Radcliffe Travelling Fellowship Medical Elective report – Anna Kelliher (2020, Medicine)

As part of my medical training, I undertook a medical elective split between Sri Lanka and Nepal, gaining experience in obstetrics and general surgery, respectively. These placements offered valuable insight into healthcare delivery in low-resource settings, while also exposing me to diverse patient populations and cultural contexts.

In Sri Lanka, I was based within an Obstetrics department, where I observed and assisted in antenatal clinics, labour wards, and obstetric theatres. The high patient volume provided frequent exposure to both routine and complex cases and I observed the management of complications such as pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage. Discussions with doctors on the ward rounds highlighted how social, cultural and religious beliefs, influenced by the legacy of colonialism, affect the treatment of unmarried pregnant women in the community.

The medical school in Galle provided a fascinating talk on parasitology and the management of various types of snake bite. Interestingly, not all the specimens were available for us as they were being used in the final year practical medical exams!

In Nepal, my elective focused on general surgery, combined with time spent in a rural medical placement. In the hospital setting, I attended surgical clinics, ward rounds, and theatres, observing a variety of procedures including hernia repairs, appendectomies, and trauma-related surgeries. Resource limitations were more pronounced, and I noted differences in infection control practices, availability of imaging, and perioperative care.

The rural placement was particularly impactful, providing insight into the barriers faced by patients in accessing healthcare. Many patients travelled long distances for basic medical care, and presentations were often at a more advanced stage of disease. Patients took charge of their own health, arriving to appointments with their own medical records, and making sure to note their blood pressure recordings to see how it had changed since the last appointment.

In conclusion, my elective in Sri Lanka and Nepal was highly rewarding and eye-opening. It broadened my clinical knowledge and increased my awareness of global health inequalities. The experience has reinforced my interest in working in diverse healthcare settings and highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive and resource-conscious medical practice. Thank you Univ for helping me fund this trip, I am incredibly grateful and hope to continue working in global surgery throughout my career.

Published: 2 October 2026

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