Mike, a medical student in the 5th year, was born and raised in the USA to a Slovakian father and Salvadoran mother. Once he came to visit a friend in Brno and immediately signed up for the entrance exam, never looking back. At the moment, he also volunteers at the Faculty Hospital. How are his studies affected by the state of emergency? Does he have any spare time? What exactly does he do as a volunteer?
Mike, do you feel that your studies are being affected by the current epidemiological situation?
It’s tough, and I had to start a completely new lifestyle to accommodate for the changes. I wake up at 4:30, study, workout, and work. Unfortunately, quarantine is not ideal because I’m very extroverted and learn best by going to lectures and participating in a group setting. however, I am doing my best to maintain at least some work ethic.
Do you even have some spare time? What do you like to do apart from your studies and work?
I work out one to two times a day for at least an hour to three per day. I built a gym out of wood and cement in my apartment and train with my closest friends. I also go to workout outdoors at various parks around Brno. I additionally bought a motorcycle and train on the track with my friends. Unfortunately, I crashed and got a luxation and fracture. Lastly, I also like painting.
You mentioned work, what exactly do you do?
Yes, I am part of the triage team at FN Brno. My specific responsibilities are various, yet I mainly focus on figuring out if patients entering the hospital are at high risk for being COVID-19 positive, and limit the number of people entering the hospital. I take patient history, measure their temperature with the help of thermal cameras, and only allow prioritized patients to enter further. Only with the approval of our triage team, one may enter the hospital.
Why have you decided to volunteer?
I volunteered because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t have much to gain, yet I made many sacrifices to work here in Brno. Knowing that I’m doing my part keeps me going. Furthermore, I believe it’s my responsibility as a future doctor to do everything I can to help. In fact, during these tough times, I remember my chill and abundant life in California. I was working as a personal trainer in one of the wealthiest cities, I had few responsibilities and much success both financially and socially, yet I’d give all of that away again and again to be part of something more wholesome. Because many others in this country share my need to help, we are much better off than other countries.
Did you have to make any sacrifices because of your work?
I’ve made plenty of sacrifices. I don’t know when I’ll be able to see my family, I limit my contact with my friends, and my medical degree might be postponed. However, I’m more than happy to help the community that has been so welcoming despite my foreign origins.
Who do you work with?
My team is comprised of two to three medical students of the 5th and 6th year, two nurses, and one to two doctors. We closely cooperate with staff from specific clinics within our hospital and the police.
Could you see this volunteering scheme being applied in other countries?
Yes, and in fact, most hospitals should have something like this. It’s simple and effective.
Do you personally feel safe?
We have specific protocols for everything we do which are designed to minimize exposure of ourselves and also of our patients. However, there is always a risk, and my team is at the frontline.
Are you the only international student working there?
I am the only international student working with the Czech students in the two stations created in response to the pandemic. However, some foreigners are working in other departments.
Does the language barrier complicate your work?
I am fortunate enough to be able to communicate competently with patients and medical staff. In fact, my skills are only getting better because of this job.
That’s great that you see it as a benefit. Are there any other rewards for your work?
Yes, I initially volunteered and expected to work for free. Nonetheless, since I’m on a weekly schedule, and I have been put through special training for working with patients and operating thermal cameras, I will eventually be paid for my time. Discipline and purpose are another clear benefits of working for the Czech people. Even after my motorcycle crash, I only missed one shift and immediately got back to work. I even worked out the next day on crutches. Donations also make this work enjoyable. The hospital provides some food, yet another rich source of calories and smiles comes from various companies which donate either pizzas, fruit smoothies, or other goodies. Donations come from civilians as well. These include home-baked cakes, coffee, and face masks. Being able to give to a community that gives back is truly a beautiful thing.
Thank you for your time and for your work, Mike! Take care.
Brno Ph.D. Competition Talent, which annually supports promising male and female natural sciences and engineering students, brought joy to the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University this year. Among the 25 selected students who received an extraordinary scholarship of CZK 360,000 for three years, six PhD students from this faculty succeeded.
Amidst the hustle and bustle and fatigue of the end of the year, there is an opportunity to pause, reflect on the achievements and step into the next year with gratitude and hope.
