Abby Agapito
To read more about Abby’s journey
as written by Eastern University, click here.
Overall, my experience in this program solidified my passion for being part of a holistic medical team. Through Doctors in Italy, I learned how to read people in a new way.
I became hyper-aware of my facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, which trained me to know what someone is conveying even when words were not helping. This is helpful when patients are telling you one thing, but what do they really mean and what do they need?
Despite not completely understanding the patient, she grabbed my hand and asked that I hold hers before her laminectomy. The language barrier only signified that there is nothing a little effort cannot fix, making interactions with patients even more memorable.
"Overall, my experience in this program solidified my passion for being part of a holistic medical team. Through Doctors in Italy, I learned how to read people in a new way."
In this medical internship, I was taken under the wing of physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who were more than willing to teach and answer my many questions.
Observing them highlighted how it is easier to accomplish collaboration and efficiency if everyone is passionate about their role. I was also exposed to their differing healthcare model, which is centered on the Good Samaritan philosophy of medicine: a person of any background, religion, socioeconomic position, or immigration status can receive free emergency services.
Abby after a surgical procedure with the surgical team.
Abby and her fellow students in the research lab.
I was reminded of the vital part of traveling, which is humbling yourself to be open to another culture and system. As a life-long learner in healthcare, a similar mentality must be maintained when contributing to the fast pace of advancing medicine. These experiences equipped me for potentially working with medical mission teams, such as Doctors Without Borders, serving the overlooked minority in developing countries by providing everyone’s right to proper medical care. My experience in worldwide travel has taught me to be adaptable and to carry this ability in the constantly evolving field of science.
Given I chose the smaller city of Genoa, Italy, I was placed with a smaller group of three other girls each from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas. This allowed for deeper connections and lifetime friendships. We learn from the people we spend the most time with, and I believe surrounding myself with different perspectives, cultures, and worldviews will positively influence my mindset as a future physician.
