Reporter: Katya Russell
Contact at destination: Professeur J-M Davy
Year of visit: 1999
Country: France
Region: Montpellier
Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier.
Department: Cardiology
Work / study undertaken
I spent 10 weeks in the Cardiology Department of the Hospital. I was part of the team of students working on the ward, clerking the patients and following them throughout their inpatient stay. I was able to assist or follow investigations and help with any work required on the ward. It is possible to do as much or as little as is wished.
Description of the service and department
Description of the locality: A university town with a lot of character situated ten minutes by car from the Mediterranean Sea. Lots to do very lively.
Were the locals friendly: Yes very
Did you feel safe and if not why not? Yes
What did you do in your spare time? Sight seeing, beach, day trips, meeting and going out with other students (French, German, Spanish)
Is there anything that you would particularly recommend others to do? Sight seeing – locally – regionally – nearby Spain.
What time of the year were you there? What was the climate like? August to October – hot and sunny
What was your accommodation like? A studio – room, kitchen and bathroom. It was very good
Was it provided? No
If no who arranged it? Self.
How much did it cost? Approx. £200 per month
Did you enjoy your visit? Yes, work – people – time off.
Did you find the visit useful medically? – In what way? Yes learned some cardiology.
Has it improved your French?
Has it improved your knowledge of French culture? Learned more about the French medical education and hospitals.
If you went back, would you do anything differently? Spend half the time in the Casualty department; very welcoming and better general experience
How did you get there? By car.
What was the approximate total cost? £1200
Is there any other information that you think may be useful?
It is worth insisting on splitting the elective between two specialities if it is what you want. They prefer students to spend two months in only one department; I found it a bit long.
The tourist office has a lot of information; e.g. accommodation lists, maps etc Tel – 00 334 67 60 60 60
Useful Internet websites: – Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve and other teaching Hospitals http://www.chu-montpellier.fr