Passionate about healthcare? Medical internships in Guatemala provide healthcare students with the valuable opportunity of learning about the responsibilities of medical professionals. If you’re in need of shadowing experience, to build your confidence outside of the classroom, then start your internship planning now! College Senior, Dallin Buck, shares his experience as a pre-med student (also studying Spanish). Read on to learn how Dallin enhanced his healthcare perspectives and gained essential experience, to prepare for his future career as a physician.
Hi Dallin! Why was this Medical internship life-changing for you?
The internship contributed toward my personal and professional development by offering opportunities to shadow the family practice doctor and allowing me to help with certain responsibilities held by the receptionists and medical assistants. It was through this that I was able to gain a better understanding of the healthcare received by Latinos in their own country but also learn how to be more effective in my regular responsibilities as a medical assistant.
Through the internship, I feel that I was able to receive support from the other professionals in a way that - in spite of the difficulties of the pre-responsibilities as a future doctor - I was able to feel trust in their confidence in me. They would even refer to me as a doctor in training to many of the patients which was always heartwarming to hear.
Professionally, it was beneficial to my growth to shadow the doctor for many hours and come to understand her techniques for many of the same issues that patients present for in the clinic that I currently work. Once I become a practitioner, I will apply many of those techniques and give information freely to patients who lack that understanding just like she did.
How did your perspective change, regarding the practice of medicine?
The most important of the changes that I have felt occurred in my perspective as a new sense of gratitude for the funding that we have in the United States. Because of this funding, we are able to have available nearly any medication necessary for any ill conditions and more diagnostic exams. Also, because of the situation of many Americans, health insurance is attainable. For Guatemalans, there is a reliance on donations and for many, a lack of certain medications, including antibiotics.
What did you enjoy the most about this experience?
I enjoyed more than anything the opportunity to meet many new people at the clinic as well as at my living accommodation which allowed me to be able to get to know the owner and her family really well.
Some of the best memories apart from being at the clinic were being able to spend time with my friend who was able to be placed in the same clinic as me. During the weekend when we didn’t have duties at the clinic, we were able to visit all of Guatemala’s most beautiful places.
Although I couldn’t select just one favorite memory from my whole time in Guatemala, some of the best experiences would come from spending time with all of the members of the clinic during their lunch hour.
It was through those experiences that I was able to know each and every one of them on a personal level and learn through their many years of practice as medical employees and professionals.
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