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During my internship in Lisbon, Portugal, I had the opportunity to shadow physicians across orthopedic surgery, general surgery, and anesthesiology, gaining a firsthand look at medicine in a global context. Observing procedures in the operating room allowed me to see the precision, teamwork, and decision-making that define surgical care while also appreciating the human side of medicine as physicians communicated with patients and families despite language and cultural barriers. I learned how healthcare delivery can vary across systems yet still center on compassion, skill, and collaboration. Watching anesthesiologists manage patient comfort and safety taught me the importance of careful preparation and critical thinking in fast-paced environments, while orthopedic and general surgeons demonstrated the balance between technical expertise and adaptability.
Beyond clinical skills, I gained a deeper appreciation for cultural humility, recognizing that effective medicine requires understanding not only science but also the people and communities being served. This experience broadened my perspective on patient care and reaffirmed my commitment to becoming a physician who can adapt, empathize, and advocate for healthcare equity both locally and globally.