American University of Beirut

The Doctors in Italy program is a fellowship program that allows immersive clinical shadowing experience for pre-medical and medical students in Italy. Having taken part in this program, I met many talented medical professionals that taught me what it means to be a medical doctor. I came back with my heart so full of love for the medical profession and the Italian culture. It was truly an honor to have participated and experienced such a program.

During my two weeks in Rome, I went on to shadow many surgeries such as a coronary artery bypass, three ophthalmology surgeries, eight plastic surgeries, a laparoscopy, a thyroidectomy, a carotid endarterectomy, ophthalmology clinical and various medical simulations. After seeing the amazing work done by the doctors, I fell deeper in love with medicine and became even more curious about it. It taught me how important building connections with doctors is, how essential it is to listen and make the patient comfortable, and how clinics are just as important and interesting as surgeries. The medical field is a wide range of medicine, human connections, and passion for helping others. Furthermore, I learned the importance of being patient during my medical journey. It is not linear, it is difficult, tiring, and sometimes too much to bear. However, with discipline, motivation and love for the profession, it is so worth it.

In addition, I enjoyed the cross-culture in the program. I met wonderful people from various countries and learned about all kinds of cultures such as Mexican, American, Spanish, Italian, and Panamanian cultures. It was so fun to make friends and connections from all around the world and exchange cultures and stories.

I want to thank the American University of Beirut and Doctors in Italy for such a wonderful experience. I am forever grateful for having such an opportunity.