BEYOND THEORY: UNIVERSITY OF NAVARRA STUDENTS EXPERIENCE SCIENCE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN MANHIÇAI

For those preparing to pursue a career in Medicine, direct exposure to clinical realities can profoundly transform the way they understand the profession. This was precisely the experience lived by a group of students from the University of Navarra, Spain, during an internship at the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) and the Manhiça District Hospital (HDM). There, they had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of health research, clinical practice and the challenges of working in a resource-limited setting.

“It was, without a doubt, a memorable experience,” one of the students said, highlighting that, for those who are curious and hardworking, there was always something new to do and learn.

One of the main objectives of the internship was to provide students with practical and multidisciplinary experience in biomedical research and clinical medicine.

During their stay in Manhiça, the students rotated through different areas of CISM and HDM, interacting with professionals working in research, laboratory, clinical and support areas. This experience allowed them to consolidate their knowledge of diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and malnutrition, while also gaining a better understanding of therapeutic approaches and medicines used in the local context.

In addition to the theoretical component, the internship provided hands-on experiences such as vaccination, blood collection, triage, clinical case discussions, patient care and laboratory activities. The students also had the opportunity to learn about the population studies unit and research initiatives being conducted in nearby communities.

“We learned how to apply technical knowledge to clinical practice and how to develop a more solution-oriented approach when faced with a lack of certain resources,” highlighted Francisco Saúte Júnior, one of the students.

The experience also prompted broader reflections on the medical profession itself. For some students, exposure to day-to-day clinical practice helped them adjust their expectations about Medicine and, in some cases, contributed to rethinking their perspectives on their future professional paths.

Despite some challenges, particularly the short rotation period in certain areas and the limitations in available resources, the overall assessment of the internship was highly positive. The students particularly highlighted the willingness of professionals to teach, the diversity of areas they visited and the opportunity to learn in a context different from what they were accustomed to.

“The most important lesson we learned is that what is always in our hands is humanity. Therefore, the way we treat others matters. Behind research are people, and this must never be lost sight of. We will always remember this in the future,” shared Blanca Andres Diaz, a student at the University of Navarra.

As they begin their third academic year and their first phase of clinical practice, the students return to their studies carrying not only new technical knowledge, but also a deeper understanding of the relationship between science, clinical practice, available resources and people-centred care. These are lessons and experiences they hope to apply throughout the next stages of their training