• Attending doctors: 4
• Attending nurses: 18 per shift
  
  

Exposure to Subspecialties in Surgery

Through this internship, students rotate between several surgical subspecialties, gaining exposure to procedures that are rarely encountered at home. These include:

• Orthopedic surgeries: Repairing fractures and joint injuries.
• Pediatric surgery: Addressing congenital abnormalities and neonatal conditions.
• Neurosurgery: Managing head trauma and neurological disorders.
• Cardiothoracic surgery: Assisting in procedures for heart and lung conditions.
• Burn care and wound management: Learning about grafting and infection control.

Interns also have opportunities to gain experience in anesthesia and post-surgical intensive care, helping them understand the entire continuum of care.

Surgical and Trauma Care: A Unique Collaboration

The Accident & Emergency (A&E) department works closely with the surgical team to manage trauma cases from road accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, and other emergencies. Interns will witness the fast-paced nature of trauma surgery, assisting in life-saving procedures and learning how to prioritize care in critical situations.

Surgical care in East Africa presents unique challenges, including limited resources and overcrowded wards, giving students valuable insights into creative problem-solving in healthcare.

Explore more about our trauma rotations.

Mentorship and Support for Surgical Interns

Each intern is paired with a consultant surgeon or attending physician for mentorship and guidance. You’ll receive feedback to help you meet your learning objectives and develop the practical skills required for a career in surgery. Our Go Elective support team ensures you feel comfortable and prepared, from pre-departure planning to on-the-ground assistance.

Check out our FAQs for more support details.

Cultural Immersion and Volunteer Opportunities

In addition to your clinical experience, Go Elective offers opportunities to explore the vibrant cultures of Kenya and Tanzania. Spend your weekends:

• Volunteering in local communities, providing preventive health education.
• Exploring wildlife on a safari or enjoying the beautiful Kenyan coastline.
• Visiting cultural heritage sites, such as the Maasai Mara or Zanzibar.

Discover our safari options.

Conclusion: A Transformative Experience in Surgery

A surgical internship with Go Elective Medical Internships Abroad offers the perfect combination of hands-on learning and personal growth. Whether you’re a premed, aspiring surgeon, PA student, resident or medical student pursuing an MBBS or MBChB degree, you’ll gain experience across multiple surgical subspecialties, develop resilience by working in challenging environments, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare in East Africa. Whether you aim to become a general surgeon or specialize further, this internship will provide the foundation you need to succeed.

Ready to take the next step? Apply for Go Elective today and begin your journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate healthcare provider.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Oct 22, 2024