- Medicine
- Bruneck, Italy
- Università di Verona
- 03/2023 – 07/2023
1. Application/Finding an internhip
The preparation for my hospital internship in surgery was very smooth. I applied 7 months
before my stay at various hospitals throughout South Tyrol. I was able to find an internship for
the entire 4 months in Bruneck. Although everything worked out well I would recommend
applying earlier to be on the safe side. There was a dedicated contact person, Dr. Neumair, at
the hospital in Bruneck who handled communication with the University of Verona. She
ensured that everything was arranged for my stay. Working with her was extremely helpful and
reassuring, as it allowed me to focus on the professional aspects of my internship without
worrying about organizational matters. The International Office was also very helpful with my
Bruneck
© Felicitas Weiß
Erasmus Plus application, providing clear guidance and prompt communication with the
respective contact persons. Their support made the process stress-free, enabling a rewarding
international academic experience during my hospital internship.
2. Accomodation & Living expenses
After a quick research on the internet (http://accommodationunibz.blogspot.it/) I was able to stay in a 5-person shared
apartment with other students from the University of Bozen. For 520€ per month I got a fully
furnished 17sqm room. The shared apartment had great common areas with a pool table and
Netflix account. There was also a laundry room and a cleaning lady who came every two weeks.
The accommodation was perfect and allowed me to have a pleasant stay during my internship.
There were also some cheaper rooms for subletting, but I preferred to live in a shared apartment
so I could connect with people who live in Bruneck and know the area.
Kronplatz
© Felicitas Weiß
The cost of living in South Tyrol is comparable to Germany. Groceries are a bit more expensive.
However, public transportation is quite cheap and reliable. Most importantly, aperitivos are
cheaper than in Germany and are usually served with a small snack on the side!
3. The internship
My surgery rotation was an enriching and rewarding experience. Working in the general surgery
department provided a wide range of opportunities, from assisting in the operating room to
helping out in the outpatient clinic and the emergency department, known as “pronto soccorso”.
Everyone in the team was genuinely kind and welcoming, always ready to answer questions
and eager to receive assistance.
The hands-on experience was good. I was given the chance to examine patients, perform
ultrasound scans, and even practice suturing. The surgeons made me feel like a valued member
of the team. During quieter times in general surgery, I was encouraged to observe and assist the
orthopedic team.
The hospital staff must speak both Italian and German, so it is easy to communicate with them.
There are only a few patients who speak only Italian or Ladin. In these cases, the nurses
Zinnen-Blick
© Felicitas Weiß
translate, and after a while I picked up the common expressions and was able to use them
myself. If you are not from southern Germany, the South Tyrolean dialect can also be a bit
difficult at first, but you understand it with time.
My day started at 7:45 am and I usually stayed until 2:30 pm. Sometimes I could leave earlier
or had to stay longer to assist in the operating room, depending on what surgeries were coming
up. Besides me, there were five other students in general surgery and trauma surgery, so we set
up a rotation schedule so we didn’t have to come in every day or could leave early. Our schedule
also included weekend duty (on-call shifts). In return, we got two days off during the week.
A definite highlight was the cafeteria’s delicious meals. As students, we enjoyed complimentary
access to a variety of Primi Piatti, Secondi Piatti, a salad buffet, and delicious desserts.
4. Free time/tips
During my free time, I took an Italian language course at a language school to improve my
communication with patients. The course proved to be very helpful during my hospital
Pragser Wildsee
© Felicitas Weiß
internship and especially my travels afterwards and I would recommend doing one if you have
the chance.
When I arrived in March, the ski season was still in full swing, and with the Kronplatz as the
local mountain in Bruneck, it provided the perfect conditions for skiing. The snow-covered
slopes and breathtaking panorama made for unforgettable ski days. It was an excellent
opportunity to experience the beauty of the South Tyrolean mountains.
Later, I used my free time for extensive hikes to explore the nature of South Tyrol. The
surrounding landscapes offered a variety of hiking trails, lakes and summits. I strongly
recommend doing Piz da Peres and Peitlerkofel as well as a sunrise/sunset hike at Sambock.
In addition to exploring the local region, I embarked on exciting trips to some of Italy’s famous
cities. Venice, with its romantic canals and unique architecture, Verona with its impressive
Colosseum, and the fashion capital Milan were just a few of the captivating destinations. I also
visited Turin, Genova, Meran and the Garda Lake, each providing a different cultural diversity
and an immersive experience in the Italian way of life. It’s easy to reach those cities by train
and if you book in advance the tickets were very cheap.
Meran
© Felicitas Weiß
The time spent with my roommates and my colleagues was also a highlight of my leisure
activities. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the aperitivo bars, went on great hikes, or even
paragliding together.
Overall, my leisure time during the internship was a perfect balance of active outdoor activities,
cultural explorations, and enjoyable camaraderie. The diverse opportunities the region offered
made this period an unforgettable and enriching experience during my time in the surgical
department.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, my hospital internship in the surgery department was an incredibly enriching and
unforgettable experience. From the smooth preparation and comfortable accommodation to the
hands-on learning opportunities and supportive team, every aspect of the internship exceeded
my expectations. Additionally, exploring the beautiful landscapes, immersing myself in the
Italian language and culture, and forming lasting friendships with my colleagues made this
journey even more special. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills gained, and I will carry
the memories of this remarkable experience with me throughout my medical career.
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