Below is a collection of articles written by past students about their experiences at Tansen Mission Hospital:

 “…the reality of doing a medical elective course in Nepal was a real challenge…”    writes Jin Hyun Kim, a final year Medical Student from South Korea                    

Namasthe! My name is Jin Hyun Kim from Konkuk University School of Medicine in the Republic of Korea.

 Since I started studying medicine, I have wanted to help people in foreign countries in the future. However, this was more in my thinking than anywhere else. Before going to Tansen the reality of doing a medical elective course in Nepal was a real challenge, however I believed that it was time to go. 

Studying / working in Tansen was challenging due to the differences - culture, customs and language. You need determination to continue to learn and work when so much is new. To be truthful, yes, it was different than medicine back home, but I was well briefed before and after arrival in country as to some of the cultural / work differences I would find. 

In terms of my clinical work, I was able to do many procedures that I wouldn't have a chance to do in my school back in Korea, and see cases / diagnoses that I had never seen before. The doctors always gave great supervision and chances to join in the decision-making. The variety of cases that I met with meant there was plenty to read up on, and discussions with colleagues, as well as some of the practical teaching given, built on my theory.

In addition, there was a nice library to study with books and journals that helped me a lot. Moreover, I met many people who serve their life in Tansen community. That was the most precious thing in Tansen Mission Hospital. They came from all over the world to help Nepali people. They showed me who is a man of action.I'll never forget them. Also, I made good Nepali friends in Hospital. They are Nurses, Anesthetists, Interns and nursing school students.They joyfully welcomed the visitor. No better opportunity will ever come to me.  

I thank God for giving me valuable moments in Tansen Mission Hospital. 

Jin Hyun Kim

Medical Elective Student in 2008

Hospital, heights and hearts

 by Helen Begbie, UK Medical Student in 2008 

Fresh out of Finals, I travelled bleary-eyed yet excited to Tansen for my medical elective. Arriving at Tansen, you are immediately struck by the beauty of this hillside town. I was warmly welcomed by a fellow medical student and promptly informed of my social calendar for the next few days! Indeed, I was immediately introduced to the international missionary doctors working at Tansen, who became inspiring friends and colleagues during my time there. Being shown around the hospital, I was touched by the friendliness of everyone - even if that extended to being told my skirt looked like a petticoat by a giggling nurse!  

My first lesson was to throw away any previous naïve expectations of ‘making a difference’ in Tansen. The hospital is well staffed with highly skilled and knowledgeable Nepali doctors. Although initially disappointed at my evaporating visions of single-handedly saving ten lives a day, I quickly came to enjoy my privileged position. The morning ward rounds were spent helping to assess patients with the aid of translating student nurses. Then after a quick ‘chia’ (Nepali tea i.e. essential social event of the morning) and PowerPoint tutorial (yes – even in Nepal!), there was time to examine patients with signs or help with jobs. After lunch, the afternoons were usually spent in outpatients learning from the senior doctors. I also took Nepali language lessons each week - a particular highlight for me.  

Whist at Tansen, I had the chance to work in all hospital departments day and night, deliver babies, observe many operations and visit a remote health clinic. There were patients with diseases I was less familiar with (rheumatic fever, malnutrition and tuberculosis) as well as some unexpected old friends (diabetes, depression and COPD). Life outside the hospital was seen as equally important, and I have wonderful memories of leading worship, celebrating Easter Nepali-style, learning to make Nepali food, and lots of Nepali dancing!  

I would thoroughly recommend doing your medical elective in Tansen unless you are hoping for an elective where your medical skills are indispensable. However, if for example this would be your first time in a developing country or you just want a supportive, challenging yet social time, you wouldn’t be disappointed!