by George Sycallides, Director of Communications, UNIC Health

3 February 2025

Alma Sato: Sharing Elective Experiences at GOSH and Johns Hopkins

For many medical students, working in top hospitals and interacting with patients is a crucial part of their education that can shape their future careers. In a recent discussion, Alma Sato, a final-year medical student, shared her experiences during her electives at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

In London, Alma spent five weeks at GOSH last July and August during her Summer break, working in the paediatric plastic surgery department. ‘It was a really valuable experience’, she said, recalling her daily involvement in ward rounds and assisting various surgeries. ‘This opportunity taught me much about focusing on patients and the creative aspects of paediatric plastic surgery’, she added. Alma also appreciated how London’s diverse culture enriched her experience as she explored the city during her time off from the hospital.

From November to December, Alma travelled to Baltimore for a four-week elective in paediatric orthopaedic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She described the structured schedule that demanded discipline—beginning at 6:00 in the morning each day—and provided her with a wide array of challenging topics to explore, including spinal deformity corrections. Her experiences working with the Hopkins team have enhanced her research skills and strengthened her ability to collaborate effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

Reflecting on her electives, Alma spoke about how her time at Johns Hopkins and GOSH changed her view on healthcare. ‘The cutting-edge methods at Johns Hopkins and the personal care at GOSH really opened my eyes’, and added, ‘These experiences have inspired me to focus on paediatric surgery’. Alma highlighted how important resilience and teamwork are in this challenging field and urges her fellow students to take advantage of similar opportunities.

At the Medical School, we take pride in supporting all our students as they strive for excellence, combining academic knowledge with practical experience.