Buenas, I am now approaching my final week in Barcelona and have been reflecting on how my study abroad experience has been life-changing! I came to Barcelona anticipating significant career development on my path to becoming a doctor, and this experience shadowing a diverse group of surgeons and doctors has broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined. Before coming abroad, I knew I had to be open to learning about different medical specialties, but I was mainly focused on becoming a dermatologist. But since shadowing abroad, I now can see a future where I could be a surgeon in an operating room and have discovered new interests in specialties such as ophthalmology and orthopedics, which I would never have known to consider pursuing without this experience.
One of the most impactful experiences in the hospital so far was shadowing a cardiologist. Watching the amount of care that the cardiologist had for his patients and the amount of time he took with each one has shown me the kind of physician I aspire to become — one who not only treats their physical condition, but one who genuinely cares for the patient's overall well-being. Feeling myself becoming deeply engaged while shadowing has reaffirmed to me that I am on the right career path with medicine, which is further motivating me to work even harder toward my goals.
Out of the hospital, life here has been equally fulfilling. My fellow students and I have explored Barcelona's iconic landmarks: marveling at La Sagrada Familia, wandering through Casa Batlló, and soaking in the views of Park Güell. Some of my favorite memories have come from sharing tapas, laughing over group dinners, and embarking on group excursions to the coastal charm of Sitges, the Roman history of Tarragona, and the medieval streets of Girona. These shared moments have been just as meaningful as the professional ones, giving me a deeper connection to the city and my peers.
In terms of identity, my peers and I often joke about how "American" we feel here. As a multicultural individual — Chinese, Japanese, and Native Hawaiian — I've noticed that, here in Spain, I'm primarily perceived as American. This perception is different from what I've experienced back at home, where my race rather than nationality comes up first, and it's made me reflect on how context can shift which parts of my identity stand out.
I am truly grateful for my time abroad thus far and can't wait to see what the last week has in store. Adéu!
Lindsay Wong, Diverse Duck Ambassador
GlobalWorks Pre-Med Shadowing in Spain