Inside a Medical Internship in Vietnam: A Day in the Life of an FMP Intern | Family Medical Practice
Written by Jennifer, Year 11 IGCSE Student at ABCIS
As an IGCSE Year 11 student at ABCIS, it is essential that I complete an internship as part of my school curriculum. This is so that I can gain real-life experience and a better understanding of what it’s like to pursue medicine while also strengthening my CV. I am truly grateful to Family Medical Practice for accepting me to participate in their internship programme, and I’d like to thank everyone who has guided and supported me throughout the week. Here’s a glimpse of my experience! :)
9:00 am
The first thing I do before receiving my agenda on the first floor: greet the friendly staff at the front desk, of course! It’s common courtesy. After getting a taste of what my day has in store for me, it’s show time. But, before that, I review the Medical Internship Handbook, and (of course) write my schedule down onto my handy-dandy FMP journal so that my mind doesn’t wander off. Can’t forget to clip on my personal FMP internship badge with my name on it! (one of my favorite parts of the day)
9:10 am - 11:30 am
Growing up, I only knew the experience of being a patient, I never knew what it was like on the other side of the hospital until this internship. This is where advice starts pouring in - the real learning experience. Every doctor I’ve talked to has given me valuable insights on their experience, journey and sacrifices to achieve what they have now. One thing many doctors have in common is their immense dedication, often prioritizing patient care over their own rest. While it showed me how demanding the field can be, it also made me respect the profession even more.
We can’t forget about the nurses, the nurses are also valuable members of the healthcare community. I learnt that the workload between nurses and doctors is different, but they both have the same goal: patient care always comes first. Their professions both demand extreme working hours and they work under pressure. Having heard this, it encouraged me to reflect on whether this path is truly for me, allowing me to make an informed decision.
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Honestly, throughout the week, each day is slightly different. Reflecting the reality of a healthcare professional, where everyday can be unpredictable. Usually, around this time, I would be given a tour of the facilities. For example, I got to observe and learn about the Radiology unit at their Diamond Plaza and Thao Dien locations. I even got to watch a volunteer undergo an X-ray (which was a thrilling experience).
I also had the opportunity to participate in practical activities such as: using a stethoscope on volunteers and performing an EKG test on a volunteer with the guidance of a professional. Of course, I’m only a high school student, so I was supervised throughout the process.
12:10 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch time! The doctors generously treated me to pizza. Right after lunch, I was invited to attend a real life meeting on new treatments. It was rather intriguing to listen to the doctors exchanging suggestions and asking questions. After that, this is where I say goodbye!
Final word
This has been one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had, it opened my eyes to what it truly means to be a member of the healthcare community. I would like to once again thank everyone who guided me throughout my internship. Whenever I felt confused about where I was supposed to be, they were there to guide me in the right direction. I would especially like to thank Dr. Pedro for organising my internship and for sharing his invaluable advice and guidance. I would also like to express my gratitude to the founder of FMP, Dr. Rafi, for considering me and referring me to Dr. Pedro. This experience has enhanced my passion for pursuing a career in medicine, and I now know what I want to do in the future. With all the advice given to me, I believe I can make it.
