Ciao! My name is Tümay Onat, and I am a rising Senior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Turkish and a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. After graduating, I will attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and pursue a career in dentistry.

I just arrived in Florence, where I’ll be living for six weeks while participating in the Pitt in Florence summer program. I have never been to Italy, but I have always been interested in its rich culture and history. My biggest passion has always been ballet, which I started at the age of three and have danced for 17 years since then. I have always been entranced by ballet’s ability to serve as a form of self-expression that transcends language. Ballet was born during the Italian Renaissance, where it developed in the courts of major Italian cities, particularly Florence. Catherine de Medici, from the Medici family whose influence in Florence is still commemorated to this day, brought ballet to France, where it was further developed and popularized. As someone who enjoys and pursues the arts, Florence is downright enchanting. Particularly as a STEM major and pre-dental student, I sometimes feel limited in my ability to engage in artistic endeavors through my regular coursework. So my coursework in Florence, which will allow me to study Italian Renaissance Art and History while also learning Italian, is the perfect way to follow my passions. 

As a pre-dental student, a personal goal for my study abroad experience is to further my adaptability, communication skills, and global health perspectives. After countless hours shadowing, I have observed that the essential characteristics of trustworthy dentists are empathy and cultural competency. Cultural background truly does shape a patient’s perspective on healthcare, so providers have the responsibility of educating themselves to win their patients’ trust and provide high-quality care. I believe that the best way I can educate myself is by immersing myself in different cultures. During my time in Florence, I will have the opportunity to experience Italian culture and meet people from diverse backgrounds. I also hope to gain direct knowledge about public expectations surrounding dental care in Italy, broadening my perspectives and allowing me to be a more informed, compassionate, and considerate healthcare provider.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn extensively about Italy’s rich history and culture, and I’m very excited to share all my stories!