Joining Vine Trust’s Jubilee Hope Expedition on Lake Victoria in Tanzania was one of the most life changing experiences, and I’m so grateful for the Dr Julia McLean Grant Fund for helping to facilitate it.

I honestly had no expectations prior to the expedition, and my experiences on Jubilee Hope far exceeded anything I could have possibly imagined. Our days began with a health talk and patient registration on the island, and then we returned to the ship for clinics. As a student, I was encouraged to give everything a go, from taking histories and being involved in managing patients with the local and volunteer doctors, spending time in the medical laboratory, assisting with some of the minor procedures, and even giving one of the health talks! I personally really enjoyed seeing patients with the local and volunteer doctors, and also had a lot of fun trying to take medical histories using the medical Swahili we had been taught. With every patient there was always an opportunity to learn something new, whether this was about tropical diseases we just do not see at home or more complex presentations that would send me searching to try understand what was happening. Every patient had their own story, and it was such a privilege to be able to hear these stories, greater understand different perspectives of health and illness, and learn more about life on the islands in Lake Victoria.

Whilst the medicine component of the trip was definitely a highlight on its own, I also really valued being able to explore the islands each day after clinic and spending time getting to know the team. Even though we were only together as a team for twelve days, I definitely feel like I have made friends for life, and for that I am so grateful.

I would definitely recommend the expedition to any final year medical student (or doctor!) who wants a life-changing experience, and have already recommended it to so many of my own peers. Joining the expedition was invaluable, and really allowed me to appreciate how much of an impact the Jubilee Hope is making by bringing healthcare and access to medication to so many people. It really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but taught me more about medicine and life than any university course ever could. I am already looking forward to joining another expedition in the (hopefully near!) future!

Finally, I am really thankful to the Dr Julia McLean Grant Fund for their support for this trip, as especially as a student, it helped to reduce the financial stress involved in participation. I really hope that in the future I will be able to pay this kindness and generosity forward!