Shadow Doctors in Italy's Best Hospitals – 40 to 90 Hours

I spent two weeks in Trieste shadowing the OB and Pediatrics departments!! It was so amazing and our guide was awesome. I learned so much and made amazing connections with memories that will stay with me forever :)

It was an extraordinary experience that allowed me to gain firsthand insight into how medicine is practiced in Italy. Throughout my stay, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different cultural and professional environment, which broadened my perspective both personally and academically. I learned extensively from highly skilled physicians, whose dedication and expertise greatly enriched my understanding of clinical practice. Additionally, I was able to observe a wide range of surgical procedures, including robotic surgeries, catheterizations, neck surgeries, and several other complex interventions. Each of these experiences contributed significantly to my appreciation of the precision, innovation, and teamwork involved in modern medical care. Beyond the clinical setting, I was fortunate to explore the country, enjoy its remarkable culinary traditions, and visit many places across Italy. This combination of professional growth and cultural immersion made the experience truly unforgettable, including great friends I got to make

Italy has always been romantic in my imagination soft light, slow mornings, conversations spilling into the streets. But nothing prepared me for what Bari would make me feel. From the moment I stepped into the old town, Bari felt like a beautiful contradiction: ancient yet youthful, calm yet full of life, familiar yet completely new. The sea breeze carried this quiet kind of confidence, as if whispering, “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.” And for the first time in a long time, I believed it. Every day began with the same ritual cobblestone streets under my feet, the scent of fresh focaccia in the air, and the Adriatic Sea glimmering like it had a story to tell. But the heart of my trip wasn’t just the beauty of the city… it was the shadowing program. Walking into the oncology hospital for the first time, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. But as the days passed, I realized this experience was more than clinical exposure it was a lesson in humanity. I watched doctors heal not just with knowledge, but with presence. I learned how medicine is practiced with empathy, patience, and culture woven into every interaction. I saw how health, life, and community coexist differently in this corner of the world. There were moments that changed me quietly: a gentle smile from a patient, a doctor explaining a concept with passion, the hum of the ward in the early morning light. And there were moments that changed me loudly: standing in a foreign country realizing, “I chose this path. And I’m growing into it.” Bari taught me to slow down. The program taught me to rise up. Together, they reminded me why I fell in love with medicine in the first place. When I wasn’t shadowing, I wandered. I let the city show me its secrets tiny alleys where grandmothers make orecchiette by hand, sunsets that look like oil paintings, laughter echoing from balconies, and late-night gelato that tasted like pure joy. Bari didn’t just welcome me… it embraced me. I left Italy with more than memories. I left with clarity, courage, and a heart that feels just a little bit braver. If travel is meant to transform you, and medicine is meant to ground you, then my time in Bari was the perfect intersection of both. They helped me rediscover the version of myself I had been searching for. And a chapter I’ll carry with me forever.