Hannah Wiles is a senior majoring in Biology and Health and Risk Communication planning to become a physicians assistant after graduating this Spring. This past summer Hannah interned for two weeks in a hospital in Pula, Croatia as part of a program called Gap Medics. In her first week she worked in the Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine Department where she observed several procedures and had the chance to assist with sutures. During week two Hannah worked in General and Abdominal Surgery where she observed the removal of pancreatic and stomach tumors and hip repair and replacement surgeries.Hannah writes that the experience allowed her to see the differences in health care in another country.
"In Pula, Croatia the surgeons only put patients under general anesthesia for the more extreme procedures, so the majority of patients remain awake for their procedures with only spinal anesthesia. They also cannot afford air conditioning in the hospitals so only emergency surgeries are performed during the summer due to the heat and increased risk of infection. Not only was I able to see how Croatia’s healthcare operated, but was able to talk to students from all around the world who I was living with for two weeks about how their healthcare system operates as well. This was a great experience to not only get to travel abroad, but also a great chance to observe many medical procedures in a short amount of time."If you would like help in finding international internship experiences in health care and the sciences contact Ashland University's Global Education Office.
