Help Me Take This Step: A Palestinian Medical Student’s Journey from Jenin

Hi. my name is Dr Ali Bokhari. I am a consultant Paediatrician in the NHS in UK.

I am raising funds for a medical student from the West Bank, Palestine so she can do a period of elective studies in UK -ultimately equipping her to provide better care for patients in Palestine.

I have mentored Shatha for over a year. Mentoring was organised via a UK charity OxPal, OxPal-AAUP Mentoring Scheme.

All funds will be used for this medical elective. I will transfer funds to her at the end of the appeal either directly to her account or by using a money transfer service like Western Union. With ever changing situation in the West Bank we will have to be pragmatic in what methods are available to us for transferring funds.

I will let Shatha tell her own story:

I am Shatha Khzimia, a 5th-year medical student from Jenin, Palestine.

Medicine has never been just a degree for me. For me, it is a commitment to learn, grow, and bring back knowledge to a place where access to specialized care is often limited.

During my clinical training at Jenin Hospital, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing specialized medical care. The workload is overwhelming, with high patient numbers, limited resources, and constant pressure on the healthcare system. Training in this setting is challenging not only due to the lack of advanced education and healthcare resources., but because there were days we couldn't even make it to the hospital due to attacks and instability.

Now, I have the opportunity of having a clinical elective abroad, where I can train in a well-equipped hospital, learn from specialists, and gain hands-on experience with cases I would never have access to back home. It is more than just a progression in my education; it is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on my community back in Palestine.

However, as a Palestinian student from Jenin, funding this opportunity is an entirely different challenge. That is why I am reaching out. Your support can help me take this step.

Every contribution will go towards:

Elective fees to access training under top specialists.

Travel and accommodation, and Living expenses.

I have dedicated significant effort to reach this stage, overcoming numerous challenges, and I remain committed to advancing further.

Your support will assist me personally and contribute to improving the healthcare for future patients in Jenin and Palestine, who deserve better care.

Thank you for believing in me.