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Student internships: David Patrauceanu

David Patrauceanu is a 4th year medical student at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila,” in Bucharest, Romania. He completed his CIRSE student internship at the Hospiten Rambla in Tenerife, Spain.


By David Patrauceanu

My name is David Patrauceanu, and I am a fourth-year medical student who had the privilege of completing a three-week internship at the Hospiten Rambla in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in July 2024, together with my colleague Alexia Neagu. I had just finished my third year of medical school when I arrived in Tenerife. The experience was transformative, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked under the expert supervision of Dr. Manuel Maynar and the entire hospital staff, including Roberto Ochoa, Carlos Herrera, Giovani Garcia, and Tobias Xander.

Every day, I received a new set of scrubs and a lab coat, which made me feel like a real part of the medical team. The environment at the Hospiten Rambla was both professional and welcoming, and I was encouraged to immerse myself fully in the work. I observed a wide variety of procedures, including ultrasound-guided thyroid biopsies, treatments for peripheral arterial disease, and embolization of varicose veins. One of the most fascinating moments was witnessing the use of custom-made stents for aortic conditions. These stents are highly specialized, costing about three times more than standard stents, and their use is rare. Also, I witnessed a rare case of a patient with an intramural hematoma and a penetrating aortic ulcer, which was an unforgettable learning experience.

Me in the angiosuite
Me with Alexia and Dr. Yeray Cabrera

The staff’s dedication to teaching was remarkable. I learned a great deal about vascular anatomy, not only through observation but also by drawings — sometimes I did them on my own, and sometimes together with the team. Dr. Maynar challenged me to present a case study I had prepared to the entire group, which was both nerve-wracking and incredibly rewarding. He also set aside a full day to answer all my questions, but with a unique twist: every question had to be submitted as a drawing, not spoken aloud. This exercise pushed me to think visually and deepened my understanding of vascular concepts.

What truly stood out to me was the advice I received from the whole staff, but especially from Dr. Maynar. Dr. Maynar emphasized, “Study, study, study!” At first, this seemed like a simple and common piece of advice, but as I reflected on my experience, I realized that it only truly resonated because it came from someone I deeply admire and aspire to emulate. Over the years, many people have told me to study hard, but it was only after working with Dr. Maynar that I understood the real meaning behind those words. I realized that you only truly follow advice from people you would want to switch places with, people you look up to and hope to surpass one day. Dr. Maynar’s passion for learning and teaching inspired me to take his advice to heart and strive for excellence in my own career.

Discussion with Dr. Maynar

The learning experience extended beyond the department itself. Dr. Yeray Cabrera, another member of the staff, took us to a laparoscopy workshop, which was an exciting opportunity to see a different aspect of minimally invasive medicine. He even posted about our participation on the internet, which made the experience even more memorable.

This internship has fundamentally shaped my understanding of interventional radiology. It has shown me the importance of hands-on learning, visual thinking, and continuous education. The mentorship and guidance I received at the Hospiten Rambla have set a new standard for what I hope to achieve in my future medical career. I am deeply grateful to CIRSE for this opportunity and to the entire team at the Hospiten Rambla for their warmth, professionalism, and dedication to medical education. For medical students considering a career in interventional radiology, I highly recommend participating in the CIRSE Student Internship Programme. It is an experience that will inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow – both as a student and as a future physician. Onward and upward!