Bill Pickard Hospital

How was the accommodation?
Rent can by pricy due to local contractors- but if you look around you can find a reasonable deal.

How was the level of supervision and teaching?
Excellent - good senior support, always a second and third person on call so you can always call for back up when you feel out of your depth. Teaching is hands on, there are no formal tutorials per se, but you will learn a ton by being hands on.

How was the clinical exposure?
It’s very busy. You have a 33 bed hospital to look after, a functional theatre, 2 local clinics and 2 outreach clinics. Most days are long, but experience gained makes it all worthwhile.

Was any of the following available?
Yes - X-Rays, Ultrasounds

Academics available?
No comment.

Did you have a social life? What kept you busy/entertained?
There is great camaraderie amongst comm serves, we hung out a lot and became a little family, we had dinners, birthdays and braais. There are not many restaurants and places of leisure but if you are creative you will not be bored. Facilities; Golf course, Rolbal, Koppie nature reserve/trail, orange river views.

Any general comment/advice?
It’s a year of hard work, don’t come here if you want to have a relaxed year or year of pursuing diplomas etc, it’s a very clinical environment, so it’s more for people wanting to sharpen their clinical/surgical skills.

Overall Satisfaction with placement?
10/10