One Health Fellowship
In partnership with the Italian Ministry of Health, the Doctors in Italy One Health Fellowship offers a select group of students the chance to spend two weeks shadowing doctors and veterinarians in top hospitals and animal rescue centers across Italy during summer or winter break.
This unique program promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, giving participants hands-on insight into the vital connection between human and animal health. You’ll build lasting connections, explore new fields, and discover the power of teamwork in solving shared health challenge.
- Comprehensive understanding of healthcare
- Public health and human-animal interactions
- Animal behavior and inter-species interactions
Program Structure
The One Health Fellowship combines experiences in human healthcare, veterinary medicine, environmental health, and conservation.
The first week is dedicated mostly to human medicine, with 20 hours of clinical shadowing at Careggi Hospital. Friday is dedicated to the topics of conservation, wildlife rescue, and environmental health.
The second week focuses on animal health, working alongside veterinarians and animal rescue specialists in different settings.
Shadowing at the Hospital
The Florence program offers shadowing in both medical and surgical fields at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, a historic hospital dating back to the 14th century.
Now a modern, research-driven facility, Careggi is equipped with advanced technology and offers a full spectrum of medical services—including one of the region’s top emergency departments. It serves as a major teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Florence, with many physicians also serving as faculty.
Ranked among Newsweek’s top 250 hospitals worldwide, Careggi blends centuries of medical history with cutting-edge care and education.
Shadowing Veterinarians at Rescues and Sanctuaries
As part of your veterinary experience, you’ll engage with a wide range of rescued animals while exploring their care and rehabilitation up close.
At Italian Horse Protection in the scenic Tuscan village of Montaione, you’ll dive into the world of equine rescue. At Ohana Rescue, you’ll meet and learn about the treatment of over 220 farm animals, while Oasi Lipu Massaciuccoli will introduce you to wildlife first aid and migratory bird care in a natural park setting.
You’ll also take part in conservation projects and museum-based activities that deepen your understanding of biodiversity and animal science. A highlight includes a visit to the renowned La Specola Museum, where you’ll explore human and comparative anatomy and zoology through a hands-on, guided experience.
Housing in Florence
Housing in Florence is clean, safe, and centrally located—perfect for a smooth and enjoyable stay. Most students share double rooms in well-equipped apartments featuring A/C, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and often kitchens and living spaces.
All accommodations are carefully selected to meet high standards, giving you a comfortable home base to relax, recharge, and fully enjoy your study abroad experience.
Included with the fees
Shadowing ≈ 20 hours per week
Workshops and seminars
Accommodation
Airport pick-up and check-in upon arrival
Daily breakfast plus 9 meals (lunch or dinner)
Medical and travel insurance
Transportation
1 excursion outside of the city
2 cultural immersion tours and activities
Pre-program and post-program support
24/7 on-site support
2025 Summer Programs Dates and Fees
Summer 2025: Available
TERMS
Summer 2025: Available
TERMS
Summer 2025: Available
TERMS
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