I had such an amazing and insightful experience shadowing abroad with Atlantis. The staff was extremely welcoming and helpful every step of the way, I got valuable firsthand experience observing physicians in several different specialties (including radiology, urology, general surgery, and neurology), and I made friends that will last a lifetime! Not only did this experience help affirm what specialties I favor and disfavor, but it also allowed me to make meaningful connections with such physicians. I truly recommend this experience for any pre health student that’s considering it!

This experience was the end of my undergrad time and all of the hard work that I invested in order to attend Atlantis. The beginning of a new perspective of life and also healthcare for the people that I will be treating one day. The program was fun and interactive. The site manager was nothing but the best, and she was very helpful, and she guided us through it all, even at a bad time when a purse was stolen. The hospital and doctors were great to talk to as long as you were respectful and not interfering with their daily jobs and routine in taking care of patients, since the patients do come first.

Overall, this was a life-changing experience. The dichotomy between healthcare in the United States and healthcare in Italy was fascinating to discover. I feel confident in my traveling abilities now and how to interact with people who practice a different culture than one I am used to. I feel this knowledge will make me a better healthcare provider in the future. I am also grateful for the relationships I made on this trip and the culture I had the opportunity to learn. I would tell a future participant to make the most of every experience and try things they might be scared to.

Atlantis ran an amazing program in Italy this past summer. I had such an amazing time while being able to connect with some incredible medical professionals. The trip was a perfect mix of education and traveling. We were able to go visit so many nearby towns and also big cities while getting to dedicate at least 6 hours a day to being in the hospital. I would recommend this experience for any premed who thinks they aren’t able to study abroad due to heavy coursework. It was the highlight of my summer.

This Atlantis Fellowship in Pavia, Italy was by far one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The appeal of combining two things I love - traveling and health - was one I could not let pass. The healthcare professionals in Pavia were some of the kindest I have yet met, more than eager to enlighten us on the procedures we witnessed or problems we came across. They went out of their way to explain the medical terms and procedures to us. I truly learned so much through their help and guidance. As for the cultural aspect, Italy will always have a place in my heart. Getting to know a smaller town such as Pavia, discovering all its hidden treasures and even living like an Italian for a short amount of time was unforgettable. Another huge aspect of this program which became a win for me was the people I met throughout it. I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with my group there. Overall, this was a priceless experience that helped enhance my medical and cultural scope.

I loved getting to see different sides of medicine and learn about their healthcare system. Not only did we shadow, we had a meeting with the emergency control center to learn about their “911” system. Overall, I made a really good connection with one of the doctors I was shadowing and felt comfortable asking him questions. All of the doctors understand/speak English! I also made close friends throughout the process that I have visited in the US! So worth it I already talk about things I experienced!

I did a 3-week program in Rome, Italy, and it was such an incredible experience. I shadowed in the OB-GYN, internal medicine, and endoscopy departments, which gave me the chance to see a wide range of cases and learn from different doctors. Every day was a little different, and it was eye-opening to compare how healthcare works in Italy versus at home.

One of the best parts was meeting so many new people. Our group got really close, and I’m still in touch with several of them today. The program leaders were also amazing — they made everything run smoothly, but also hung out with us outside of the hospital. We had group dinners, explored the city together, and it honestly felt like a little family by the end.

Of course, being in Rome was a highlight in itself. After shadowing, I’d wander around the city, grab gelato, or just get lost in all the history around me. If you’re thinking about doing this program, I’d say go for it. It’s a perfect mix of medical experience, cultural immersion, and making friendships that last. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend three weeks abroad.

I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible experiences I've had during my Atlantis study abroad trip shadowing doctors. From the intricacies of orthopedics to the delicate procedures in cardiology and the fast-paced environment of general surgery, every moment has been invaluable. I was especially blessed to witness a triple bypass surgery and pig aorta valve surgery, and a hip replacement, as well as spending unforgettable time in the orthopedics ER with Dr. Dmitry Cherkes Zade.

Beyond the medical realm, I've cherished the time spent exploring Venice and visiting the neighboring cities of Padua and Florence. Murano, with its stunning glass art, also captured my heart. A highlight was visiting the University of Padua, where luminaries like Galileo and William Harvey once taught, and viewing an anatomical theatre. And the Basilica of St. Anthony, the final resting place of St. Anthony and Gabrielis Fallopii, the man who discovered the fallopian tubes.

Overall, I am immensely thankful for this journey, which has broadened my horizons and deepened my passion for medicine.