¡Hola! My name is Lindsay Wong, and I am a rising senior at the University of Oregon majoring in Human Physiology and minoring in Sociology, Psychology, and Chemistry! I am Chinese, Japanese, Native Hawaiian, Caucasian, and American, and I look forward to sharing about my experience on my program, especially in relation to these identities. This summer I chose to embark on the GlobalWorks Pre-Med Shadowing Internship in Spain, drawn by the opportunity to explore various medical specialties and immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Spanish and Catalan culture.
Arriving in Barcelona as a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, I as incredibly grateful to be here pursuing my passion for medicine in a new country. On the other hand, I felt the heavy weight of being an ocean away from my family and being intimidated to be in a new country where I didn't speak the language. Growing up as a military child, I moved around the United States several times, which had given me experience in adapting to new environments. With each relocation, I learned that you must trust the process, embrace the idea that everything happens for a reason, and look forward to the connections you will make with people who will make your time in a place even more memorable. Holding onto this reassurance helped me process my mixed emotions, and soon enough, I found myself connecting with my fellow interns, exploring Barcelona, and enjoying the incredible Spanish cuisine. One surprise was discovering a plethora of Asian cuisine in the city! While I absolutely love immersing myself in new food cultures, it's comforting to find familiar flavors when I crave a taste of home and my own culture.
This week's shadowing at Hospital El Pilar has been mind-blowing! I had the opportunity to shadow the operating room alongside a fellow student. We witnessed several surgeries, such as a laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, a liposuction, and a lumbar laminectomy, which were all so fascinating to watch. They all gave me a new perspective on the various specialties and a deeper understanding of my medical interests. It is one thing to learn about different procedures and anatomy in school, but seeing them right before your eyes was surreal.
While shadowing, we quickly realized that taking initiative, such as asking the surgeons about their procedures and observing their techniques, was crucial for maximizing our experience. Language barriers added another layer of complexity and growth. Being in Barcelona, where Catalan is the primary language, it has been essential to refresh our language skills. Most of the hospital staff are not fluent in English, so it's necessary to be prepared with at least a few basic phrases to navigate our environment effectively. I learned that while communicating in a new language can be intimidating and scary, it is also something you can embrace and have fun with!
Overall, this experience has already broadened my understanding of medicine, provided me with different cultural perspectives, and has even deepened my appreciation for the comfort of my own culture. I can't wait to share more about my journey as it unfolds. Until next time, adiós!
Lindsay Wong, Diverse Duck Ambassador
GlobalWorks Pre-Med Shadowing in Spain