Note: Uganda Christian University (UCU) Partners selected a sample of the UCU School of Medicine inaugural class with feature stories on each in 2018 and the intent for an annual follow up. Here, at the end of two semesters, are edited responses to two questions posed by the Partners team of Brendah Ndagire, Pauline Nyangoma, Douglas Olum, Frank Obonyo, Alex Taremwa and Patty Huston-Holm.

Qn1. What is one new experience?

Mwesigwa Ronnie, surgery and medicine
The new experience I have this semester is the practicals. Also, I am having two more tests before the end of the semester. The lecturer had travelled out of the country, and she just returned. So we are having the tests before we begin our exams the other week (in about two week’s time).

Ampumuza Davis, surgery and medicine
There are plenty of off-putting myths about being a medical student, but in reality, it is enjoyable, interesting and highly rewarding especially in light of what we are working towards. This semester has exposed me so much and ignited me to go beyond the basic lecture material and satisfy my curiosity about what I have been taught especially in anatomy classes. Clearly, I am confident that I will make a crucial difference to my patients.

Beatrice Birungi, surgery and medicine
Towards the end of March, our class had a clinical exposure. It was so amazing to see a mother deliver a baby naturally without going through a caesarian operation. I was very happy because it gave me hope that with skills and commitment, I will save lives of babies and mothers who die in my country due to ill-equipped facilities and poorly trained health workers.

Kabuye Peter, dentistry
Clinical exposure sessions are amazing. We divide ourselves into smaller groups that rotate around the different departments of medicine (medicine, pediatrics, surgery and gynecology and obstetrics) weekly. These sessions enable us to apply our theoretical knowledge.

Richard Ogwal, dentistry
I enjoy clinical exposure (practical sessions) in the hospital wards, the lecturers are friendly and full of words of encouragement, students are cooperative in discussing academic work, and l thank God l am passing the progressive examination tests. Leadership. I have no new roles and responsibilities yet but I am still holding the previous post as the boys’ representative.

Ayikoru Hilda Diana, dentistry
The clinical exposures this semester have been very interesting and helpful in mastering the lectured work. For example, this semester we did embryology and whenever we went to obstetrics and gynecology, the gynecologists showed us the anomalies we learned. One day, we witnessed a mother giving birth to a baby and thereafter studied the placenta. In pediatrics, we were taught how to diagnose on two different occasions. The first time, we were taught about pneumonia and the pediatrician then asked us to try to diagnose and categorize a child who seemed to have the same signs as those of pneumonia. We went through all the procedures from interviewing the parent of the child and looking at the signs he presented. In the end we diagnosed the child with severe pneumonia, which turned out to be wrong. He simply had asthma. On the second occasion, we were taught about diarrhea in infants and repeated the procedure for diagnosis and indeed the child had come to hospital with severe diarrhea with dehydration, but by then she had improved. Without this exposure, I would never have related theory to reality.

Qn2. Other than money, what are two challenges you face now?

Mwesigwa Ronnie, surgery and medicine
My only challenge this semester is the workload. They have introduced us to practicals that we did not have last semester. We have two practicals every week after which we have to write reports. And that means we also have to write two reports every week in addition to the lectures and tests that we may have. That has cut down on the time I would have for reading that would refresh my mind.

Ampumuza Davis, surgery and medicine
I knew being a medical student would involve working harder than I have ever worked in my life, but I didn’t realize how hard that would be. I have a lot other responsibilities alongside my studies that involve looking for school fees and supporting my siblings. Secondly, the school has no sports facilities, gym and much more at the main campus. The school also should work towards acquiring updated textbooks in the library and expand our learning rooms for they are congested.

Beatrice Birungi, surgery and medicine
We have a lot of reading that we barely have time for personal life. This is a challenge because my life is not balanced without the social aspect. However, I am trying to work out my own schedule to ensure that I have a better-balanced life. At the medical school, we still adequate space.  We are 60 in total, and there is no room for reading and in lecture rooms.

Kabuye Peter, dentistry
My first challenge is commuting from home. It is cheaper than staying at the university hostels, but challenges my studies with time on the road. The second challenge is learning space with 60 students in small lecture rooms that are often hot and not air-conditioned.

Richard Ogwal, dentistry
The experience I have had so far has made me realize that medical school is so demanding not only on matters of academic concentration but also on time, scholastic materials and personal requirements. We are still doing mostly medicine-related work as opposed to dentistry, but l am comfortable because there are many similar things that I used to do as a Clinical Officer. With so much academic work, including foundation units, filled with assignments, report writings and recently introduced practical sessions, there’s almost no time for leisure or checking in with my family that expects me to pay tuition for my siblings. It is a stress factor that I am afraid could affect even my performance. We have no facilities for sports that could help lessen the stress.

Ayikoru Hilda Diana, dentistry
There’s so much to do in such a little time in medical school. I have to attend lectures the whole day, find time to write reports, assignments and do personal study. It’s really hard to fit all these in. One week, I had three very long reports to write for biochemistry and physiology practical. I also had two essays to write and a test. I learned not to procrastinate anything, from personal study to assignments because they eventually pile up and become very hard to complete. I also changed my strategies of studying. I discuss more with my classmates to improve understanding. It also is important to actively participate in lectures and labs. For example, dissection for anatomy opens up your mind about a particular topic and saves you some time as you read. The other problem I’ve faced is having enough time for family, friends and fun. Most people assume that I’m always busy and find it unnecessary to invite and inform me, which causes me to feel alone. Going out refreshes my brain. I also ensure that I go to church on Sundays so as to interact with people and my family after the service.

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Those interested in helping students like these become part of the solution to Uganda’s health care system or providing other support to UCU can contact UCU Partners Executive Director Mark Bartels at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or go to https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/.

For more of these stories and experiences, visit https://www.ugandapartners.org.

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