THE DOCTORS IN ITALY FELLOWSHIP
Developing future healthcare leaders
At Doctors in Italy, we’re all about shaping globally-minded healthcare pros. Because let’s face it—today’s world is diverse, connected, and constantly evolving. To keep up, future doctors and caregivers need more than textbooks—they need real-world, cross-cultural experiences.
That’s where we come in. Our Fellowship Program drops you into the heart of Italy’s healthcare system, where you’ll observe how care is delivered in different settings and cultures. You’ll explore what it really means to treat people—not just symptoms—across backgrounds, borders, and beliefs.
It’s not just a line on your resume. It’s a chance to grow, to connect, and to become the kind of healthcare leader the world needs—curious, compassionate, and globally aware.
Who we are
The Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program kicked off in 2018 with a big idea: give students from around the world the chance to grow, connect, and prepare for a career in global healthcare.
Our goal? Help future healthcare professionals build real-world insight, cultural fluency, and a global mindset—because healthcare doesn’t stop at borders.
The program was created by Doctor Today, an innovative Italian company based in Rome and accelerated by Bocconi University, one of Europe’s top business schools.
We work with some of the most respected hospitals and clinics in Italy—including ones featured on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2024 list—as well as top-tier veterinary centers and animal rescues. Whether you’re interested in human or animal care, this is your launchpad to something big.
Human Health
The decision to pursue a career in healthcare is weighty and complex and it’s hard to dream of something if you haven’t been exposed to it.
Shadowing a doctor can be especially beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers that provide direct care, such as nursing or medicine.By observing the work of medical professionals, students can gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of these roles.
This real-world experience can help students assess whether a career in direct care is a good fit for their skills and interests.
- Available cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, Naples, Bari, Padua, and many more!
- 20+ hours per week of clinical shadowing
- Rotation in four or more specialties
- Outpatient shadowing available in all locations
One health program
- Available cities: Rome and Florence
- 20 hours per week of shadowing
- Immersive shadowing experience in hospital settings
- Field work and observation in veterinary care, wildlife, and conservation
Animal Care Program
The Doctors in Italy Animal Care Fellowship is the perfect adventure for students who are wild about animals—whether you’re studying biology, ecology, veterinary medicine, or just deeply passionate about animal welfare.
Over two exciting weeks, you’ll step into the world of animal care and conservation, shadowing professionals, learning about different species, and exploring unique environments—from rescue centers to science museums.
With around 40 hours of immersive activities (both clinical and non-clinical), this experience adds real value to your academic and career journey—while giving you unforgettable stories to tell.
- Available cities: Rome, Milan, Florence
- 20+ hours per week of shadowing at animal rescues and veterinary clinics
- Learn about a wide variety of species
- Develop your global network and connect with like-minded fellows
Shadow Abroad and Make Your Credits Count
- 3 US credits through a personal development course
- Enrich and contextualize the clinical experience you gain at the hospital
- Faculty from one of the top US institutions for study abroad
