Stepping into Santo Domingo, I was immediately thrown into a new world. It was a different language, different pace, different approach to medicine. It was eye-opening in the best way.

At INDEN, a hospital specializing in diabetes care, I saw doctors truly connect with their patients. They weren’t just treating symptoms; they were treating people. Conversations weren’t rushed, and care felt deeply personal. It made me realize how much medicine can become repetitive and withdrawn back home, and it challenged me to think about the kind of doctor I wanted to be.

One of the most intense and exciting moments of the program was observing an open cholecystectomy at Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud. Seeing a real surgery up close, with the patient right there on the table, was surreal. It wasn’t the high-tech, minimally invasive setup I was used to hearing about in the U.S., but the skill and focus of the surgical team were undeniable. They worked with what they had, making every move count. It wasn’t just about resources, but was about expertise, adaptability, and putting the patient first.

That patient-first mindset stood out to me the most. The doctors didn’t just diagnose and prescribe; they listened. They treated each patient like a whole person, not just a case file. It was a reminder that medicine isn’t just science but it’s human. I want to bring that with me into my future as a surgeon.

Personally, this program pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. My Spanish was rough, and I had to rely on more than just words to communicate. I learned to read body language, pick up on tone, and really listen. It made me more patient and more confident, not just in speaking but in stepping into uncomfortable situations and figuring things out as I went.

Before going, I assumed healthcare in another country might feel behind what I was used to. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The level of dedication, problem-solving, and the patient care I saw in Santo Domingo were just as impressive than what I’ve seen in the U.S. It’s not about having the newest equipment; it’s about how you use what you have to care for people.

If anyone were to ask me about considering a program like this, I would not hesitate to suggest they do it. It’s not just about adding something to your resume. It’s about seeing medicine from a different angle, challenging what you think you know, and coming back with a clearer vision of the kind of doctor you want to be. This experience changed me, and I know it’s going to make me a better physician.

Name: Kaitlynn Nguyen
Status: Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Chesterfield, Michigan
Program: Global Health: Dominican Republic-Pre-Clinical Observation