What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was very curious to learn about different clinical departments and methods.
Beyond the program, delving into the region’s history and taste the local flavors of Greece.
The Executive director, with his charisma and strong belief in a diverse population of medical students, piqued my interest to embark on this unique and fruitful opportunity.
Why did you choose Philotimo Med Abroad?
I chose to participate in Philotimo's clinical internship, which helps you understand the real meaning of why you want to become a doctor.
The program takes place in the city of Hippocrates and the program runs at the state-of-the-art University Hospital of Larissa.
The program Director told me that we are going to be involved in many surgeries and community service, and I found it very interesting.
Free time with a peer before the next surgery begins.
What was your favorite part about Greece?
The best part of living for three weeks in Larissa, was I got to learn and understand the Greek language. The Greek doctors follow the Hippocratic oath, and this is something very admirable.
I also assisted immigrants for a week at the shelter. In Larissa, the city is lively and full of young students–quite social in nature.
I really enjoyed that coffee shops were social hubs, and everyone seemed to drink coffee all day long.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Visiting Meteora and observing the stunning monasteries atop the rocks, constructed long ago without the aid of machinery.
Stavros, a guide, elucidated that a priest dreamed of erecting these monasteries and, through his determination and ambition, brought it to fruition.
I was in awe of his willpower and continue to hope to emulate that in my studies and career.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Each one of the Philotimo staff, directors, and doctors was there for us during the medical internship.
My mentor was a very nice medical girl in her 5th year of medical school, and her name was Argyro. She advised me with my lab and some other tasks our professor assigned me.
The doctors at the University Hospital are very knowledgeable and always asked me if I understood the whole surgery process.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Maybe taking Greek before traveling to communicate with people, especially the elders.
Something else is making travel arrangements to visit Thessaloniki, as I spent most of my free time in Athens and Skopelos.
Candy prepping for the work day.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
We got up every day at about 7:30 am to meet with the rest of the group in the cafeteria. There was a very full breakfast with many tables full of different types of bread, cheese, jam, and hams, all buffet style.
We then walked to the shuttle station to be picked up by 8:50 am. Our mentors were waiting for us in the conference rooms at the designated clinic to start our patient diagnostics or surgeries.
Each one of us had a different schedule. During the afternoon, my roommate and I met to grab dinner.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I took the train from Larissa to Athens on Friday nights, and it took about 4 hours.
I went to many tourist attractions, a highlight being the Acropolis. During weekends, I got to travel from Larissa to various cities–one of my favorites being Skopelos.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed at a hotel close to the program. The accommodation was central, a few steps away from the shuttle station.
The rooms are large and bright and have a large balcony with a city view. I shared my room with one more med student.
The hotel changed our towels every day and every two days the linens. Good WIFI was provided and worked throughout the building.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
My recommendation for future students is to make sure they have good shoes and be prepared to stand up for many hours.
Be proactive with questions–the doctors are so busy operating or working on various parts of their day. Don’t be afraid to follow up.
Heading into surgery with a peer.
Would you recommend Philotimo Med Abroad to others? Why?
DEFINITELY! Because it's worth it.
You are a part of a medical team, learning, observing, and sharing ideas. My notebook returned home full of different methods and diagnostic techniques.
The internship may sound expensive, but it is NOT. The value and what’s provided–food, quality, and experience was incredibly valuable.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I feel you can understand better people. You gain confidence as you are on your own.
Also, I earned a couple of letters of recommendation from the doctors and my program directors, which helped with my resume. Connecting with others professionally and personally was life-changing.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I feel free. I feel like I am so close to becoming a physician. My dreams are not just dreams; they are my target.
Beyond that, I am learning how to eat better and walk more. My quality of life shifted for the better.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Travel exposes us to different cultures and ancient traditions, and through these authentic encounters, we learn to embrace and celebrate both our similarities and our differences.
These experiences can teach us about humanity and provide us with an appreciation, understanding, and respect for different points of view and ways of life.
Traveling abroad helps you understand bigger parts of yourself and the world, which, in turn, can make everything more genuine.
