August 2024
In August 2024, I spent an unforgettable month in Hasselt, Belgium as part of the IFMSA research exchange program. I was placed at the cardiology department at Jessa Hospital, where I worked on a fascinating project focused on the personalised prevention of coronary heart disease.
Our daily schedule was a great mix of clinical and research work. I got the chance to assist in cardiac catheterization labs, prenatal cardiovascular diagnostics, congenital heart consultations, ablations, and functional testing like the TILT test for syncope. It was a hands-on learning experience, the kind you can’t get from books alone.
But honestly? One of the best parts of the exchange was everything outside the hospital.
Belgium in summer is pure magic. After work, we’d grab bikes and explore Hasselt’s parks, little cafés, and cozy streets. On weekends, we hopped on trains and set off on adventures: day trips to Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven, wandering through old towns, trying local foods, and soaking in the lively summer atmosphere. Each city had its own charm, but all shared one thing: amazing chocolate and waffles!
And yes, the waffles deserve their own paragraph. I tried them all: from classic Liege waffles in street markets to over-the-top creations loaded with fruit, chocolate, and whipped cream. Total serotonin. Combine that with Belgian fries and legendary chocolate shops on every corner, and let’s just say… thank you, cardio rotation, for keeping my metabolism on its toes.
What really made the month special, though, were the people. I met med students from all over the world, shared stories, swapped cultural quirks, and made friendships that stretched way beyond hospital walls. We had late-night talks, international dinners, spontaneous trips, and more laughs than I can count.
This exchange wasn’t just about medicine. It was about growing as a person, stepping out of my comfort zone, and creating memories I’ll never forget.
Huge thanks to BEMSA, IFMSA, and BoHeMSA for making this experience possible. If you ever get the chance to go on an exchange, take it! You’ll come back smarter, happier, and probably slightly addicted to Belgian waffles.
Hasselt
CoroPrevention
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