numer 009
listopad 2021

Through eyes of student

Hi, my name is Burhanuddin Sadriwala, but people usually just call me Burhan, as its much easier to pronounce. I'm a 5th year medical student, studying in the GULF MD program in the Medical University of Lublin.
Burhan during classes
Ever since I was a kid, I was always interested in Science. I finished my high school and decided to pursue medicine as I really wanted to help people, especially those who couldn't help themselves. I was initially studying in Prague, but I had to leave the university there due to some personal problems. When I came back to Dubai, I didn't want to wait another year before starting university again, so I visited a few universities in the UAE, and I found out about the partnership between Gulf Medical University (GMU) and Medical University of Lublin (UMLUB). I was really excited for the opportunity to study in my home country and to experience studying in Europe once again, and I decided to enroll in the program they offered. My interest and love for medicine is what made me come to Poland to continue studying medicine.
Burhan and friends
Burhan and friends
There are a lot of differences between Dubai and Lublin. Dubai is more of a cosmopolitan city, where people are busy most of the time, and you will never feel like you have nothing to do in Dubai, which is what I love about the city. It is also really hot in Dubai, and temperatures can go up to 50° Celsius. Lublin has a completely different vibe, it is more relaxed, the people here are more laid back, and it feels really peaceful just walking around Lublin, and I think the cold weather just makes it feel calmer and more soothing. Both cities are complete opposites, but that's what makes them unique in their own way, and its a privilege to get to experience living in both of these cities.

I love the food here in Poland. There are so many places that my friends and I visit over the weekends, and we like to try new dishes everytime. Old town in particular has a lot of good restaurants such as Stoł i Woł, Queen Mama and Bar a Boo. Although the options are a little limited for me, as I'm a Muslim and I prefer eating halal meat, but that still doesn't make it any less fun. I do wish there were more restaurants which served halal meat, but maybe with time that will also happen.
Burhan in mountains
My friends and I recently visited Zakopane and the views were breathtaking. It was worth every złoty. I don't think I have ever seen or visited any place as beautiful as Morskie Oko, which is a lake in the middle of the mountains in Zakopane. We had to hike for 3.5 hours, and although we were pretty much out of energy, the experience was really worth it. I definitely recommend everyone to visit it at least once. The beauty of nature there is amazing, although it might be hard getting used to the cold, so do carry more than 1 jacket.

Studying in UMLUB has been quite challenging to be very honest. The GULF program complete the clinical part of their studies in Lublin, and it can be difficult to get used to the class timings, especially because initially the organisation was not that great, and there were a lot of delays while communicating with the professors as well as the Deans office. But it has become a little better, and I'm sure with more time it will even more. Personally I enjoyed the rotations a lot, especially the ones I had for Neurology, Orthopedics, and Surgery. Most of professors that taught us, have genuinely helped us with whatever we needed. Online lectures do get a bit boring, but we have recently started having seminars in the classrooms, so that is a good change of pace. I am looking forward to learn as much as I can this year.

The English Division Student Board is also helping students out regarding any problems they have, and that is something the students needed very much. They have been communicating well with the University and with the students, and hopefully it improves the relationship the University has with its students.

Honestly, I haven't planned anything for the future yet, but I do have an interest in Orthopedics, and I intend to pursue a career in that, maybe as a specialist or a surgeon.

Let's see where life takes me.
Burhanuddin Sadriwala
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