Britte van Groen and Laura Frederiks are fifth-year medical students preparing for a unique adventure. In just under a month, they’ll depart for Malawi for an eight-week elective internship in tropical medicine. At the hospital, they’ll work in various departments, from gynecology to surgery. This means attending births, observing surgeries, and learning to navigate medical situations unlike those in the Netherlands. It’s an instructive period that will be deeply impactful not only professionally but also personally.

Both are studying at the University of Groningen and are completing their internships in Twente, at ZGT Hengelo-Almelo and MST Enschede. These hospitals also sparked a connection to contribute. They heard that the hospital in Malawi was experiencing shortages of medical supplies. Therefore, they decided not only to learn, but also to bring something of immediate value there. A fundraising campaign was set up with a clear goal: to provide practical support where needed.

Collecting with a specific goal

The campaign yielded a substantial amount of materials. These included splash goggles for the operating room, blood pressure monitors with stethoscopes, and individual instruments such as tweezers. Additional materials were also collected for infant care, due to a specific need. Everything is based on a list from the hospital itself, ensuring the supplies are actually usable. This makes this initiative targeted and effective.

What’s striking is the collaboration between the hospitals in Twente. Britte is affiliated with MST and Laura with ZGT, but they worked together on this initiative. This collaboration demonstrates that commitment doesn’t stop within the walls of a single institution. It’s about shared responsibility and the willingness to share knowledge and resources. 🤝

Learning and contributing in Malawi

On February 26th, they will leave for Malawi, where they will spend eight weeks working in the hospital. During their stay, they will rotate between departments to gain the broadest possible understanding of tropical medicine. At the same time, they hope that the collected materials can directly contribute to better care. It’s a combination of learning, support, and gaining experience in a different healthcare context.

Afterwards, a letter of thanks and a short report with photos will follow, so that the impact here too can be seen. This way, the connection between the Netherlands and Malawi will continue. An intensive and inspiring period will soon begin for Britte and Laura. An experience that will not only expand their medical knowledge but also deepen their perspective on global healthcare. 🌿