Clinical shadowing - HIGH SCHOOLERS PROGRAM (AGE 17+)

An excellent shadowing experience with Dr. Stavros Siderakis. His clinical expertise and professional approach toward patients are truly inspiring. I gained invaluable insights into medical ethics and practice. Highly recommended for any student!

The 1-week program is NO JOKE—over 25+ hours of clinical experience, and I got to watch some next-level surgeries. The hospital was crazy advanced, and the staff was so helpful. And can we talk about the food? Greek cuisine is undefeated. Big shoutout to Stavros for making everything easy—this trip was stress-free and straight-up amazing.

What makes Philotimo Med special? Stavros! He truly cares about each student, always making sure we are getting the most out of our experience. I shadowed doctors in cardiology, general surgery, and emergency medicine and even observed a laparoscopic gallbladder removal! Everything was in English, and the excursions were just as exciting as the clinical experience. 10/10 recommend!

My 4-week internship with Philotimo Med was a perfect mix of learning and fun. I rotated through the Dermatology and Oncology departments and got to observe real-life patient care. The excursions to Mount Olympus, Meteora, and the beach were the highlights of our weekends. Stavros was incredible—his advice and jokes kept the atmosphere light and supportive. The group meals were always delicious

The medical internship with Philotimo Med was unforgettable! I rotated through the Orthopedics and Emergency Medicine departments, observing fascinating surgeries. On weekends, we explored Meteora and Mount Olympus, and even had beach days! Stavros made the experience even better with his humor and helpful tips. The group meals were a great way to bond with everyone. I’d do it all over again!

I can't recommend Philotimo Med Abroad enough. Over the summer, I completed 50 hours of shadowing in Larissa, Greece. Watching patient consultations and surgeries in pediatrics, made this experience one of the most valuable in my pre-med journey. The excursions to the beach and Mount Olympos were fun. Mr. Stavros is such a great leader.

My experience with Philotimo Med Abroad exceeded all my expectations. Shadowing physicians at the University Hospital of Larissa for a month gave me hands-on exposure to orthopedic surgeries and neurology consultations. I was fascinated by the endoscopic spinal surgeries I observed, and the program's structure really supported my learning

Philotimo Med Abroad allowed me to immerse myself in the world of medicine. During my month in Greece, I shadowed surgeons and neurologists at the University Hospital of Larissa. From consultations to endoscopic spinal surgery, I witnessed patient care on a whole new level. These 50+ hours of shadowing made me even more excited to become a physician.

I chose this program specifically because it focuses on experience rather than in-classroom lectures, it’s very affordable compared to the other programs. The minute I stepped on Larissa, I felt very comfortable and safe. The director, the managers, and the professors took amazing care of their students and the classes were relaxed and enjoyable. I got to experience true Greek foods and culture, and I met friends from all over the world. Overall, I wish every student could go to Philotimo because it is life-changing.

Throughout my time in Larissa, Greece during my two weeks programs I shadowed many clinical departments and volunteered at the community clinic. Many surgeries took place during our program. The medical system of Greece is unbelievable. The doctors do everything possible to save a life. The project at the shelter is heartwarm. I learned so much from the children. I would recommend this program to any student looking for a culturally rich, academically engaging, and socially fulfilling study abroad experience.

I had an incredible 2 weeks with Philotimo. The field studies students were taken on making sure we experienced all of Greece including the beautiful city of Larissa. Students live in apartments in the center of the city which is within walking distance of the bus stop and hosts beautiful cafes and stores. The Philotimo director, doctors, and professors were all wonderful and very committed to student well-being. I was able to take a biology class that mainly took place in a morgue, as well as other classes and lab research.

Photos

This experience was incredible, and I had an excellent time in Athens and the Thessaly of Greece with Philotimo Med Abroad. Given my interests and study subjects, I had plenty of options for studying abroad. I chose this program for its academic rigor, travel, and interesting location. In this review, I’ll touch on those three. Academically, this program was excellent. My interests and majors provided great courses that piqued my academic interests and helped me develop professionally and academically. My courses were interesting and did not provide too much of a workload to overwhelm me but enough to challenge me. All the doctors I interacted with were wonderful and interesting to speak to about their experiences and their interests. This program offers travel opportunities. Stavros plans the trips extremely well. They are interesting as they provide a look into the history of the area you visit. I recommend choosing 3 weeks program. I had a wonderful time visiting this interesting area of Greece and learning in a state-of-art hospital.

Photos

My name is Amira and I was in the Philotimo Med Abroad program for the spring of 2024 it was an unforgettable experience. Oftentimes individuals travel because they believe they may ‘find themselves’ and I believe that as a person you do not find yourself, you make yourself. Being part of the Philotimo Med program helped give me the tools to understand who I wanted to build and what would that person do in various circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on field studies in Larissa, Northern Greece. I was given every chance possible to be culturally immersed and to learn more about Greece and Greeks alike. I found Greek culture to be relatable in terms of values for myself and because the culture is so hospitable and welcoming I was able to befriend locals. This program was largely made for nursing students however the program is evolving to include a wider range of topics and courses available to students. If you are looking for an internship or to volunteer to add to your resume Philotimo Med Abroad is splendid at connecting students including myself to career-relevant internships and volunteer opportunities.

Photos

Philotimo Med offers amazing opportunities for American students interested in healthcare to gain international experience while having a fun and enriching experience abroad. I would recommend it to anybody looking for some international experience in healthcare. The shadowing opportunities were such an inspiring opportunity that in this past semester when I struggled, they were my reason to keep pushing. It gave me sight of the end goal and reminded me why I want to pursue my career. While there I gained about 20 hours a week of shadowing with doctors, nurses, surgeons, and specialists.

Photos

I participate in the Philotimo Med Internship program in Larissa for 2 weeks during our spring break. We were in total 3 students coming from different parts of the United States and with different backgrounds. I was the only girl in the group. At first, I was a little shy, but our director, helped to break the ice and by the end of the day we were all friends. We shadowed at the University Hospital, pharmacy, and at the Shelter. I shadowed the pharmacist during the morning and afternoon hours. I learned that in Greece, medical attention is correlated with human attention and care. After my internship I realize that I want to be a pharmacist, I want to serve my community and I want to be able to cure people. The best part of the internship was the trip to Mount Olympus and the boat trip. I am so grateful for taking the risk and going to Greece. Thank you Stavros for everything.

Photos

Larissa was really fun and exciting, I really enjoyed the hot springs and going downtown. The accommodation was excellent, the food was the same every breakfast but that’s ok. I really liked that we could room with our friends it was really fun. Maybe something I would change is letting us choose our food and what we should eat because some of the food is new and I would want to eat the food that I feel comfortable with. The food there would be good if we got to choose. I shadowed at the university hospital in the city and took the shuttle early in the morning with the other students. I had the opportunity to work with the Gynecologist and other fantastic doctors in the clinic. I also shadowed at the emergency room. I helped calm down a baby. This program helped me so much to understand better the daily tasks and how beautiful is to be a doctor and to save lives.

Photos

Super fun. The boys did both a medical and cultural immersion in Larissa, Greece. Amazing mentors and group leaders. Me and my friends had a wonderful time. we have met other kids from all over the world. Stavros, the program director, was dependable, and enthusiastic, and took great care of us. Highly recommend! The doctors at the community clinic were very helpful and guided us through the whole procedure. The Philotimo experience helps me to be more independent. Cant wait for the next time I go abroad.

The volunteer experience was fantastic! It was truly a life-changing experience. The owner and manager of Philotimo is extremely dedicated and hard-working. Larissa, Greece is beautiful. We stayed in the capital, Athens for a few days before and after our volunteer time and it was very clean and the people extremely nice.

This internship will allow you to experience Greece in a fulfilling way and change your perspective on life. The shadowing at the university hospital will help you realize if what you're studying is the right career for you. After spending 3 weeks in Greece I am now sure Pediatrics is my vocation. The Philotimo program is the best option for any premed out there.

The university hospital is very modern and clean. I observed many surgeries and followed this great doctor at the neuro-clinic. The team is all so friendly and helpful, Stavros is great and resolves any issues that arise. The accommodation is clean and close to all. The food is affordable. You can take the train during your off time and travel to Athens.