A Medical Elective

A Transformative Journey

Two Ridings Community Foundation rarely helps individuals or work abroad, but one grant scheme, the North Yorkshire Fund Educational Travel Award supports young people from North Yorkshire by funding travel abroad for language placements, electives or a year in industry, for example.

In 2011, Leeds medical student Catherine McMillan was awarded an Educational Travel Award from the North Yorkshire Fund and Two Ridings Community Foundation to support her 9-week elective trip to New Zealand in July, 2011.

Catherine's elective involved working at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital in pediatric oncology (cancer occurring in children) and in anesthetics at Auckland City Hospital. "Completing two placements meant clinical work was varied and challenging. But, because I was eager to enhance my medical skills, I overcame these difficulties."	Auckland city, the largest urban area in New Zealand and home to almost a third of the population
As well differences in healthcare, the trip provided an insight into cultural difference. The colourful interior of Starship Hospital, the largest children's hospital in the country.	"My trip gave me an insight into how culture can affect health. Maori people are generally more deprived and in poorer health than the European descended population, but their culture influences their health care too." For instance Maori taonga, a treasured thing, often jewellery, can complicate medical procedures but is also culturally important and often worn continuously. "Learning about the Maori encouraged me to think about the interaction between health and culture, and balancing patient wishes and needs. I hope this insight will improve my practice in a multicultural country such as the UK ."
In her final week, Catherine explored the natural beauties of New Zealand. "The South Island is indescribable; from snowy mountains and alpine forests to wide beaches and vast, open plains.	Views of the Southern Alps
Rebuilding in Christchurch following the Christchurch earthquakes, 2011, captures the sense of community spirit Catherine saw in New Zealand	"With a similar size to Britain but under 1 million people, the South Island redefines living rurally. Despite the difficulties, such small populations resulted in a strong community spirit." "The cost of my elective was of great concern for me, so I would like to whole-heartedly thank* the* Two Ridings Community Foundation and The North Yorkshire Fund for helping to make my trip a reality."

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