My first Praktikum in Germany

My first Praktikum in Germany marked several firsts for me. It was the initial occasion I worked entirely in a clinical setting, situated in the summer between my fifth and sixth medical studies. Until then, my clinical practices had been short stints in various departments, lasting only a few days with no real responsibilities or tasks. However, this time, I found myself working eight hours a day for two consecutive months, devoid of teachers or anyone grading me. It was a scenario with a group of doctors operating on their timetables and concerns, and there I was, navigating it all. Additionally, it was the first instance of working alongside Germans. While I had German teachers and spoken to Germans in everyday encounters, this was my first experience within a workplace, and not in a teaching environment.

I must confess that I entered this Praktikum with no particular expectations or objectives. Perhaps I was too naive, arriving without knowing what to anticipate. Furthermore, my German speaking skills were barely existent, even though a B2 level was expected of me.

This Praktikum opportunity was discovered through the Erasmus program. These two months were divided into one-month internships in the departments of Anesthesia and Cardiology.

From the outset of the first month, I quickly realized I might have made a mistake. The error wasn't in seeking clinical experience to stay ahead or secure a foothold in the German doctor's market, but in attempting to do so with such limited German speaking skills. Early on, I recognized that I couldn't ask the questions I wanted or comprehend what was being said to me. Consequently, from an external perspective, it appeared as if I lacked motivation, didn't care, wasn't proactive, and perhaps seemed sad. Truthfully, I was indeed sad and angry. Engaging in something you don't want to do is frustrating, especially when it's challenging and annoying. However, nothing surpasses the frustration of being entirely useless, stuck in one place for eight straight hours. What do I do if there's nothing to do? What do I say if there's nothing to say? What do I ask if I've exhausted my abilities and received answers I can't understand? It's undeniably frustrating. Should I stand in this room or maybe the other one? Should I stay by the corner to avoid bothering anyone? Should I walk around, pretending to be busy, or sit at a desk and study medicine? Very frustrating.

To be honest, the Anesthesia month wasn't as bad since it was very hands-on, involving practical skills such as putting in IV lines, taking blood, bag-mask ventilation, intubation, and more. However, as the first month concluded, and I transitioned to Cardiology, those practical skills disappeared, making the experience more theoretical. Despite my best efforts, asking questions, shadowing residents, and occasionally having doctors explain things to me in English, it mostly involved following, not speaking, and merely being present.

Admittedly, I was relieved when those two months came to an end, even though it meant commencing my sixth year of medical studies with more challenging adventures in Germany.

Reflecting on these two months, despite being an unnecessary mistake, I find some positive aspects. Metaphorically speaking, this initial encounter with real German work experience was a slap on my face that brought me back to reality from whatever dream world I was in before. This experience made me acutely aware of the substantial gap between where I stood and where I needed to be to work as a medical doctor in Germany. I am confident that it motivated me to be better and faster in the learning process.

While I don't believe this metaphorical slap was necessary, knowing I could have prepared better and researched more to save myself from these unforgettable two months of humiliation, I can only hope that by sharing this story, it helps you make wiser decisions than I did.