International Opportunities in Medicine
With the resources available to them, high school students have plenty of ways to explore medicine and broaden their experiences internationally. Whether through medical mission trips, volunteering abroad, or getting involved in global health research, these opportunities offer personal growth, cultural immersion, and professional development. For students interested in a future in medicine, the chance to study or volunteer in different countries can open up exciting new paths, while developing applications to undergraduate programs.
Medical mission trips and volunteer experiences abroad allow high school students the chance to impact underserved communities positively while gaining insights into health disparities. Whether providing medical care in remote villages, assisting in clinics, or conducting health education workshops, these experiences foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of healthcare challenges faced by populations worldwide. Furthermore, according to Chang in 2012, medical mission trips “provide opportunities for more hands-on clinical experience.” For example, in a developing country, you might be asked to take vital signs or record a patient's history, things you might not have the opportunity to do as a premed back home.” Moreover, volunteering abroad cultivates cross-cultural communication, enabling students to navigate diverse settings with respect.
Engaging in global health research can also provide high school students with an opportunity to address global public health issues. Whether investigating infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases, or healthcare delivery systems, global health research can teach students critical thinking skills, ways to research, and data analysis techniques. A student that attended such a program at USC, notes how “It really introduced me to the field of healthcare and inspired me to pursue it as a career. It really shaped my perceptions of others - to look at, to understand, and to approach different cultures in a way to fully encompass the adequate delivery of healthcare such that patients and communities can learn and adapt their own ideals and social norms.” Collaborating on research projects with international partners helps students engage in cross-cultural teamwork and interdisciplinary learning, giving them a deeper understanding of global health challenges. These experiences can later be applied in clinical settings, helping future doctors become more culturally competent and patient-focused.
For high school students, working abroad offers the chance to develop into compassionate and culturally aware healthcare providers, ready to meet the health needs of an increasingly diverse and connected world.
________________________________________________________________
Chang, Edward. “Is It Worth Going on Medical Mission Trips?” ProspectiveDoctor, ProspectiveDoctor, 13 Dec. 2012, www.prospectivedoctor.com/is-it-worth-going-on-medical-mission-trips/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
“The Benefits of Studying Medicine Abroad: A Global Perspective?” Medium, Medium, 29 June 2023, medium.com/@gotouniversityuae/the-benefits-of-studying-medicine-abroad-a-global-perspective-123f1b310e17. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
“The Benefits of Medical Internships Abroad | Work the World.” Worktheworld.com, 2024, www.worktheworld.com/blog/benefits-medical-internships-abroad. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
Hughes, Joanna. “Five Reasons Why Studying Medicine Abroad Is a Great Idea.” Https://Www.healthcarestudies.com, 12 Nov. 2018, www.healthcarestudies.com/articles/five-reasons-why-studying-medicine-abroad-is-a-great-idea. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
