A month full of discoveries

I’m Nia Nishnianidze, a fourth-year student at Tbilisi Medical Academy, and I had the privilege of spending a transformative month at Klaipeda University Hospital as part of an exchange program.

This is a very important and necessary project that allowed us to gain practical experience in a clinical environment. I desired to attend operations, the collective work of doctors, each of whose instruments is chosen for a specific purpose, and each movement is purposeful. Also, I wanted to get to know a foreign culture. Klaipeda offered a rich blend of professional learning and cultural exploration, resulting in a month full of valuable experiences and cherished memories.

In the general surgery department, I encountered a welcoming atmosphere. The team made it a point to thoroughly explain the surgical processes and address all our questions, which made even the long hours in the operating room engaging. Neilas Ceinorius, our guide from the day we arrived, played a significant role in our experience. His support, guidance, and encouragement made each day productive and enjoyable. He helped us in every way to make every day productive and interesting. He paid attention to us, gave us advice, supported us, and sincerely shared our successes.

During our stay in Klaipeda, we attended laparoscopic cholecystectomy, linea alba hernioplasty, laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty, umbilical hernioplasty, and partial gastrectomy. These experiences reinforced my belief in the significance of laparoscopic surgery. Its minimally invasive nature, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, and lower complication rates are remarkable advancements in surgical practice.

One of the most memorable operations for me was the Hemorrhoidectomy conducted by Mr. Sniuolis, and I was an assistant. At first, of course, I was nervous, but during the operation, I liked being in this role so much that all my fears disappeared. The operating staff also stood by me. At the end of the operation, they shook hands and congratulated me on my first assist, which was a very appreciated gesture. In a foreign land, the support of foreign people is certainly more pleasant and appreciated.

On days without abdominal surgeries, we were fortunate to witness cardiac and vascular procedures. An open-heart surgery, in particular, captivated me. Seeing the heart in action up close for the first time was exhilarating, highlighting the skill, precision, and calmness of the surgical team.

Despite the demanding schedule, we still found time, collected energy, and explored the city. Klaipeda, the port city of Lithuania, was characterized by a mixture of historic and modern streets. One notable street was Tiltu, located in the heart of the old town and charming with narrow, historic buildings reflecting the city's rich maritime heritage. The local beaches were a perfect retreat, adding a serene touch to our busy days.

The exchange program allowed us to find time and visit cities along with practical studies, which made our trip more diverse.

In addition to Klaipeda, we visited Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, which is an old medieval city and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Vilnius was fascinating with its extraordinary history, culture, architecture, and narrow, winding streets. We visited many sights, among them I would single out the Orthodox church of the Holy Spirit, Church of St. Theresa, Vilnius St. Virgin Maria's Church, and Vilnius picture gallery.

We also visited Riga, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the cobbled streets and medieval buildings were equally impressive. The House of the Blackheads, with its exquisite interiors, epitomized Riga’s rich historical and architectural heritage.

In summary, my month in Klaipeda was profoundly enriching. I made new friends, grew personally, and gained invaluable knowledge for my career. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork in healthcare and provided a deep appreciation for both the professional and cultural dimensions of my journey.