<![CDATA[LIVINGSTONIA HOSPITAL PARTNERSHIP - Medical Student]]>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:54:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[January 04th, 2023]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:39:22 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/january-04th-2023Penjani has sent us the following information about his internship in the University of Zambia

"My internship is going on very well. I'm rotating in all departments like surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, Paediatric, Internal Medicine and including special departments like Cardiology and nuclear medicine. So far I've rotated in Surgery and obstetrics/ gynecology. I'm due to qualify next year in March..I would have finished this year December but because of some special departments stated above.
My vacation visits to Livingstonia has been good though very busy with work at the hospital.I always work during vacation.
Kind regards
Penjani"

]]><![CDATA[January 15th, 2022]]>Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:07:37 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/january-15th-2022Dear Graham
Thanks so much for your email. Indeed I've finished my studies and not yet started my internship. Am currently in Livingstonia waiting to start internship in February at the same University Teaching Hospital in Zambia then come back to start working, but I will be coming during my vacation to help at the hospital. Am doing general medical work but more of surgery at Livingstonia.
The covid situation is not that bad because more people who are tested positive,  almost 100% cure rate.
Kind regards
 
Penjani Kaponda Sichinga
CUZ-SOM
Lusaka.Zambia
.]]><![CDATA[February 2021]]>Sat, 13 Feb 2021 18:47:51 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/february-20216534680In February 2021 Penjani Kaponda Sichinga wrote 

My vacation has been good though with challenges in terms of covid-19.. during my stay we had some cases especially students from University of Livingstonia more than 20 were tested positive and about five from the community.. they were I solated and fortunately all recovered. it's really bad time because the screening is done after the patients have already been admitted so healthy workers are at risk of exposure.Precaution measures are being followed nicely. So far no any staff at DGMH has been tested positive after screening. The big challenge is shortage of protective wear. 
My studies are going very well. God's willing I will be done by Nov-Dec this year then internship for 18 months.
Kind regards
Penjani Kaponda Sichinga
CUZ-SOM
Lusaka.Zambia

]]><![CDATA[August  2020]]>Sat, 31 Oct 2020 19:49:18 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/august-2020 In August 2020 Penjani Kaponda Sichinga wrote:
​My recent trip to DGMH was very fruitful because I did a lot of major surgery.. Most of the patients when they heard of me they came..I felt bad that some arrived very late when I had already left. I reassured them that will I will be back at the end of December or in early January.
I was very pleased to welcome a new Malawian doctor who joined recently just qualified. It's very hard to find a Malawian doctor to work at DGMH because they say it's a remote area.
The cases of Corona are increasing in Malawi.In Livingstonia no case yet..We thank God for that. Most of the people they don't follow precaution measures.
My studies are going on very well in 6th year now..If all goes well will finish next year then go back to Malawi for internship which am planning to do at Mzuzu Central Hospital near my family. I thank God for His kindness & love.
Thanks so much for your support and prayers. We need more qualified doctors of which it's a challenge but I know God will guide. The challenge I have is some surgical equipment we don't have.
Take care as well & God bless you..
Regards

Penjani Kaponda Sichinga
Student Medical Doctor
CUZ-SOM.Lusaka Zambia"  ]]><![CDATA[February 2020]]>Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:52:44 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/february-2020Penjani sent the following email.  

Dear Graham
Thanks for your email.I saw the blog post on Livingstonia Partnership web site, its really encouraging me. I have started my 6th year of my degree now and will be finishing my training  next year. At present am doing Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & gynecology, Pediatrics and Surgery. I'm gaining a lot of practical experience in all departments. I had good time in Livingstonia during my last holiday did a lot of surgery. Many patients came soon after hearing that am on holiday from school. My family is doing fine only that most of the time we miss each other. My first born daughter is 13 years old and second born 10 years old now.I still attend United Church of Zambia.
Kind regards

Penjani Kaponda Sichinga]]><![CDATA[October 2018]]>Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/october-2018]]><![CDATA[March 2018]]>Wed, 14 Mar 2018 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/march-2018Hello Graham Truesdale
Thanks for your email it has been long.My studies are going well though now alot of pressure.Indeed i started my MHSF in January 2015,2016 started my first year in Medicine and Surgery finishing 2021 that will be my final 6th year in Medicine and Surgery and 7th year as a whole, graduation 2022 . 
In first year we did the following modules;Gross Anatomy,Embryology,Histology,Biochemistry,Medical genetics,Sociology of Medicine,General Physiology.In second we did the following modules;Systemic Anatomy,Systemic Physiology,Biostatistics,Immunology and host defence,Pharmacology,General Pathology.Now in third year we are doing the following modules;Systemic Pathology,Forensic medicine and medical jurisprudence,Clinical Pharmacology,Clinical Anatomy,Foundation in Clinical Medicine,Health care ethics,Epidemiology and Dissections in the Anatomy Laboratory. Next year we are starting on site Doctor work learning and we will cover the following modules;Internal Medicine,General Surgery,Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Pediatrics and Child Health.I've really learned alot and advanced my knowledge in medicine now.During my vacations i do go to DGMH to work.
Greetings to all members of LHP.Thanks for your continue support to DGMH though now you are facing challenges in receiving donations.
Kind regards
Penjani.
]]><![CDATA[Interview with Penjani Sichinga]]>Thu, 15 Oct 2015 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/interview-with-penjani-sichingaInterview with Penjani Sichinga
Penjani served as a clinical officer in David Gordon Memorial Hospital for a number of years. He is now training to be a doctor at Cavendish University, Lusaka, Zambia. LHP is helping to fund his training. The following is an interview with him.
1. When and how did you decide to qualify as a doctor?

A. I decided to become a doctor sometime back, but I couldn't get the opportunity. My main
objective is to enhance my knowledge so that in future, by God's will, I can become a Specialist in Surgery and serve the people in the Livingstonia community. It’s very difficult for a Malawiandoctor to work in Livingstonia because they say it’s a remote area. Personally I'm used to the place; it’s now 9 years since I started working there.
2. What arrangements have you made for your family while you are studying?
A. My family will remain in Livingstonia as I shall be coming to work during my vacations.
3. How long does your degree last, and what does the first-year course involve?
A. My training is for 7 years - one year medical foundation and 6 years main course degree in Medicine and Surgery. The first-year medical foundation involves Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Professional Development.
4. How many students are there on the course?
A. We are 60 altogether.
5. What age range are the other students?
A. Ages range from 20 to 60 years.

6. Have they come straight from school or worked in medicine or other fields?
A. 60% were working in medical and other fields, 40% have come from school.
7. What countries do they come from?
A. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles and Zambians themselves.
8. What is the language situation?
A. English is the Language which is used.

9. Which church do you attend? I know that Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (which runs David Gordon Memorial Hospital) has a Zambia Synod.
A. I go to United Church of Zambia. CCAP is very far from where I stay.
10. What extra-curricular activities are there at the University?
A. Extra-Curricular activities are volleyball, basketball, pool, chase football etc.
]]><![CDATA[September 2015]]>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/september-2015Hi Graham,
Thanks very much for your email. I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m good.
Indeed Graham it was very difficult for me to grasp the concepts when I was starting in January as it has been a long time going back to education, but now I’m doing very well and my brain is back to my school life.So far what I expected in the foundation has been covered in preparation 
for real Medicine next year 2016. We are starting our final year exams November end and finish early December and next year 2016 starting Medical degree. I’m very happy that now I’m almost finishing foundation programme and starting learning my field of work and it shall not be tough for me because at least I have some knowledge as I did Diploma training in Medicine and also with my medical experience. I promise to work hard so that I achieve my goal.
May you please pass on greetings to all members of LHP. I’m not taking it for granted for the support rendered to me, this is the bright future of my family as well.
Kind regards
Penjani
]]><![CDATA[December 2014]]>Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.livingstonia.org.uk/medical-student/december-2014Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I decided to become a Doctor some time back, only that I couldn’t get the chance. My main objective is to enhance my knowledge so that in future, by God’s will, I may become a Specialist in Surgery and serve the people in Livingstonia community. It’s very difficult for a Malawian 
Doctor to work in Livingstonia just because they say it’s a remote area. For me I’m used to the place, it’s now 9 years since I started working here.
My family will remain in Livingstonia as I shall be coming to work during my vacations.
Regards,
Penjani
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