By Valentina Palacios
In the summer of 2023, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to shadow doctors in Pontevedra, Spain for four weeks through the Beyond120 Atlantis Study Abroad Program. I was able to gain 80 clinical shadowing hours as well as a deep appreciation for empathetic patient care and excitement for my future career in medicine.
When I first came to UF, I knew that I wanted to proceed through the pre-med track but I was intimidated by the various experiences everyone told me I needed for medical school applications. As a first generation student in America, I did not know a lot of how the college and post-grad processes worked. As if by fate, I received an email in the beginning of my sophomore year to register for a study abroad program in Pontevedra, Spain to learn from doctors and about healthcare abroad. I am so thankful for Beyond120 and for the Atlantis program, because it secured my motivation for pursuing a career in medicine.
Throughout the 4 weeks, my peers and I were assigned to various specialties in the two principal hospitals of Pontevedra. I was able to shadow doctors in oncology/hematology, rheumatology, cardiology, and anesthesiology. The experiences I had continue to inspire me as I prepare to graduate and apply for medical school. In oncology and hematology, I observed diagnoses examinations such as bone marrow biopsies, patient specific treatment plans, and administration of chemotherapy. In anesthesiology, I was able to observe pre-operative and post-operative care as well as the administration and management of anesthesia during surgery. Each of the doctor’s attention to detail, empathy and respect for the patient, and passion for spreading knowledge to myself and to their patients was very eye opening. I learned just how impactful personal patient care can be and the importance of treating each patient with respect and empathy.
The study abroad program also included weekly excursions where we got to travel across the Galicia region of Spain and learn about the culture and landscape of our current home. I can still vividly remember my friends and I hiking through the beautiful Cíes Islands and enjoying tapas Gallegas. I made so many memories on this trip that I will carry for life.
The beautiful thing about studying abroad is that you wake up every day and learn something new–whether it be related to academics, healthcare, business, or even culture. You also learn so much about yourself and about who you want to be. I can not recommend studying abroad enough, and I am beyond thankful to Beyond120 for it.