Alejandro

Throughout my undergraduate experience, I have learned an immense amount of general knowledge. Pre-requisites such as biology, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus occupied the majority of my first two years at the University of Florida. However, with the goal of one day becoming a physician, I knew that I needed more than difficult sciences to be a successful healthcare provider.

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I was struck with this realization while taking biochemistry, physics II, organic chemistry laboratory and general psychology. It was then that I was inspired to look past the windows of library west and realize that there are countless opportunities to experience the world and still have academic success.

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Taking courses such as Latin, Greek and Roman Myth, and Chemistry en la Cocina Latina further fueled my desire to take my learning outside of the classroom. However, maintaining a competitive schedule filled with difficult core science classes would make this challenge difficult. Joining Alpha Epsilon Delta gave me a strong support system to help me overcome this challenge. Additionally, I was able to study abroad in Spain with two other members of my organization, which was quite possibly the best experience of my life.

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Seeing firsthand how culture and medicine can vary from country to country was shocking at first. I was constantly noting differences in patient-physician interactions and discussions between physicians. Both patients and physicians encouraged me to learn by asking questions and observing, which is very different than Americans which tend to be more reserved. Whether this is derived from the Spaniard’s slow-paced lifestyle or a greater sense of respect is unknown, it was very real and very different.

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Recognizing and understanding these differences is crucial for any aspiring healthcare provider. Even growing up in south Florida with a large population of Hispanics, it did not prepare me for the drastic differences I saw between healthcare in Spain and the United States. Completing this study abroad allowed me to take learning outside of the classroom and experience it in a global setting.

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After my time abroad, I attended a general body meeting for Alpha Epsilon Delta, with guest speaker Dr. Laura Guyer. Dr. Guyer is very well versed in topics relating to healthcare, cultural competency, diversity, and health disparities. After hearing her speak about the health disparities that result from lack of cultural competencies, I knew that it was critical to have a solid understanding of being culturally competent for my future career in medicine.

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Listening to her lecture, experiencing Spanish culture and healthcare, and taking a variety of international courses at during my undergraduate years has sculpted me into a more culturally aware individual. I have a deeper appreciation for people of other cultures, religions, countries, and socioeconomic statuses. I am grateful to have come across the idea of the International Scholars Program to seek new learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom. I am thankful for my past experiences that have already geared me to be a more conscientious healthcare provider. While it is a constant work in progress, I now know how truly important it is to have a global world view in a career that focuses on the individual.

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On another note, I anticipate continuing to conduct research throughout my career as a physician. Having a global mindset is also essential to research, especially now more than ever. With the outbreak of COVID-19, scientists and physicians across the globe must communicate effectively to both characterize the virus and treatment for affected individuals. This is one of the most real, present day examples of why striving to be a global citizen is beneficial in both the field of medicine and research.