Shadowing doctors and surgeries in Mexico during my program made me not only appreciate the human body and the field of medicine that much more but also gave me an even more solid confirmation that it is the field that I want to pursue.
Published:
Tuesday, 13 May 2025 Author:
Maya Marina
Going into this study abroad program, I expected to learn a lot about the human body and meet some new people. However, I never anticipated how deeply impactful this experience would truly be. I have been interested in medicine and global health for most of my life, but never have I had the opportunity to get such hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Shadowing doctors and surgeries in Mexico during my program made me not only appreciate the human body and the field of medicine that much more but also gave me an even more solid confirmation that it is the field that I want to pursue. The doctors and providers that I had the privilege to learn from were excited to teach us and truly cared about inspiring us as pre-med students to continue through our chosen medical journey. I also had the opportunity to compare the healthcare system in Mexico versus the United States. I know that there is no ‘ideal system of healthcare but travelling to other countries and discussing what works best, and what does not, can help us gear current policies in the right direction.
The more that people (who are able to) travel and experience other cultures, the more that each country can learn from one another, and take the best aspects of each system, whether that involves healthcare or other policies, and implement them into their own.
Throughout the course of the program, I have gained so much insight into the healthcare organization in Mexico and now know that travel and cultural immersion is key to the progression of public policies, including those related to healthcare. I am coming back home with a new perspective on not only the administration of healthcare, but overall Mexican culture and ways of life. The more that people (who are able to) travel and experience other cultures, the more that each country can learn from one another, and take the best aspects of each system, whether that involves healthcare or other policies, and implement them into their own. By being respectful and keeping an open mind during these travels, one can truly have a life-changing experience, and come back from their program with a new purpose.
Thank you for the opportunity that you gave me by helping fund my travels during my study abroad program. I truly had a life-changing experience, and hope that other students like me can find ways to also go on study abroad programs like this.
Name: Maya Marina
Status: Junior
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Macomb, Michigan
Program: Community Medicine in the Yucatan
