Bridging Excellence: From Charles University to the Royal Victoria Infirmary

Greetings Everyone, my name is Wedad Al Saumahi, and I am a Charles University alumni ambassador, graduate of class 2024. Throughout my medical journey, I have been passionate about expanding my clinical knowledge, gaining international experience, and continuously improving my skills as a doctor. My education at Charles University’s Third Faculty of Medicine, Czech Republic-Prague provided me with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical medicine, preparing me to work in diverse healthcare systems.

During my studies, I had the opportunity to complete several clinical placements in the United Kingdom, each offering valuable insights into different aspects of patient care. However, in this article, I want to focus on my most recent experience at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital (RVI) in Newcastle, where I trained under the supervision of Mr. Alistair Jenkins.

On January 3rd, 2025, I began my clinical placement in the neurosurgery department, an experience that deepened my medical expertise and reinforced the value of the training I received in Prague. Walking through the doors of the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital, I was immediately struck by the fast-paced yet highly organized environment. It was a setting where patient care was at the core of every decision, and teamwork played a vital role in delivering the best possible outcomes.

Under Mr. Jenkins’ mentorship, I had the privilege of observing and assisting in various neurosurgical procedures and engaging in preoperative and postoperative patient care. His expertise, patience, and willingness to teach made a significant impact on my learning experience. He took the time to explain complex cases, shared invaluable surgical insights, and encouraged me to think critically about patient management. I am truly grateful for his guidance and for the opportunity to learn from such a highly skilled and dedicated neurosurgeon.

A particularly valuable part of my experience at RVI was improving my ability to interpret MRI and CT scans under the guidance of Mr. Ahmad Al Haj Houssen. He generously dedicated his time to teaching me how to analyze neurosurgical imaging in a structured and methodical way, ensuring I could confidently assess scans in a clinical setting. His teaching built upon the strong foundation I had developed at Charles University, making the learning process much more efficient and enjoyable. Thanks to the rigorous training I had received in Prague, I was able to grasp advanced imaging concepts quickly, further enhancing my ability to contribute to patient care. I deeply appreciate his patience and commitment to education, which added a crucial dimension to my neurosurgical training.

Reflecting on my time at Charles University, I realize how well it prepared me for this experience. The university’s comprehensive curriculum combined early patient exposure with a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning and evidence-based medicine. From my very first years in medical school, I was encouraged to approach patient care holistically, considering not just the immediate symptoms but the broader context of a patient’s health and well-being.

One of the biggest advantages of my education was the focus on international learning opportunities. Charles University has always fostered an environment where students can gain exposure to different healthcare systems, which made my transition into a UK hospital much smoother. The strong clinical rotations, rigorous final-year internships, and emphasis on independent problem-solving helped me adapt quickly to the expectations of a high-level clinical setting like RVI.