I was fortunate enough to study healthcare during my time abroad. This experience taught me many lessons that will stick with me long after the end of my program. My career goal is to be a practicing physician worldwide, working with Doctors Without Borders, so this experience was perfect for me. It gave me the chance to see healthcare outside of the United States and made me feel better equipped to one day practice in that type of global setting.
One of the most valuable aspects of this program was gaining a firsthand look at how healthcare systems vary across borders. From the structure of hospitals, to how care is financed, to the cultural expectations surrounding treatment, I quickly realized that there is no single “right” way to deliver care. Instead, every country develops its own system based on history, culture, and resources. Being able to compare and contrast these approaches with what I know from the U.S. gave me a more well-rounded view of what it means to practice medicine and highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of different models.
This experience also pushed me to grow personally. Living and learning in another country required adaptability and open-mindedness, which are qualities that are critical for a physician who hopes to serve patients from many different backgrounds. It taught me patience when communication barriers arose, and humility when I realized that my own perspective was limited. These lessons go beyond academics; they are skills that will serve me in medical school, in my future practice, and in the communities I hope to serve.
Studying healthcare in other countries before becoming a doctor offers a unique opportunity to gain a broader, more global perspective on medicine. I strongly believe that this experience was invaluable in shaping my future career, helping me develop the cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and understanding of diverse healthcare systems that are essential for delivering effective care in a global context. It reminded me that good medicine is not only about knowledge and science, but also about meeting patients where they are and respecting their values and traditions.
It would not be fair to attempt to provide care in different parts of the world while only having firsthand experiences in the United States healthcare system. To be effective abroad, I need to understand more than just American models of care. I need to see how different cultures define health, wellness, and healing. This program was a step in the right direction professionally, and it reinforced my belief that studying abroad is not just an academic experience, but a personal and professional one that shapes the kind of physician I aspire to be.
