I’d like to start by expressing my immense gratitude for receiving this scholarship. It gave me the chance to participate in an incredible experience that has significantly broadened my knowledge. As a first-generation student from a low-income background, I’ve never had an opportunity like this before, and I’m truly thankful for it.

When I first arrived in the Dominican Republic, I was taken aback by how hot and humid it was. Coming from Michigan, where it had been cold and dry, the thick air was hard to adjust to. It was a shock to the system. The first day was mostly spent adjusting to the new environment and exploring the town. The biggest culture shock was being in a place where almost everyone speaks Spanish, and very little English is spoken. Language barriers were the toughest challenge we faced throughout the program.

The clinical days were an eye-opening experience as well. The healthcare system there operates very differently. I was shocked to see how little personal protective equipment (PPE) was used, and the sanitation in many clinical areas left much to be desired. One of the most surprising things I witnessed was during surgery I observed: some of the surgeons didn’t scrub in and put their gloves on themselves. It was hard to believe what I was seeing, but it was still fascinating to be so close to the action. The emergency rooms were overcrowded, and even the diabetic clinic was packed with patients the entire time. It was heartbreaking to see so many people in need of care, yet many couldn’t afford the treatment they so desperately needed.

Overall, this program was incredibly eye-opening. As someone pursuing a career in healthcare, it was shocking to witness firsthand how different healthcare systems are across countries. I believe this experience will be invaluable in the future, as I’ve been exposed to various cultures and clinical environments. This will ultimately help me improve my ability to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and also strengthen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a clinical setting.

Name: Samantha Killingbeck
Status: Sophomore
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Capac, Michigan
Program: Global Health: Dominican Republic-Pre-Clinical Observation