Rural Allowance: Yes
Doctors Quarters:
- DQ fairly run down and poorly maintained in the 1st year, based at Mankweng. In 2nd year the DQ is really great, based in Polokwane itself. Rural allowance for your time spent at mankweng, which was basically half the time of internship.
- 1st year doctors quarters is the ghetto, however you get to move to newer apartments in second year of internship.
- The one in Mankweng are old and not taken care of, one in polokwane are fine.
- First year DQ’s are not great, also struggled with water, cupboards are old and broken. Second year DQ’s much better. Beautiful and spacious. Could use better maintenance though.
Academics:
- Rotation dependant. Paediatrics and O&G generally have good teaching, as well as plastic surgery, paediatric surgery and trauma, should you be lucky enough to rotate through them. The other rotations tend to be a mixed bag.
- Some rotations will provide with good teaching, while in some departments you will be there to push paper.
- There is always supervision and teaching in most departments.
Supervision:
- Mostly good supervision, but you will be left alone and put of your depth on occasion in some rotations.
- Some rotations like paeds, Anaesthesia, obstetrics you will have supervision whilst in the other rotations the supervision is below subpar.
- There is always someone to call for advice and they are willing to help.
Clinical Exposure:
- Good clinical exposure, and not completely overwhelming in most cases. Loads of opportunities to learn procedures and skills.
- You will see and do everything as long as you are willing to learn.
- Calls you get to be hands on.
Social Scene:
- Fairly small town, but there are areas in the surrounds with great nature reserves and beautiful scenery(Magoebaskloof, Bela-bela etc). Dependant on intern group.
- It’s a relatively small town, everyone hangs out at the same places most of the time, magoebaskloof is not far if you like outdoor things.
- There is Savannah Mall and a bigger Mall of the north mall, with all nice stores and cinemas and entertainment. The first year DQ’s are about 20 min drive from town. The second year DQ’s are right in town, easy access. There are clubs, multiple restaurants, events. There is a good social life.
Additional Comments:
- The hospital is a good place for internship. Very enjoyable and good academics. Most departments are manageable. Haven’t heard about anyone getting depressed over doing their internship here (except the ones who really didn’t want to be in Limpopo).
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