How MDW Solicitors Helped a Future Doctor Train in Tanzania

At MDW Solicitors, we believe in giving back, not just locally in Gerrards Cross, but globally. Our commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals recently saw us sponsor a University of Leeds medical student, Thomas Moore, on a life-changing elective placement in rural Tanzania.

This initiative is part of our wider mission to empower aspiring professionals and promote meaningful charitable work. In this post, we share Thomas’s incredible story, explore why medical electives matter, and explain how sponsorships like ours contribute to global development.

Why MDW Solicitors Sponsors Student Electives Abroad

For many students, overseas electives offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain hands-on experience in vastly different healthcare systems. But these experiences often come with financial barriers; flights, accommodation, insurance, and materials all add up.

We recognise that real-world experience builds better professionals. By removing financial obstacles, we ensured a talented student could access these vital opportunities, especially in countries where healthcare inequality is profound.

We proudly sponsored Thomas Moore, a fifth-year medical student, enabling him to travel to Chalinze, Tanzania, to participate in a medical outreach program.

Thomas’s Story: A Medical Elective in Rural Tanzania

“My name is Thomas Moore, a fifth-year medical student at the University of Leeds, and I travelled recently to rural Tanzania for my medical elective. The elective is a mandatory part of the Medicine and Surgery course, and I chose Tanzania because I wanted to experience a completely different style of healthcare, see a range of pathologies and their treatment that I wouldn’t be able to see either in the UK or in the Western world, and understand how doctors manage with limited resources. Funding for the elective is extremely limited, but it was thanks to the sponsorship of MDW solicitors that I was able to have such a worthwhile and educational experience.

In my time in Tanzania, I saw first-hand the problems facing their healthcare system, and realised the importance of paediatric and antenatal care in a rapidly growing population, as well as how difficult it can be to not only provide care for parents, but to educate them on healthcare issues in a remote region with limited communication and infrastructure.

Common tasks included testing for malaria, assisting in vaccinations and baby health checks, and providing advice for expecting mothers. I was also able to watch a caesarean section, and take histories from patients in outpatient clinics, developing my communication skills, particularly with a language barrier.

Overall, the experience was incredibly worthwhile and allowed me to see and consider things that would never come up within the UK. I also gained a deeper appreciation for our own NHS, and how much work is still required in the global south to achieve the high standards of healthcare we sometimes take for granted back at home.”

Clinical Work Included:

• Outpatient clinics

• Vaccinations & antenatal care

• Baby health checks

• Malaria testing, HIV/syphilis/HepB screening

• Assisting with surgeries and medication dispensing

• Lab work and data collection

Thomas also observed caesarean sections, assisted with diagnostics, and improved his communication skills in challenging, resource-limited settings.

The Certificate of Field Work

Thomas earned a Certificate of Field Work from the Ngerengere River Eco Camp, formally acknowledging his service. The certificate outlines key areas of his participation, including clinical services, lab work, public health outreach, and cultural immersion.

Work Included:

• Malaria testing, antenatal clinics, HIV monitoring

• Outreach in local schools

• Assisting in surgeries and clinics

Cultural and Educational Exchange:

• Engaged in Tanzanian cooking and local celebrations

• Discussed career paths with students in the region

This comprehensive exposure equipped Thomas with a unique perspective on global healthcare inequalities and the challenges of practising medicine without advanced infrastructure.

Why These Experiences Matter 

For Thomas:

• Deepened his clinical knowledge and problem-solving in real-world conditions

• Developed a better understanding of global health challenges

• Gained intercultural communication skills

• Prepared for future work in diverse medical environments

For the Host Communities in Tanzania:

• Benefitted from additional clinical manpower

• Gained health education and school outreach

• Received exposure to international medical practices

This is the essence of mutual exchange, where both parties walk away enriched.

Proud to Support Future Generations

Our sponsorship aligns with our core values: community, integrity, and education. Whether through legal services in Gerrard Cross or outreach initiatives, we are committed to making a meaningful difference.

• Our principal, Debra Williamson, personally handles all client contact

• We’re proud of our involvement in charity, education, and local events

• Based in Gerrards Cross, MDW Solicitors has deep roots in the local community

This Tanzania sponsorship is one of several ways we strive to support positive change, both at home and abroad.

Learn more about our services

Want to Learn More About Our Community Work?

We’re committed to being more than just a law firm in Gerrard Cross. We are active participants in building a stronger, fairer future, whether through legal guidance, student sponsorship, or supporting local charities.

We encourage you to stay connected with us as we continue to highlight stories like Thomas’s and support more initiatives that drive real-world impact.

Call your trusted solicitor in Gerrard Cross now on 01753 390500 or email debrawilliamson@mdwsolicitors.com 

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