Testimonies
Feedback from students who have participated in the SVYM elective has been excellent. Here is what some of them had to say:
Paul Sooby: Brighton and Sussex (October 2008) I learned how healthcare can be given to some of the poorest people, at a high quality, even when the necessary equipment is not available. An all round excellent experience that I will take with me forever.
Lorraine Spencer : Brighton and Sussex (October 2008) Learnt lots about healthcare provision in resource limited setting. Good opportunities for clinical examination: getting to do procedures we haven't done at home, under good guidance. Good amounts of time set aside afterwards for case discussion in greater depth.
Matt Jenkins: Southampton (August 2008) I was exposed to a wide range of clinical disorders, which often presented much more classically than I have seen at home. Learning about local culture & ayurvedic medicine has really helped me appreciate how modern conventional healthcare practice integrates with more traditional techniques.
Lydia Machado: Southampton (August 2008) I have learnt so much about culture & the social implications of health care. I have learnt a lot about HIV&TB, and the stigma attached to it, which was extremely interesting.
Abi Lieberman: Southampton (August 2008) We have seen & learnt so much about community medicine here: taking medicine to the people to encourage them to seek better health. We have seen the limitations and the amazing work you all do here -- it truly is inspiring. The projects -- though stressful at times - were a good insight into the health problems in the community, the approach to treatment, and the problems with records. They were also instructive in how to approach research.
Paul Stephenson: Liverpool (July 2008) Wonderful experience: exposure to a wide variety of diseases we rarely see in the UK. A wonderful four weeks.
Gail Hedley: Newcastle (August 2007) The program allowed me to see so many variety of diseases, which I would have rarely if at all been able to experience in the UK. The doctors and staff were always eager to ensure that I understood the conditions, and I'm very grateful to them for their patience, and the time they gave me, sharing their knowledge even when they had so many patients to see, and their time was limited...
The program is special, because of its diversity in the activities a student can do, you are not just in a hospital from 9-5. Although spending time in OPD, and on the wards, provides good clinical exposure, a student can also accompany doctors, and other staff into the community; health camps, mobile health clinic, Ayurvedic hospital, as well as JSS hospital in Mysore, and the ART clinic also in Mysore. Therefore because of the variety of activities available, the student can gain experience of a variety of medical areas, which are valuable for future practice...
Overall I feel that my time spent here with SVYM has definitely been worth while, and I would like to thank all of you for the effort and patience you put in, to my stay here, sharing your knowledge, your kindness and support, especially when I was having a family problem, it was not just a journey of seeking medical knowledge for me, but you also afforded me the time to experience such beautiful scenic surroundings, in such good company. Many thanks once again, and good luck for the future."
Anja Saso: Cambridge (August 2007) As a 2nd year student, it has been fascinating to see the clinical applications of many theories I learnt in 1st year. I learnt a lot about diagnoses, treatment, and progression of common diseases. The social aspect was 'eye-opening', especially the development of protocols in health care in a resource limited centre. Thank you!!!
Abi Durgam: US (2007) The medical benefits are superb for the tribal population around Saragur, and the tribal folk are very fortunate to have such a wonderful organization and medical staff helping their ailments medically, educationally, and even through community based outreach programs, most of which I was able to see.
I enjoyed my stay thoroughly having a fulfilling experience seeing all the different clinics, presentations, mobile health medicine, the impressive schools, as well as hearing the daily thoughts of how to improve the organization even more through research studies, administrative strategies, and helpful advices from all the physicians. I hope to come back one day and contribute to the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement.