Transforming My Perspective on Healthcare through Shadowing in Rome
I chose to complete the Atlantis pre-health clinical shadowing program in Rome, Italy not only to immerse myself in the city's history but also to broaden my perspective on medicine. Before arriving in Rome, I underestimated how much of an impact it would have on my future.
This was the cappuccino I would get every day in the hospital, and without fail they would always draw a heart on it.
The first specialty I shadowed was plastic surgery. I knew going into this experience I was fond of plastic surgery, but this experience solidified that interest.
While shadowing in Rome, I was able to make lifelong friends, learn about how healthcare differs around the world, and gain a deeper understanding of different specialties in the medical field. I have a strong passion for medicine, and it is important for me to understand how healthcare can differ depending on location and culture.
My friends and I were waiting to watch our first hepatectomy.
This was the first time our entire group got to watch a surgery together. This was an unforgettable experience to say the least.
This was our incredible city manager who guided us through the city of Rome. I could not have asked for a better city manager. He truly was amazing, so kind, and very knowledgeable.
I had the opportunity to shadow in Rome at an oncology institution. Going into this experience, I did not understand how much my perspective on healthcare and medicine would shift. Before arriving in Rome, I underestimated the barriers I would encounter. A major learning curve was the language barrier. Having a language barrier not only made it difficult to understand but also made my learning experience more complicated. With the help of the doctor I was shadowing, I was able to overcome this difficulty by asking questions. This shaped my experience and view of healthcare through a cultural lens as I learned to face challenges and problem solve.
Whilst in Rome I was able to understand medicine from a different cultural perspective. In Rome, I was faced with many barriers such as language differences and variation in technique.
Throughout working in healthcare in the future I will face numerous challenges. This shadowing experience shows me how perseverance and determination will help me to overcome whatever obstacles I encounter going forward while working in medicine.
I loved to take pictures of everything while in Rome to ensure I would not miss a thing. I loved looking at the wonderful architecture on the days I was not in the hospital.
I recommend any student interested in healthcare to take that next step and challenge themselves to learn about medicine abroad. This was an experience I will hold for a lifetime.
This was me overlooking the city of Rome. Although I enjoyed being in the hospital learning, I was also able to further my learning by exploring.
After our days at the hospital, my friends and I all enjoyed wandering around the big, beautiful city of Rome.
This was our final time leaving the hospital. I will forever be grateful and cherish this experience.
Because of my time in Rome, I now have a better understanding of the impact I want to have in the future as well as how important it is to experience healthcare from a new cultural perspective.
