Elective Placement at the University of Cambridge; A Journey of Learning, Collaboration and Growth
As a fourth-year medical student from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Uganda, I had the privilege of undertaking a six-week elective in the Departments of Haematology and Oncology at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Coming to Cambridge, I hoped to deepen my understanding of cancer medicine and blood disorders and this elective imprinted on me a renewed appreciation for compassionate patient care, multidisciplinary teamwork, research, and the friendships that develop through global collaboration. One of the greatest strengths of this elective was the people who made it possible. I am especially grateful to Cambridge Medical Electives Programme and Cambridge Africa teams for their support.
Each day brought new opportunities to learn. I attended consultant ward rounds, outpatient clinics, multidisciplinary team meetings and specialist teaching sessions, observing the management of patients with haematological malignancies, solid tumours and complex blood disorders. One aspect of care that particularly impressed me was the collaborative approach to decision-making. Haematologists, oncologists, specialist nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, pathologists and researchers worked together seamlessly, ensuring every patient received individualised, evidence-based care. I was privileged to learn from outstanding clinicians including Dr Martin Besser, Dr. Yang Huiqi, Dr. Nyam. Dr. Will Thomas, etc. Their willingness to teach, answer questions and explain complex clinical decisions created an environment where curiosity was encouraged and every day became an opportunity to grow.
One of the outstanding clinical highlights was observing how CAR-T cell therapy is transforming outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma. Witnessing the integration of cutting-edge science into routine clinical practice demonstrated how rapidly cancer care continues to evolve.
Learning Beyond the Hospital
Avitus punting the other medical elective students on the Cam
One of the greatest gifts of this elective was experiencing Cambridge beyond the hospital walls. Punting along the River Cam offered a unique perspective of the city's remarkable history and architecture. Walking through the colleges reminded me why Cambridge has inspired generations of scientists, clinicians and researchers.
Although these moments may seem separate from medicine, they strengthened friendships among students and faculty and demonstrated that global health partnerships extend far beyond clinical placements.
Barbecue hosted by Maike, a research team leader at Cancer Research UK
Trip to Ely City together with some of the elective students
Sharing numerous experiences with other elective students made the learning even richer as we exchanged perspectives from our respective countries and supported one another throughout the placement.
Exploring the UK
Throughout the elective period, I had the opportunity to visit other places including London, Ely, The North Sea, etc., exploring landmarks I had only previously seen in books and photographs. Experiencing other parts of the United Kingdom made the elective better and helped me in understanding its people, history and culture.
Avitus at the Emirates Stadium and as a speck swimming in the North Sea
Lessons I'll Carry Home
Returning to Uganda, I do so with far more than additional clinical knowledge. I have witnessed the value of multidisciplinary teamwork, the integration of research into everyday clinical practice, and the profound impact of compassionate communication. These lessons will undoubtedly influence my future career and strengthen my commitment to improving cancer care within my own healthcare system. Perhaps most importantly, this elective demonstrated the true value of global health partnerships. They are not simply opportunities to travel or observe different healthcare systems, they are opportunities to learn from one another, exchange ideas, inspire innovation and develop lasting professional relationships that ultimately benefit patients everywhere.
By Avitus Agaruraho, a year IV student of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Makerere University, Uganda.