Our Elective Feedback

The highlight of my elective were being immersed in a new culture both socially and medically. It was interesting to experience the medical problems that come with a different culture and some I have never seen before. Learning about local culture, trying new experiences, foods, dances and making friends! Exploring the beautiful islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines, from waterfalls to salt ponds to rainforests and amazing beaches it has it all! I fell in love with the island. 

Thank you to MEA and especially Khari for making our elective an experience I will always treasure

I shadowed Dr Stephens who was very happy for me to sit in with him and see the examinations. Answered any questions I had and was always very friendly. I also really enjoyed being able to go into the operating theatre for a session.

There were so many great trips, I would recommend the Tobago Cays, Bequia, climbing Mt Soufriere, Owia salt ponds and Fort Duvernette.

Khari was a great point of contact while on the island, he was available to help with whatever I needed.

It was definitely much better being based at Anos Vale Medical Centre rather than the main hsopital. Dr Dougan was fantastic, I definitely got a lot more teaching than those based in the main hospital. At the same time it was very relaxed and I was able to take off certain days to explore the island. I also really enjoyed my day in surgery with him. Dr Dougan was definitely the best part of my elective, he was so keen to teach and knew so much.

I had such an amazing time in the Caribbean! The people, the culture, the music… it is just wonderful. There was so much to see and do. Swimming with turtles at the Tobago Quays and a weekend on the beautiful beaches of Bequia were definately my highlights. 

I loved the program, especially the extra community stuff. It made my elective feel that little bit more unique and special, and it was a lovely chance to gain expereince out of a hospital setting. I would definately recommend St Vincent as an elective destination.

Everyone was so friendly and happy to talk to us so I felt totally immersed in the culture. We spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach and having drinks at Paradise beach hotel. The Tobago Cays were spectacular especially snorkelling with the turtles and on the reef.

Visiting the hospital to join the ward round and observe surgery was an invaluable experience. It was so interesting to see the differences between Caribbean and British hospitals.

The support given by MEA was excellent, offering transfers, help with accommodation and getting set up on the island. The team, Khari especially, were extremely approachable.

I really enjoyed the hospital placement offered. It was perfectly weighted so we could go into placement and learn how medicine is practised in Saint Vincent as well as take days off for trips to enjoy what the island had to offer.

There were several highlights of the elective, these included the sunset boat cruise and excursions to Tobago cays to snorkel with turtles.

I would definitely recommend taking an elective with MEA. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity which offered both a medical elective and holiday experience.