Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

International

Location

Miguel Servet Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This paper examines my summer experience taking a medical assistant course and interning in a hospital, focusing on the insights gained as a pre-med student. Motivated by recommendations from peers, I enrolled in the US Career Institute's online, self-paced course to acquire practical skills in patient care, medical terminology, and clinical procedures. This foundational knowledge was further reinforced during my internship in a Spanish hospital, where I engaged closely with healthcare professionals in various departments, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The reflection highlights the essential skills developed throughout this journey—time management, communication, critical thinking, and empathy—and discusses how my liberal arts education has equipped me to approach medical challenges holistically. The experience solidified my passion for medicine, clarified my aspirations in critical care, and shaped my future learning objectives, including further clinical training and certifications. Ultimately, the combination of coursework and hands-on practice has profoundly impacted my understanding of healthcare dynamics and my commitment to becoming a compassionate physician.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.