A Postcard from Gdańsk: A Journey Through Friendship and Growth

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Gdańsk was peaceful and charming when I visited for the first time, as if it was waiting for me to come explore its beautiful secrets. I did not come as a tourist here, but rather a prospective doctor, grappling with the demands of being enrolled in the Medical University of Gdańsk.

Studying medicine here was an experience I will never forget. The Medical University of Gdańsk was an intense yet rewarding experience. Anatomy labs were fascinating but daunting. The alarm that signalled the end of our dissection sessions still haunts me, a reminder of the long hours spent working through cadavers, trying to memorize every tiny detail. Those sessions were both a test of endurance and a lesson in humility, revealing the complexity of the human body in ways that a textbook never could.

Dreadful seminars with the sweetest teacher 🙂

Clinical rotations brought a different kind of challenge. From assisting in emergency care to managing long-term conditions during internal medicine, every rotation was an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ll always remember my time in Neurology, working as a team with my clinic group to diagnose conditions like strokes or neurodegenerative disorders while understanding the profound impact these diseases had on my patients’ lives. It wasn’t just about honing clinical skills; it was about learning to offer hope and compassion in the face of uncertainty. Each step, no matter how difficult, brought me closer to understanding what it truly means to be a doctor.

Life outside the university revolved around the dormitory. The bustling hallways of the dorm was filled with a mix of languages, different accents contributing to a new vibrant world within its walls. What started out as mere acquaintances quickly turned into good friends which turned out to be a much-needed support system during the difficult times. From birthdays, grueling exams, to the small moments that brought joy, we all cherished it which helped make Gdansk feel like home.

Snowy morning views from my dorm

My Polish flatmate was not just a roommate she was much more. Someone who guided me in exploring the rich culture of Poland. I remember her mother who lived nearby, used to often send us food. From hearty soups to warm, traditional Polish pastries, the joy that those meals brought was more than what ordinary restaurants could cook up. Her kindness, and the way she offered not only food but also a piece of her family with me, is something I will always remember.

Winters in Gdańsk had their challenges—early mornings struggling through snow to make it to class on time or the biting cold as we walked to the tram. But those cold days often ended with the warmth of shared meals and laughter in the dorm. One snowy evening, a group of us decided to cook a potluck dinner. As we cooked our favourite foods, each one offering a taste of home and the stories that accompanied it, made it a chaotic symphony of flavours in the kitchen.

The Frozen Motlawa river

Gdańsk’s Old Town was my go-to destination for a change of pace. The Old Town, with its cobblestone walkways, pastel-coloured buildings, and calm hum of activity, had an almost ethereal fascination. St. Mary’s Basilica stood spectacularly over the area, its presence a soothing constant. My friends and I would often meet at a nice café, sipping coffee with slices of babka, swapping stories, and watching the world go by. 

Gdańsk taught me resilience. This city, rebuilt from the ashes of World War II, became my quiet teacher. Through its history and energy, it demonstrated the power of beginning over and finding beauty in rebuilding.
The Age-Old Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of Gdańsk

Today, I remember Gdańsk for more than its prominent landmarks. I think of late-night study sessions fuelled by tea, laughter and tears, of the quiet moments by the Motława River, and of the friendships that transformed a foreign city into a home.

From Dreams to Reality: Graduation Day.

The Heart of Gdańsk

The View from Gdańsk Eye


 

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About the author

Hi! I am Dr. Nishmita Shetty, currently preparing for my residency exams. When I’m not studying, I love traveling to new places, losing myself in a good book, binge-watching my favourite shows, and relaxing with some colouring. These little things keep me grounded and bring joy to my busy days.

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