Becoming a Medical Professional With a Global Mindset
- Jan 23, 2019
Feliciano Perez’s decision to study abroad was driven by his ambitions to improve healthcare for marginalized immigrant communities.
As a biology, sociology and pre-med student, Perez believes that doctors can share ideas with medical professionals in other countries to advance the quality of healthcare. During his time in San Joaquin, Costa Rica last summer, Perez was able to expand his knowledge and look at healthcare solutions from a global perspective.
Perez is a recipient of the Hutchison International Scholars program, which aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage students to participate in international education as part of their college experience.
In this Q&A, Perez described his experience abroad last summer and how beneficial it was for his future in the medical field.
Feliciano, where did you study abroad?
I studied abroad in San Joaquin, Costa Rica. It is a nursing program, but the curriculum and excursions interested me as a future medical professional. I took two courses: Global Health and Medical Spanish. We also had the opportunity to visit different healthcare facilities each week and learn about Costa Rica’s efforts to maintain a high level of care for its residents.
Was this your first experience abroad? If so, how was the process?
The only time I have been outside of the U.S was when I would visit family in Mexico. For this reason, the process was not as frightening for me as it might be for others.
Texas Global provides many forms of advising. I was able to meet with peer mentors and Education Abroad advisors to talk about certain regions and understand whether a certain country or program would be a good fit.
Texas Global also provides various scholarships that allowed me to engage in this great experience without spending any of my personal money.
Why did you choose this program?
Thanks to all the peer mentors and study abroad advisors, I realized what experience I wanted. Because I am a pre-med student, I knew it would not be wise to take medical school requisites abroad, so I chose a program based on the experience.
The Global Health and Medical Spanish courses I took will not count towards my degree plan, but they will go a long way in making me a better doctor. The Medical Spanish course allowed me to improve my ability to communicate with Spanish-speakers on a technical level. This class was beneficial to me since I plan to settle down in an immigrant community like my own and help those who are constantly disadvantaged.
On the other hand, the Global Health course provided a curriculum through which I conceptualized the things I saw and the health care differences. The weekly excursions to medical facilities also provided real-life exposure to a different system of health care than the one in the U.S. Through this experience, I learned the pros of a different system and acquired a new perspective.
What did you enjoy the most about participating in the Global Health Program in Costa Rica?
I enjoyed seeing myself grow by being placed in a foreign situation and place. In the same manner, I also enjoyed seeing the great similarities between Costa Rican and Mexican cultures. It was very comforting and pleasant meeting people who remind me so much of my own family members.
Tell us about how a typical day looked like for you.
I woke up around 6:00 a.m. (the day starts earlier in Costa Rica) and worked on schoolwork or spent time in the kitchen with my host mother while she prepared breakfast. I usually sat down with my host mother and took thirty minutes to an hour every morning to discuss whatever came to mind.
I had Spanish classes from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. with a break in between to eat fresh fruit and talk with classmates. Then, we had a lunch break. During this time, we ate lunch and talked with our homestay families. I typically used this time to do some homework, nap, and still had lots of time to interact with my family.
After lunch, we had the Global Health class. Classes were held from Monday through Thursday with an online class on Friday. This schedule gave us the opportunity to have long weekends and explore Costa Rica. Some weeks were slightly different because we had time to do different tours and excursions to medical facilities.
How has this experience helped you develop as a person, as a student, and as a professional?
As a person, I have become more comfortable in dealing with unfamiliar situations. Being in a foreign country, I had to adjust to being the foreigner and being stared at by others. I learned more about Costa Rican culture which allowed me to feel more at home.
As a student, I learned how to relax more despite having work. Being in a country where there are so many fun things to do, I learned how to better manage my time to get work done, but also enjoy myself when possible.
As a professional, I gained insight into foreign medical healthcare and learned personally what a different system looks like.
Based on your experience, what are some of the benefits of studying abroad?
Studying abroad pushes an individual to new limits as they confront an entirely new culture. At the same time, they also learn to be accepting of different people. This experience also leads to academic and personal growth.
Why was it important for you to acquire an international education as a pre-med student?
At some point, I would like to work internationally to provide medicine. I do not only see people within U.S. borders as future patients, but also any sick human being in need. Individuals are repeatedly left untreated because of their lack of access and ability to pay. If sick people cannot come to us, then we must go to them. By gaining this experience, I have prepared myself (even if only slightly) to what it would be like to gain the trust of a population. Studying abroad allows one to develop a global attitude toward health care.
Why do you think students shouldn't miss the opportunity to study abroad?
Studying abroad puts into action those aspects which are essential to growing as a person and as a medical professional. It also allows people to attain a global mindset. Healthcare is not simply what doctors do within a single city, state, or country. It is a global concept that changes across every area. A person in the medical field can grow by borrowing from better models and observing the outcomes of individuals in other countries.
How did you fund your study abroad?
I funded my studies through scholarships. I received the Hutchison Scholarship, the Gilman Scholarship, and another study abroad scholarship.
As a Hutchison Scholar, do you have any advice for first-gen students who are considering studying abroad in the upcoming year?
Do it. In my lifetime, I have seen myself grow the most after leaving what I knew was my home. The change happened when I dared myself to become even better. Study abroad is the same thing. Just as it was intimidating to move from one’s hometown and go to a different city for college, study abroad will be equally as exciting and daunting.
Any special advice for first-gen students who think that they might not be able to study abroad?
It is reasonable and affordable to study abroad. My only advice is to keep on top of the deadlines. The study abroad trip could be fully paid for if the right amount of effort is put in.
What are your long-term goals?
Eventually, I would like to set up a clinic in an immigrant community like the one where I attended high school. I want to give back to the community that helped shape my passion. People should never forget where they came from.
Also, working and living abroad is one of my goals; I would love to do non-profit work with organizations like Doctors Without Borders. There are many people in need and denying them our expertise and help would be unthinkable for me.
Learn more about the Hutchison International Scholarship, Gilman Scholarship and more study abroad scholarships available for you.
