Francisca Bamena's six-week internship at Kade Government Hospital offered more than academic credit. It became a defining experience that bridged theory and practice, sharpening her understanding of disease, patient care and the realities of healthcare delivery.

In her first week, the fourth-year Biological Sciences student observed routine laboratory operations, gaining insight into how samples are collected and analysed, how sterile environments are maintained, and how workflow is managed in a clinical setting.

That initial observation quickly gave way to hands-on experience. Under supervision, she conducted basic laboratory tests for conditions including HIV, malaria and typhoid.

“I learnt how to collect blood and urine samples from patients, provide sample containers, and conduct essential laboratory tests,” she said.

Beyond technical skills, the internship exposed her to the importance of teamwork in healthcare. Working alongside laboratory staff, she said, improved her communication skills and built her confidence.

“Working in teams helped me associate with different people and understand how important collaboration is in healthcare,” she noted.

One of her most significant takeaways was the role of hygiene in infection prevention. Through daily practice, she observed how maintaining a clean and safe environment protects both patients and healthcare workers, while also learning how diseases are transmitted and controlled.

Francisca said the experience addressed a gap often faced by students in large university classes, where access to practical training can be limited.

“Because of our numbers, we do not always get to practise what we learn in class. But this experience helped me apply the theories we study, especially in handling and testing samples,” she explained.

The internship, she added, has deepened her interest in healthcare and strengthened her resolve to pursue further opportunities in the field, with a clearer sense of how scientific knowledge translates into patient care.