January 2025
On Sunday, 26 January 2025, Pyrga Primary School was transformed into a health station, thanks to the efforts of 18 medical student volunteers. Under the supervision of Prof Zoi Dorothea Pana, the students organised a community health initiative offering free blood pressure, glucose, and BMI measurements, as part of the mobile clinic expedition.
Before the event, Professor Pana held a session with the students to explain their roles and how to interact with the community. People of all ages visited the health stations. Each visitor was welcomed and helped through the process, and after their measurements, they received advice from Dr Pana.
During their breaks, the students were treated to a variety of traditional Cypriot baked snacks, brought by the community council members. After the health measurements, there was a debriefing session. It was a chance to reflect on the activities, share insights, and discuss improvements for future initiatives. This session showed how such volunteer efforts connect medical education with real-world practice.
With the completion of their work, the students took a walk through Pyrga village, giving them the chance to get to know the area. They ended the day with a meal at a local taverna, where they ate Cypriot food and shared stories. This expedition gave the students hands-on experience and a chance to connect with the people of Pyrga.

“We were able to interact with the local community, many of whom hadn’t had regular health checks. The experience enabled me to apply my clinical skills training in a real-world setting, whilst also learning about the specific health concerns of rural populations. Many of the villagers appreciated the chance to get these checks; it was a great day, and a meaningful part of my journey as a medical student.”
Julia Sophie Stenz, South Africa
MD Class of 2028

“Applying our skills with real patients grew our confidence and skills. Interacting with patients really helped me to mature as a medical student, by developing the competence to deliver efficient and culturally sensitive care. Overall, it was a very fun and rewarding experience because we had the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the community.”
Mikhail Nagib, Australia
MD Class of 2029
