Cancer Institute Welcomes International Students as Part of New Program

The UC Cancer Institute welcomed medical students from Saudi Arabia this summer as part of a newly formed international program. Most recently in August, Ibrahim Muhsen, 21, and Abdulaziz Shaheen, 22, both from Alfaisal University College of Medicine, spent four weeks rotating through the UC Health Barrett Cancer Center and UC Medical Center with physicians in gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and hematology oncology. 

This shadowing experience allowed them to gain exposure to surgical procedures, new patient clinical assessments, treatment planning, multidisciplinary tumor conferences, radiation therapy planning and treatment, chemotherapy prescription and infusion, diagnostic imaging, pathologic interpretation, laboratory techniques and follow up patient care.

Muhsen says the experience combined medical education with social and cultural learning.

"I’d like to pursue oncology as a future career, and this allowed me to closely deal with patients,” he says. "It taught me a lot about cancer, cancer research and cancer patients in general. It’s such a serious disease, and I expected to see a lot of tears and sorrow, however I saw many smiles reflecting years and years of research to enhance survival rates and quality of life of cancer patients.”

"Additionally, the physicians and other staff members within the UC Cancer Institute have been so kind and helpful. It was also great to talk to medical students, residents and fellows from the United States, as our educational system is different. It has been a wonderful experience, and I want to thank Karen Ramos, Dr. Barrett, Dr. Herzog and others who helped me and spent time to enhance my learning experience.”

Muhsen says he hopes to return to the U.S. at some point to continue medical training. He is also hoping to conduct lab research as a physician scientist.

Shaheen, who says he’d also love to return to the U.S. for further medical training, says that in addition to the invaluable hands-on medical training he received, he also experienced things in Cincinnati that he’s never encountered before. As part of the experience, Karen Ramos, international program coordinator, arranged for the students to see a 3-D movie, go to a play and even eat local cuisine—Skyline chili. 

"There was so much to do—we didn’t do anything twice,” he says. "Everyone has been so helpful and friendly, and it was great interacting with other students and residents at UC.

"It was wonderful to shadow the physicians, as well, and to watch his or her specific technique in dealing with patients. This was a unique experience that isn’t easily obtained, and I’m thankful I was able to be a part of it.”