Medical Student David Chooses Liepāja: Where Else Can a Family Doctor Get to Know Patients Throughout Their Entire Lifespan

Sensation in the medical world! University of Latvia first-year student David Nils Vaitkus has chosen to complete his residency at Liepāja Regional Hospital, and this is no coincidence. While Riga students are still trying to figure out where the heart is located, our medical student has been traveling to Liepāja to shadow specialists since eighth grade.

"The first one I shadowed was a physiotherapist," David tells us, and immediately it's clear - a man of taste. Because where else but Liepāja can you learn to help people regain mobility after they've tried swimming in the Liepāja sea in December.

David's choice to become a family doctor is as logical as Liepāja's wind - he wants to see patients throughout their entire lifespan. "It's important to see the person as a whole," he explains, and this is especially relevant in Liepāja, where every resident is like a separate book with many chapters about withstanding wind and surviving winter.

The young doctor has already managed to study nephrology, cardiology, and is now perfecting his knowledge in neurology. "The attitude from colleagues is very supportive - with the motto: don't be afraid to ask," he says. This is a true Liepāja principle - if you don't know how to survive our climate, ask the older residents.

Particularly touching is David's desire to be closer to his native Kurzeme region. Because where else but here can you combine medical practice with nature walks at the Liepāja Olympic Center, where after hard work at the hospital you can relax in the pool and regain strength. "Nature and music help restore balance," he admits, and we know - after a day spent with Liepāja residents, the pool really is salvation.