The Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program is a physician-led medical internship experience open to pre-med students from all over the World. Explore the possibilities of your career in healthcare and experience the Italy-based study abroad opportunity you’ve been dreaming of. A team of outstanding English-speaking physicians, passionate about their work, will help you understand what it means to be a doctor, while you also explore the beauty of Rome and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
The medical shadowing program you've been dreaming of
What to expect
A medical shadowing program that will boost your chances to be accepted in the best Medical Schools.
A unique international experience that will enrich you as a person, making memories that will last a lifetime.
A chance to experience a different healthcare model, and to prove to yourself that you really want to be a doctor.
Meet fellow pre-med students
You will share the experience with pre-med students from other American Universities, building friendships that last a lifetime.
Our past years Fellows are students from Cornell University, Gettysburg College, Ithaca College, Knox College, Saint Mary’s College, St. John Fisher College, College of the Holy Cross, University of Tennessee, Southeastern University, Tennessee Technological University, and University of Maryland.
What our fellows are saying about the program
Peter
University of Maryland
I observed hepatologists making rounds for patients that were suffering from liver failure. Many had big bellies due to ascites and edema. Seeing these patients led me to the feeling that I really want to be helping patients that are facing extreme, life-threatening conditions. In my personal statements I talked about this a lot and it has been tremendously helpful. If you are applying to medical school it helps if you can make yourself unique and not many pre-meds are looking into having this experience shadowing abroad so it can really help, especially in the interviews. Since I came back from Italy, I’ve been doing so well in my classes too. I feel so motivated!
Taliah
Knox College
I was able to assist on the draining of a cyst, which was really cool, and also on a biopsy. Shadowing at the hospital was amazing. I’m pretty set on becoming an orthopedic so I got to shadow the top orthopedic surgeon. I saw 4 hip replacements, some knee replacements, a torn ligament in the shoulder and I was right behind him so I got to really see everything. I didn’t know what to expect as the program was brand new, but I jumped into it. Our apartment was super clean and central, the day trips were amazing and everything is so beautiful. I mean, when do you get to see a hip replacement and a knee replacement every day, seeing all the metal parts and the bones and ligaments and all.
Max
Cornell University
We got to shadow at a very big University hospital, very up to date technologically. I got to shadow an abdominal surgery where the liver was being removed, it was impressive. What can I say, I love Rome, and medicine is so interesting. I had a great time! We met people from all over the world, watched world championship soccer games with fans from the country of the team while eating great food, learned how to make pasta, which was really amazing as well, especially for me as I’m a terrible cook. I got to see a lot at the hospital and discover more about medicine and surgery. Now I know I want to do more of it, it’s definitely something I love.
Courtney
Tennessee Tech
It was honestly the experience of a lifetime. I got to shadow a cardiologist, dermatologist, an OB-GYN, endocrinologist, and so many other doctors. The doctors were very kind and would always explain to us what was going on. After shadowing we would go and tour some amazing place like the Vatican Museum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon. I would honestly recommend this experience to ANYONE because who doesn’t want to shadow doctors in Rome and learn from them? Additionally it helped me narrow down what field I want to go into, cause I knew I wanted to do medicine but I didn’t know what it took to be in each field. It was just an amazing experience and I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
Why shadow
Every pre-med has a story, what is yours?
Gain experience, test your committment, discover areas of medicine you had never heard of, be fascinated by the work of competent doctors, log everything and then discuss it with fellow shadowing students. Add pages to your personal story.
Develop skills that no classroom can match
Learn from experience by gaining exposure to a wide variety of specialties. Develop empathy and cross cultural competence through mindful observation. Learn the importance of observing and listening, rather than assuming, and overcome the instinc of stereotyping. Become a better healthcare professional, and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Create a compelling narrative and earn admission to top medical schools
Admission to Medical School is becoming ever more competitive and selecting committees are looking for someone who has done more than just taking all the mandatory science courses. What makes the difference is often having gone the extra mile, with deep-dives where you engage in learning with passion. Being able to support your statements with personal accounts will make a big difference.
Increase your academic focus and research opportunities
Clinical experience is such an important part of your pre-med training, and not only for medical school admission. It’s an occasion to build the foundations of your future as a physician and explore fields you are drawn to. Shadow multiple doctors, learn about their stories, build your network and create opportunities for learning and research.
Why Rome
Discover one of the most beautiful cities in the world
The mesmerizing beauty of Rome at sunset would be reason enough to hop on a plane today. Add to the equation that you’ll have the time to see from within, not on a short trip as a tourist. You’ll have the expert guidance of local staff and a chance to feel at home.
Immerse yourself in ancient history
With its deep roots that date back to the cradle of Western civilization, the Roman Empire has left enough of its ancient structures for us to feel the connection with the fathers of our modern culture, law, politics, religion, society. Even if archaeology is not in your major, you can’t help but stand in awe in front of this heritage.
Interact with the world beyond your borders
Experience life in a European Capital, observe the differences and similarities with what you are used to. Meet people from all over the world, discover local customs, and discover yourself and your own heritage in the process. You’ll come out of this experience with a deeper understanding of your values and an open mind, seeking for more opportunities for personal growth.
Get out of your comfort zone, make memories, make friends
This dive in Roman culture with new friends sharing a common goal is guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime. Social life in Rome will take you outdoors, on rooftops and gardens in warm summer nights. It will feed you with food that you’ve never dreamt of. It will make you walk like you’ve never walked before – just to see that other spot that ended up being your favorite. It will make you laugh and sleep like a baby at the end of yet another unforgettable day.
Proudly Partners and members of
A picture can tell a thousand words. See what our previous students have been up to...
Who we are
Doctors in Italy is an Association of English-speaking doctors working across Italy and promoting universal access to medical assistance without language barriers. Our flagship outpatient clinic in Rome is an established multidisciplinary trusted IAMAT Center, authorized by the local health authority in 1986 and providing medical assistance to local Embassies and Global Institutions.
Doctors in Italy is a partner to John Cabot University in Rome, providing internships and shadowing opportunities to international students.
As part of our clinical activity, we are contracted within the headquarters of one of the United Nations agencies in Rome.
Most of our doctors are actively engaged in research and academic activities, and we partner with University Hospitals where students will spend part of their shadowing hours.
Featured Blog Posts
The relief of suffering has always been one of the main drives in those who pursue a career in health care. As pointed out by EJ Cassel in a cornerstone article published in 1982 on the New England Journal of Medicine: Physicians’ failure to understand the nature of suffering can result in medical intervention that...