Boitumelo Regional Hospital

How was the accommodation?
Interns do not get doctors quarters, they get nursing home rooms. Tiny room with bathroom attached, sink and stove in bedroom.

How was the level of supervision and teaching?
Poor. No Registrars at all. You're supervised by comm servs. Left on your own 80% of the time. Often see entire wards all by yourself with no one to supervise.

How was the clinical exposure?
Fair. Like all south african hospitals, there's a nice variety of diseases. However, there is no urology, neurology, specialty surgeries, ent, ophthalmology.

Was any of the following available?
Yes - X-Rays, Blood Gas Machines, Ultrasounds, NHLS.

Academics available?
Courses (BLS/ACLS/ITLS/ATLS) etc.

Did you have a social life? What kept you busy/entertained?
No. Kroonstad is tiny. No malls, no movies, no hang out spots, no picnic spots, no arcade, no bowling, etc. The locals also don't really interact with us.

Any general comment/advice?
Because you're on your own a lot it can be very chilled sometimes. Often full on ward rounds (when there were any) and meetings were done only in Sotho. There's a huge culture shock for anyone not familiar with these areas. Only 4 calls per month, but when you're on call you cover the entire hospital. Keep your head down and don't make drama.

Overall Satisfaction with placement?
3/10