Magenta Sertic

Having only been exposed to the Australian healthcare system, it was important to me to see as much as I could before graduating as a doctor, especially in a location as culturally different as Vietnam. 

Because I had been studying since high school, a placement overseas was also a great opportunity to travel while learning simultaneously. 

As my previous elective plans fell through, I was struggling to organise my trip last minute. Work the World approved everything immediately and made the process very easy. 

Speaking to the team on the phone reassured me about any worries I had and I was finally able to get excited about my overseas elective. 

My trip was more memorable with the beautiful Work the World team in-country. Any questions I had, they helped with and I miss them dearly. 

The team at the Work the World house were wonderful. They went out of their way to make every student comfortable and happy. I have many fond memories of them as I spent many of my lunches chatting with them in their office.

The Work the World house became my home away from home. It’s hard to encompass how amazing living in the house was. The team became like family, as did all my housemates. 

Everyone was always up for doing things together - whether it was playing cards, adventuring around Hue or just laying by the pool. Because you are living together you become incredibly close very quickly. 

Travelling to Vietnam solo was very daunting at first but I was incredibly lucky to arrive in Hue the same day as seven amazing girls. We all bonded so quickly and I’m already planning to visit them overseas in the next year. 

The Work the World house was busy at the start of my trip which meant nights out and the weekly BBQ night were lots of fun. We also did a lot of travelling around Vietnam during the weekends together to make the most of our time overseas. 

I arrived not knowing anyone and left with so many new close friends! 

I noticed a significant discrepancy between Australian healthcare and Vietnamese healthcare. In Vietnam, families of patients played a major role in the healthcare system, monitoring vitals, helping transport between departments, and bringing paperwork (imaging) to the hospital. 

During the Village Week, I saw the importance of traditional medicine, including acupuncture, cupping, and massage. Many Vietnamese locals would utilise these methods rather than taking medication to manage their pain. 

My housemates and I explored the local cuisine of Hue throughout the week before travelling elsewhere in Vietnam on the weekends. Hoi An and Danang were beautiful, especially during the Lantern Festival. 

I travelled north to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay which was incredibly pretty and it was nice to see some of the girls after they had left the house the week before. 

One thing from my experience that will stick in my mind forever was the Village Healthcare Week. I was apprehensive to go at first, but I’m so grateful I did. Every experience was special and it’s a week I will never forget.

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