Jan and Lisa Complete 5-Week Social Work Internship at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital . AUGUST 2025
St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, proudly hosted two young German students, Lisa Steiner and Jan Mentel, for a five-week Social Work Internship from 9th July to 10th August 2025. Their visit, made possible through our international partnership program, was both an enriching learning experience for them and a positive contribution to our hospital community.
A Well-Rounded Internship Experience
Throughout their stay, Jan and Lisa were actively engaged in observational learning, patient welfare support, and social assistance activities across multiple hospital units. Their rotation exposed them to the Emergency Room (ER), Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, Pediatrics, NICU, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dialysis Unit, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Ophthalmology, Crèche, and Administration. Some of their key activities included:- Emergency Room (ER): Assisting in welcoming patients, guiding relatives, and observing triage.
- Paediatrics & NICU: Engaging children with play therapy, helping nurses with non-clinical infant care, and providing support to parents.
- Dialysis & ICU: Offering patient comfort measures and observing advanced critical care procedures.
- Pharmacy & Medical Records: Organizing stock, arranging patient files, and learning hospital documentation protocols.
- Physiotherapy & Ophthalmology: Supporting rehabilitation activities and observing eye screening sessions.
- Theatre (Operating Room): Observing sterile protocols, surgical preparation, and post-surgery recovery processes.
Active Participation in Learning and Training
In addition to their ward-based activities, Jan and Lisa had the opportunity to:- Assist in three surgical operations (observational role).
- Attend a seminar on Maternal & Child Mortality, where Lisa delivered a short presentation.
- Join yoga classes organized for hospital staff.
- Observe radiology sessions, including ultrasound and CT scan procedures.
- Visit the dental and neonatal wards for special exposure.
Cultural Exchange and Nigerian Hospitality
Life outside the hospital was equally rewarding. Jan and Lisa enjoyed traditional Nigerian meals, sometimes participating in the cooking themselves. The hospital organized several excursions, including visits to Owerri city, a museum tour, shopping trips, and attending church services with staff and community members. These experiences gave them an authentic taste of Nigerian culture and hospitality, which they described as unforgettable.Lasting Impressions
According to the hospital staff, Jan and Lisa’s presence contributed positively to patient welfare and staff morale. Their willingness to participate in both clinical and non-clinical roles showcased their adaptability and compassion. On behalf of the hospital, Dr. Obi Onukogu, Chief Medical Director, and Dr. Sergius Duru, initiator of the hospital’s Austrian partnership program, commended both interns for their dedication and encouraged them to carry forward the lessons learned into their future careers.“Jan and Lisa brought not only youthful energy but also genuine compassion and eagerness to serve. They left behind a warm impression and will always remain part of the St. Mary’s family,” said Dr. Onukogu.As we bid farewell to Jan and Lisa, we celebrate the success of their internship and reaffirm our commitment to offering international students a platform to learn, share, and contribute to healthcare in Nigeria. We congratulate Lisa Steiner and Jan Mentel on the successful completion of their internship and wish them every success in their future endeavors.
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