French Students’ Internship at KNTB
11. March 2024Regular internships and study placements abroad are valuable bonuses that can be utilised during university years. However, the Faculty of Humanities (FHS) not only organises trips for its own students and staff but also actively supports international students and colleagues seeking further opportunities for personal development and advanced study.
A remarkable experience worth mentioning is the internship of two students, Naomi and Candice, from the French city of Lille.
Last October, both young women completed a practical internship at Tomáš Baťa Regional Hospital (KNTB) in Zlín, working 7.5 twelve-hour shifts at the hospital. Since they had not previously undergone any practical training, this experience was a significant challenge but also an enriching opportunity to enhance their professional skills and knowledge.
Over the course of just one week, they navigated the entire Emergency Department system – from triage at registration to working in the outpatient clinic and observation. They participated in examinations at the Department of Imaging Methods (X-ray, ultrasound, CT), gastroscopy, and even an appendectomy. The students were not limited to passive observation.
They witnessed the insertion of the nasogastric probe, the preparation of the patient for the procedure under general anaesthesia and observed the surgeons’ and traumatologists’ performances (examination, ultrasound, repositioning, suture, etc.). Additionally, they learned about patient care, hygiene maintenance, patient interaction, and safe, compassionate handling and procedures. Additionally, they learned about patient care, hygiene maintenance, patient interaction, and safe, compassionate handling and procedures. They gained knowledge of how to collect patient information and establish diagnoses. Unexpectedly, they also had the opportunity to use French and English when interacting with patients who spoke their native languages.
A heartfelt thanks goes to the entire medical staff involved in the students’ educational process. Special appreciation is extended to MUDr. Fuita, MUDr. Juřica, MUDr. Laštovka, MUDr. Fialová, MUDr. Stenglová, MUDr. Sieglová, MUDr. Mičulka, Lenka Matulová, and others who provided professional guidance and valuable feedback.
How did the international students reflect on their experience? They sent an emotional message to their mentor, Dr. Fialová: “We wanted to thank you for everything you shared with us. You were an incredible teacher – thorough and very educational. Thank you for sharing your love for the work, your knowledge, and your skills. We left the hospital feeling very happy and enriched. Thank you for the warm welcome, patience, understanding, and kindness you showed us. Thanks to you, we learned many new medical techniques that we will be able to apply in France. We truly enjoyed a fantastic internship.”