Dr. Ibitamuno Caleb, originally from Port Harcourt a bustling city in Nigeria, believes that studying in Pécs can be one of the greatest adventures in one’s medical career. In 2013, he embarked on his own journey to the serene and historic city of Pécs. Today, he stands as a testament to the personal and professional opportunities the city offers. In addition to completing his medical studies in 2019 and earning his PhD in 2023, Caleb is also a senior member of the Junior Alumni Program, which enhances the student experience through workshops and interactive cafés. He also leads the PTE Surgical Society, which works to expand students' surgical knowledge.
Written by Miklós Stemler
When Caleb first arrived in Pécs, his first experience was more of a climate shock, than a culture. Used to warmer weather, he was surprised to find that the Mediterranean-like atmosphere of the city was much colder than he had anticipated. “I arrived late, at the end of September. I had bought a winter coat back at home and I felt prepared for the possible cold. However, I quickly realized that that jacket was at best suited for spring here. And to this day I remember getting out of the minibus and involuntarily jumping back in, it was so cold," he recalls with laughter.
A decade later, Caleb has not only adapted to the Hungarian climate but also to the rigorous demands of the medical field. His professional life now blends a passion for surgery with a deep commitment to teaching and research. These pursuits have positioned him as one of the young doctors inspiring students at the medical faculty of the University of Pécs. This is not surprising, given that Caleb, who comes from a family of doctors and academics, had a strong vision of a career in surgery from childhood. However, he never knew that this dream would be fulfilled in a university in a Central Eastern European country.
A City of Collaboration and Support
"In 2011, I came across a scholarship opportunity to study abroad. After a demanding selection process filled with exams and interviews, I eventually won it by God’s grace to study medicine at the University of Pécs from 2013. I remember looking up Pécs on the internet but didn't find much. So, I knew very little about the city other than that I was going to study here. Indeed, it was like a leap into the unknown."
Despite the initial uncertainty, Caleb quickly found himself at home in Pécs. Coming from a big and busy city in Nigeria, the smaller, close-knit environment of Pécs was an interesting change. But as he says, the town’s university atmosphere fosters collaboration, making it easier to focus on studies and find strength during challenging times.
"At first, it felt odd running into classmates and professors everywhere I went. But soon, I realized that this creates a unique support system. You see that everyone around you is working just as hard, dealing with similar struggles, and that gives you strength. Pécs minimizes distractions, which is vital in a demanding field like medicine."
A Hub for Innovation
During his university days, dr. Caleb developed a keen interest in academic research and innovation. This led him to take advantage of the numerous opportunities the university offers in this area. He became involved with key institutions like the Surgical Research Institute and the Medi Skills Lab. For him, the Medi Skills Lab, which is one of the foremost in the region, is a vital institute to aid in the development of useful and practical medical skills. Therefore, as president of the PTE Surgical Society, an organization founded in 2018, he is working to use the available tools within the university, to prepare the students for a career in surgery.
"Even as students, it was clear to us that the medical school's leadership takes innovation very seriously, and the Medi Skills Lab, now called Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, is a prime example of this. Its size and equipment are as good as it gets anywhere. I collaborate closely with this institution, which is open to all kinds of innovative ideas and tools. For instance, the PTE Surgical Society working actively with the Medi Skills Lab, coordinates practice opportunities for students on the DaVinci XI surgical robot. It's encouraging to see that students who initially just aimed to pass their compulsory undergraduate surgical exams are now becoming genuinely enthusiastic about the field. Within the framework of the Surgical Society, even those who did not initially consider themselves skilled in this area of medicine, can give it a try and improve by learning from their peers."
Embracing the Future of Medicine
Medicine, and surgery in particular, is evolving rapidly, and Caleb is excited to be at the heart of this transformation.
"I am positive that by the time I complete my residency training, the tools and methods we use today would most likely have advanced significantly. I am driven by this constant innovation. In fact, I think it’s probably more exciting to be a doctor today than it was 10-15 years ago. A good example is robotic surgery, which feels amazing, anytime I practice with it. Previously I had worked with a laparoscope, which was also a revolutionary development not so long ago. But with a laparoscope you have quite the limited range of motion, whereas the robot offers an unimaginably wide range. This development is inspiring. New opportunities are constantly opening in medicine and surgery that can improve how we currently carry out our work. Fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are gaining more and more attention. Of course, there is a need for proper integration of these technologies into everyday practice, but these new developments are bound to motivate the doctors of the future."
Pécs: The Perfect Start to a Medical Career
The innovative, open-minded spirit and opportunities of Pécs proved to be an ideal setting for Caleb to get his medical career off to a perfect start.
"I was supported from the start by my mentors. I presented my research at a national conference in my sixth year and received enormous support throughout my Ph.D. Last year, I also started my clinical career at the Department of Vascular Surgery. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to combine research and medicine in this beautiful city. The knowledge I have gained here, I believe, will also be beneficial to those back home in Nigeria."
Caleb encourages future medical students to embrace the journey, even if like him, they know little about Pécs beforehand. He believes the city holds the promise of adventure both personally and professionally.
"To be honest, I don't think anything can fully prepare you for what you'll face here. The academic aspect is just one part of the experience, with various outcomes depending on your area of interest. However, there are mentors who are fully dedicated to helping you along the way. Additionally, in Pécs you will have the opportunity to meet students from all over the world and experience many different cultures, which can significantly contribute to your personal development. This exposure encourages you to reexamine the opinions and prejudices you may have brought with you. I believe this personal growth is essential for becoming a good doctor, as it helps us be more empathetic and understanding towards our patients. I'm not saying there will not be difficult moments, because medicine is challenging. But Pécs offers personal and professional opportunities that few other places can match."
Prospective students can also count on Caleb's help when they arrive here, as the young doctor also finds time to share his experience and advice with medical students looking for their own path.
Photos:
Lajos Kalmár