Willkommen/Welcome to my blog post! My name is Emily Delgado. I am a 5th-year medical student at the National University of Chimborazo in Ecuador. In this post, I will share a brief summary of one of the most interesting experiences I have had as a medical student.

Berlin is the largest city I have ever visited, and you can never get enough of it. You always find something new to do or visit, such as museums, parks, concerts, and more. German people are polite, kind, and, for the most part, organized and punctual. It might sound like a cliche, but it’s true, believe me! In my honest opinion, it is a safe place with beautiful buildings and a rich history. So far, I truly like Germany.

TUBERCULOSIS CENTRE

I began my practical period at the Tuberculosis Centre in Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring Hospital in August. During my time there, I learned the correct treatment for tuberculosis and how to assist patients with their personal needs, especially considering that they have to spend 30 days in the center. Most of them were refugees, so every week the translation team verified that they understood all the information and the treatment they had to follow. Getting involved with the background histories of each patient was challenging, as many had suffered a great deal before coming to Germany.

The “tuberculosis team,” as everyone referred to us, was amazing. They were like a little family that helped each other every time. Dr. Manu, my supervisor, involved me in every procedure, from monitoring vital signs and collecting sputum samples to assisting with bronchoscopies. I am deeply thankful for all the opportunities they provided me during that period. Dr. Manu allowed me to conduct physical examinations on every patient, analyze the results of complementary tests, and engage in detailed discussions about each patient’s case. He also challenged me to compare the management of tuberculosis between Ecuador and Germany, and I was truly impressed by some of the differences and discoveries.

INFECTION PREVENTION DEPARTMENT

I spent a week in this department with Dr. Nicola, who explained how the public health system in Germany operates. While the department was small, it played a crucial role in preventing contamination in other areas of the hospital. We also visited the Microbiology laboratories, adhering to all the necessary safety measures. During this visit, I gained an understanding of the significance of developing e-learning apps and websites to disseminate information about preventive methods to patients and hospital staff. These tools made a significant impact on disease control and prevention. She showed a keen interest in the Ecuadorian approach to prevention, which led to engaging conversations about how the health system in Ecuador could improve in order to better control various outbreaks in the hospital due to the lack of preventive measures.

BEZIRKSAMT STEGLITZ-ZEHLENDORF

This department was the highlight of my experience. The coordinator of my internship in the department was Dr. Maja, one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. She was always enthusiastic and ready to help whenever I needed it. I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude for the support she provided me. I had the opportunity to visit various departments, such as the Hygienic Department of Zelendorf, where I inspected two playgrounds to ensure everything was in order. I also visited an international kindergarten for an annual checkup and a soccer field because the department received a call about rats, and we found some holes that needed attention. Additionally, I spent time in a kindergarten with a dentist, who checked the children’s teeth and taught them proper brushing techniques through a theatre performance.

I visited the Family Planning Center with Dr. Monika. At this center, they provide quality healthcare to everyone, irrespective of their race, ethnic background, gender, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. This commitment extends beyond medical care and encompasses all preventive services, health education, and professional expertise in family planning, sexuality, and partnership. During my visit, I had the opportunity to perform an ultrasound on twins and listen to their heartbeats. It’s an experience that fills your heart in a way that words can’t adequately describe

I also had the chance to work with Dr. Bettina in the Kinder und Jugendgesundheitsdienst, where we examined children from the US to provide reports for school admission. Furthermore, I was involved in a vaccination campaign against measles in a refugee center in the district with Dr.Sabine. I even had the opportunity to review death forms sent to the district and ensure their accuracy before they were uploaded into the national data system with Dr.Eren.

Indeed, chronic infectious diseases are well controlled in Germany. I had the opportunity to visit Dr. Lena, a specialist in this field. She diligently gathered patient information and provided assistance to those who required additional support to enhance their quality of life in accordance with their specific illnesses. Dr. Lena also maintained regular communication with patients, ensuring the management of their conditions and addressing any questions or concerns they had. It was impressive and serviced as well.

It may seem like a lot, but I’ve tried to highlight the most memorable aspects of my experience. If I were to include everything, I’d have to write much more, but I can’t emphasize enough how wonderful this experience was. Engaging in diverse activities across various locations each day provided me with a comprehensive understanding of different facets of public health in Berlin. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet people from entirely different backgrounds.

Here is the link about my work here: https://www.facebook.com/baszberlin/posts/pfbid02RcVPxWeTmt4kvtxiFSbq3NyNvja4skwQXhYMochUvjFpyW2VFX1VQjaXs8jcH47ql

VISITING THE ROBERT KOCH INSTITUTE MUSEUM

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is the national public health institute in Germany responsible for monitoring, controlling, and preventing infectious diseases. It provides guidelines and recommendations to healthcare professionals and the general public. During my visit to the museum, I was amazed by Koch’s contributions to the understanding of tuberculosis, which paved the way for the development of diagnostic tests, treatment strategies, and efforts to control the spread of the disease. His work has had a profound and lasting impact on the fields of microbiology and public health, continuing to influence these areas to this day.

GLOBAL HEALTH CONFERENCE 2023

Following the conference, I learned that immigration can present a range of health-related issues in Germany, much like in other countries. These challenges arise from variations in health conditions, healthcare accessibility, and the diverse origins of immigrants. It’s worth noting that Germany has taken steps to address these challenges. These measures include initiatives like language and integration programs, providing healthcare coverage to specific immigrant categories, and promoting cultural competence within healthcare settings. However, continuous efforts are essential to ensure that the healthcare system can effectively accommodate and address the diverse requirements of the immigrant population all over the world.

MY FREE TIME

I had an incredible and enriching experience exploring Berlin’s rich cultural and historical landmarks, including the Bode Museum, Charlottenburg Palace, Brandenburger Tor, and Checkpoint Charlie, just to mention a few of them. I also enjoyed visiting parks such as Treptower, Tiergarten, and Neukölln and experiencing the summer at Schlachtensee Lake Beach, where I could swim in its clear waters with swans and fish while I listened to music and danced with some friends.

Additionally, traveling to Potsdam, Heidelberg, Dresden, Leipzig, and Munich allowed me to discover even more diverse and unique aspects of both the northern and southern regions of this amazing country. I created unforgettable memories and forged strong friendships, even though I was traveling by myself.

Being involved in these activities made me realize the importance of continuing my internship while I work on improving my clinical skills in order to treat patients and provide the support they need in alignment with my future goal of becoming a doctor and trying to make small changes in the public health of my country with all the knowledge I acquired during my period in Germany.

Finally, but no less important, if you have any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to contact me via email. I will respond as soon as possible.