Reflecting on my study abroad experience in London, I truly could not have predicted the immense impact this trip would have on me or the incredible quantity of rich experiences I would have the opportunity to participate in each day.
It would be impossible to describe everything I learned in one blog post, but one of the most interesting realizations I had during the trip was the similarity between the challenges faced by the US and UK healthcare systems. While the UK healthcare system is theoretically grounded in equal access to healthcare, its current structure has not prioritized social determinants of health and other non-biomedical factors that contribute to overall well-being. The US healthcare system also lacks this emphasis. I believe that both countries should place greater focus on addressing the broader determinants of health in order to help improve the crises each system faces. This trip influenced my worldview by showing me that despite the foundational structural differences between healthcare systems across the globe, many face similar challenges that may benefit from similar perspectives and approaches to solving them.
One piece of advice I would give to future study abroad students is to plan in advance while also remaining open to spontaneity. Our group created a detailed schedule for each of our cultural activity days before the trip, which was very helpful because we did not have to spend a great deal of time planning our schedules while abroad. However, we frequently deviated from our initial plans, and some of those spontaneous changes ended up becoming our most memorable experiences. I also found it very helpful to prepare for the academic component of my trip by reading about the speakers we would be meeting with and familiarizing myself with the UK healthcare system, which was the academic focus of my program. Preparing ahead of time allowed me to be more fully present once abroad and become comfortable more quickly while experiencing different practices and cultures.
Overall, my study abroad experience was truly unforgettable and will have a lasting impact on how I approach my future pursuits in healthcare!