Alyona Kobchenko, a 5th-year student of the Medical Faculty No. 1, about her impressions of studying under the clinical cycles program as part of a partnership project between the University of Glasgow and Poltava State Medical University.

"The exchange program in Glasgow, based at some of the best hospitals in Glasgow, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Infirmary, is coming to an end. Although most of the classes took place in these hospitals, I had the opportunity to visit clinics in other institutions such as Victoria Hospital, Stobhill Hospital, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. These six months gave me great experience, unforgettable memories, a lot of acquaintances with people from different parts of the world. QEUH is an extremely large hospital! At first it was difficult to know where to go, but people always came to help you. It was in this hospital that I was in the following departments: cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, transplantology, urology, pulmonology, reception department. I was present at kidney biopsies and urological operations. Conducted surveys and examined patients. I listened to so many lungs that now I can hear pneumonia right away! A lot of different interesting cases. Doctors often told me that you are lucky, because such cases are very rare. I was able to see a child with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. I was impressed and was recommended to write about it in reflection. Passed a simulation course in Simples. It was incredible! I attended a conference on pediatrics for medical students, where we held workshops on ABCDE and examination of hip joints, and babies, and listened to reports from experienced doctors. In the children's hospital, I visited departments such as neurology, endocrinology, cardiology, general surgery, pulmonology, rheumatology, and urology. During the week, in addition to departments and clinics, we had so-called bedside teaching, where we interviewed and examined patients, and then the clinic fellow (teacher) evaluated the process and told how to do it better. They also attended lectures where the most important topics, according to the teachers, were presented. They were held in the format of a discussion. At the end of each week, there was a test on the assimilation of the material. We had access to the study materials of Glasgow students. The presence of the so-called buddies, who helped with all questions about education and not only, came in quite handy. We even became good friends! At the Royal Infirmary, I visited such departments as therapy, gynecology, obstetrics, neonatology, visited diabetes and pathological pregnancy clinics. I was present at a large number of caesarean sections. It was incredibly cute when parents meet a newborn baby. I was introduced to the palliative care team at QEUH and The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice. A group of young people who have life-long illnesses and need palliative care attended consultations.

In addition to studying, we had the opportunity to travel a little around Scotland and beyond. I am very grateful to the University of Glasgow and our native Alma Mater for this extraordinary opportunity to gain such experience and for all the emotions I experienced here. These six months changed my life and vision of the world. Therefore, do not delay academic mobility - and you will definitely not regret it!"