I spent 6 weeks working within the anaesthetic department at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. From the start I was included as part of the team and encouraged to take an active role throughout all operations and procedures. I was able to get valuable experience and practice of practical skills such as managing patient’s airways and learning how to intubate. Having done an anaesthetic attachment in London, I feel that in Sydney I was able to be much more hands on, allowing it to be a really valuable learning opportunity. I was made to feel really welcome within the department and consultants were always keen and happy to teach me while sitting in theatre during operations.

I chose to work in anaesthetics as I was considering pursuing it as a career path but felt that I had had limited experience of it so far during medical school. This experience has confirmed my interest in the field and made me more certain that it will be a great specialty for me to enter into.

I was so touched by how kind the Jewish community was throughout my stay. I have some family over there but before my trip did not know anyone my age. On my fourth day in Sydney there was a Jewish ball which allowed me to meet lots of people who throughout my stay invited me to their homes for Shabbat and over Yom Tov and made me feel so welcome. I had such a great time throughout my elective and thoroughly enjoyed being able to visit family members who I had never met before and making some great new friends.

I would like to thank the Jewish Medical Association for the generous bursary they gave me for my elective, helping me to have such a fantastic experience. I fully intend to visit again and would be happy to talk to any other students who wish to go to Sydney should they like any help or advice!

Emma Pack
UCL