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Hi everyone!
I’m reaching out because after years of hard work studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Leeds, I’ve finally been given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to complete my medical elective in Cebu, Philippines.
This is the one chance medical students get during our degree to learn abroad, experience healthcare in a completely different setting, and grow into better future doctors through hands-on learning, global health experience, and cultural understanding. It is such an exciting opportunity not only for my future career, but also for my personal growth after the intensity of medical school.
For my elective, I’ll be joining my best friend at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, where I’ll be spending time in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Emergency Medicine, two specialties I am hugely interested in. Hoping to follow in my sister Megan’s footsteps as a midwife has definitely inspired my growing love for women’s health, pregnancy, babies, and emergency care, so this feels like the perfect place for me to learn.
I also have a growing interest in oncology and long-term neurological care, which is something that has become very personal to me because of my dad’s journey. As many of you know, my dad recently suffered a TIA due to the effects of his radiotherapy, and throughout my upbringing he also fought ependymoma (a rare brain and spinal cancer). Watching his strength through treatment and recovery has had a huge impact on me, and it has really inspired my interest in caring for patients living with cancer, neurological conditions, and the long-term effects of treatment.
Unfortunately, oncology is not a placement specialty offered at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, which is why I would love to use my time outside of hospital placement to volunteer once or twice a week with oncology, brain tumour, stroke, or neurological rehabilitation charities and support groups instead. This would mean so much to me personally, as it would allow me to explore an area of medicine I care deeply about while also giving something back to patients and families facing similar challenges.
Some of the volunteering and support organisations I’m currently applying to volunteer with include:
• Stroke Society of the Philippines – stroke awareness, survivor education, and recovery support
• Stroke and Aneurysm Support Philippines – support work for stroke and TIA survivors and families
• The Brain Tumour Charity international support groups – helping families affected by brain tumours worldwide
Doing an elective abroad is so much more than just travel. It’s a chance to build confidence, independence, and a much deeper understanding of global healthcare after years of intense study. Medical school is incredibly demanding, with placement every day followed by revision and exams at home, so there is very little time to work alongside the course. Because of this, I’m really struggling to fund the trip myself.
Unfortunately, while students from England receive around £80 per day in NHS elective support to help cover accommodation, travel, and living expenses, as a Northern Irish student I do not receive any equivalent funding, meaning I have to fund the entire placement myself. Since there are only a small number of Northern Irish students in my year, it’s not something that affects many people, but for me it means I could miss out on the same incredible opportunity that so many other medical students are able to take after years of hard work.
I am applying for as many grants and bursaries as possible, but these are extremely competitive and not guaranteed.
This elective means so much to me not only academically, but personally too. After such long and demanding years of study, I truly feel this opportunity would be so valuable for my confidence, wellbeing, and mental reset before final year. Experiencing a different culture, learning how healthcare works in another part of the world, and helping patients in communities with fewer resources will stay with me throughout my future career as a doctor.
Where the donations will go
• Flights to Cebu: £800
• Accommodation for the placement: £600
• Hospital elective/admin fees: £250
• Daily living costs and transport: £300
• Volunteering/community outreach travel: £150
• Scrubs, insurance, and essentials: £100
Total target: £2,200
If I am lucky enough to raise anything above this, any extra money will be donated to one of these amazing stroke, oncology, or brain tumour support charities, causes that mean so much to me and my family.
Even the smallest donation would help massively — whether it goes towards a day of accommodation, travel to placement, or volunteering in the community, every little bit truly makes a difference.
Thank you so much for reading and for any support you can give.