Six Weeks in Cambridge: An Unforgettable Medical Elective
There are moments in a medical student’s journey that leave a lasting impression, moments that go beyond lectures, examinations, and clinical rotations. For me, being selected for the Cambridge–Makerere Exchange Programme was one of those defining moments. Together with my colleague Avitus, I had the privilege of travelling to the University of Cambridge for a six-week elective placement in Haematology and Oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Avitus Agaruraho, Dr Martin Besser and David Lufafa
Our elective began with a warm welcome from our supervisor, Dr. Martin Besser, who oriented us to the hospital, introduced us to the Haematology team, and ensured we settled in well. His kindness extended beyond clinical teaching, and I will always appreciate his thoughtful gift of the book “ 111 Places in Cambridge That You Shouldn’t Miss” , which inspired me to explore the city’s rich history and culture.
Beyond the hospital environment, Cambridge offered a unique opportunity to build friendships and experience different cultures. We quickly connected with fellow elective students including Celina, Esther, Laura, Praveena, and Fatma, making our time outside the hospital enjoyable and memorable.
We explored some of Cambridge’s iconic landmarks, including the historic Eagle Pub, the beautiful Mathematical Bridge, the famous Corpus Clock, and several of the university’s historic colleges. These experiences allowed us to appreciate the rich academic heritage and history of Cambridge beyond its classrooms and hospitals.
Avitus (left) and David (right) exploring Cambridge with the other medical elective students
Weekends became opportunities for exploration and relaxation. One of my favourite experiences was punting along the River Cam, where we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and learnt more about the history of Cambridge. This was followed by enjoying the classic British meal of fish and chips, a simple but memorable experience shared with friends in a new environment.
A particularly inspiring part of the elective was meeting Evelyn Brealey, Director of Cambridge Global Health Partnerships (CGHP). Learning about CGHP’s work and its long-standing collaborations with Uganda was deeply meaningful. The organisation has supported impactful programmes in areas such as maternal and neonatal health, paediatric cancer, and the SCALE Critical Care Programme. This interaction highlighted the importance of international partnerships in strengthening healthcare systems and demonstrated how collaboration between institutions can create lasting improvements in patient care.
My journey also provided an opportunity to explore the wider United Kingdom. A visit to London exposed me to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. Seeing these historic sites in person was an unforgettable experience and gave me a deeper appreciation of British history and culture.
One of the most enjoyable social events was the Traditional Ugandan Summer BBQ, generously hosted by Marc and Maike Delaroche. It was wonderful reconnecting with fellow Ugandans, including Walter Odur, Patricia Kiconco, and Gideon Nsubuga( Pursuing his PhD at University of Cambridge ), while also interacting with a number of people such as Corinna Alberg (Cambridge-Africa program manager), Ashley Swale, Lesley Arend, Adelyne Chan, and Benjamin Ridley. It truly felt like a home away from home
One of the most unforgettable adventures was a trip to Wells-next-the-Sea on England’s North Sea coast, where we were kindly driven by Mr James and his wife Corinna Alberg (program manager Cambridge-Africa ). It was my first time visiting the sea, swimming in the ocean, and seeing marine creatures such as crabs and jellyfish along the shore. It was a refreshing and memorable experience.
The elective also provided exposure beyond clinical medicine through a visit to the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, where we interacted with research groups 
working on different malignancies. Guided by Gideon Nsubuga, we gained insight into ongoing cancer research projects and saw how scientific discoveries translate into improved patient care.
Before returning to Uganda, I was also fortunate to reunite with some family-friends in the UK during their daughter’s graduation ceremony.. Sharing that special occasion with family-friends added a personal dimension to an already remarkable journey.
I am sincerely grateful to Cambridge-Africa and the Medical Electives Office, University of Cambridge, for generously funding and supporting this elective placement, making this invaluable opportunity possible. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the University of Cambridge for providing an outstanding learning environment and to Makerere University College of Health Sciences for facilitating my participation in the exchange programme.
The clinical knowledge, practical skills, professional mentorship, and international exposure I gained during this elective have been truly invaluable. I am confident that these experiences will have a lasting impact on my future practice as a medical doctor and will inspire me to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare in Uganda.
By David Lufafa, 4th year student of Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery at Makerere University, Uganda.