Üsküdar Medical student to bring US experience to Türkiye…

Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine 6th-year student, intern Doctor Mehmet Hamza Budulgan, gained significant international academic experience with his Orthopedics and Traumatology clinical internship undertaken in the United States with a TÜBİTAK scholarship. Budulgan had the opportunity to receive training in operating rooms, clinics, and cadaver laboratories, working with Prof. Robert Tashjian, who conducts studies in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery within the scope of the University of Utah. 

“I created an academic network that will contribute to me”

Budulgan stated that the internship he carried out in the USA offered him the opportunity to work with different academic circles and build an international network, adding that he had the chance to observe medical education practices in different countries.

Budulgan; “The biggest advantage my internship in America brought me was gaining knowledge about medical faculty and medical education internationally and working in this field. I developed a large network with many professors and doctors. In this way, I created an environment that would contribute academically to me and also found the opportunity to improve myself in the field of orthopedics by observing the work done there,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to receive one-on-one training on cadavers”

Budulgan stated that working with Prof. Robert Tashjian in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery at the University of Utah was an important experience for surgical training. Budulgan noted that the opportunities offered by cadaver laboratories in the USA contributed to the development of his manual dexterity and early practical experience, and said:

“Working in the field of shoulder and elbow at one of the best universities in the world, with a high academic level and top-tier education, was a great experience, especially since a surgical branch was desired. While access to cadaver studies and procedures is limited in Türkiye, I had the opportunity to receive one-on-one training on cadavers and even participate in surgeries in the USA. This situation enabled me to significantly develop my manual dexterity and gain practical experience in orthopedics at an early stage.”

“I desire the development of academic opportunities in Türkiye as well”

Budulgan stated that the technological and academic opportunities offered in hospitals and research centers in the USA drew his attention, and that the working culture, as well as the education and research opportunities in surgical branches, also impressed him.

Budulgan; “One of the biggest advantages in hospitals and research centers in America is the lack of budget restrictions in surgical branches. New implants, nails, and plates are constantly being produced. Professors and assistants are continuously and actively involved in academic studies. Moreover, the positive energy of the working environment there, the smiles, and the culture of respect and tolerance they show to each other make working much more enjoyable. I would very much like to see these academic opportunities, education budget, and positive working culture in Türkiye in the future,” he stated.

“I want to bring this vision to the field of medicine in our country”

Budulgan stated that his international experience also supported his career goals and that his desire to advance in orthopedics as an intern doctor grew stronger during this process. Budulgan, expressing his aim to bring the technological and practical knowledge he gained in the USA to Türkiye, said: “I already wanted to advance in orthopedics as an intern doctor. This internship allowed me to build a foundation in orthopedics and its sub-disciplines. Although I want to stay in my own country and continue my education and bring this vision to the field of medicine in my country, I believe it is a great responsibility for us to transfer the technological and practical knowledge I gained in the USA to our country.”

“The TÜBİTAK scholarship was a key step in this process”

Budulgan stated that TÜBİTAK's overseas education scholarships and support programs played an important role in his access to the internship program in the USA. Budulgan, stating that the academic infrastructure he built through his work and projects at the university contributed to the scholarship process, said: “TÜBİTAK's overseas education scholarships and support programs played a significant role in this process. Thanks to the work I did at the university, the projects I prepared, and the infrastructure I gained at school, I received the TÜBİTAK scholarship and reached the internship opportunity in the USA. This process was a key step for me to receive an education in a place like America without facing budget obstacles.” he said.

“Being involved in different clinics makes medical education more meaningful”

Emphasizing that international academic opportunities broaden students' perspectives, Budulgan advised Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine students to benefit from educational and clinical experiences in different countries.

Budulgan; “Graduating from a faculty is possible in any way. It is possible to graduate both from Türkiye and from other countries around the world. However, what is important is to develop one's perspective. Going to different countries and participating in various internships incredibly broadens one's horizon and perspective. Instead of learning solely by reading books from one point of view, being involved in different clinics and interacting with different people makes medical education much more meaningful. Therefore, I believe that medical students should not hesitate and should pursue such international opportunities by pushing their material and moral limits,” he said.

Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine 6th-year student, intern Doctor Mehmet Hamza Budulgan, aims to bring the clinical and academic experiences he gained in the USA to his educational and professional life in Türkiye.