A DAY IN THE LIFE
A day in the life of a Global Health Intern in Italy. How cool is it to have a title like that? Our day starts off wandering through the streets of Pavia, trying to keep our balance on the bumpy cobblestone and dodging cars since there is a fine line between sidewalk and road (if there is a line at all). Once we reach the bus station we usually stand in a sea of University students headed to class and sweat due to this country’s seeming hatred of AC in a humid climate. It doesn’t seem to bother Italians though, they wear their leather jackets and jeans even though the air feels like boiling water. This is also the point where I remember that everyone here dresses like they are 30 minutes outside the fashion capital of the world (which they are), a fact I did not fully consider when packing my seven solid colored tee’s and two pairs of jeans.
We get to the hospital and meet up with the main doctor for that week’s unit. Usually we go on rounds with them, seeing their usual patients and learning more about their conditions, treatments and lives. People are very open here and I have seen quite a few graphic photos of lesions and injuries that were willingly presented by patients who were eager for us to learn. A lot of smiles and nods are shared as they quickly discover I do not speak a word of Italian. A shocking amount of younger people and doctors can speak English because of their schooling, so usually I am not left in the dark.
After that we often go with another doctor to see different areas of the department, which varies from week to week. It can range from watching therapy, an operation, attending a meeting (always in Italian) or sitting down and asking them questions. We are able to gain a variety of experiences because of the diversity and adaptivity of the program.
Once we head home we usually nap. I am not the kind of person that can fall asleep so easily but there is something about this internship that just drains me of all my energy. After that we usually go wander through Pavia. We’ll see a few churches (there are tons and are all from medieval and renaissance times), go to some of the shops or get a croissant and gelato. It’s common in Italy for friends to go out for drinks and a snack around 4 or 5 since dinner is usually at 7 or 8. Due to an extensive list of priorities and obligations, Italian stores are closed and open at the strangest times of the day, so it really is hit or miss as to what you’ll discover.
Dinner is always a highlight because they know how to EAT in this country. We start off with an appetizer, usually bread with olive oil, balsamic and a meat and cheese platter. We have the antipasto, which is big enough to be its own meal, and is usually pasta or risotto (a rice dish famous in the Lombardy region). The main courser is a meat with a small side like veggies or potatoes. Water sadly costs extra everywhere you go, so we often are dehydrated as a protest to this act. Desert is a tarte or gelato and is always delicious. The one plus to eating so late is you get to go home and slip quickly into hibernation. Repeat this process and you quickly become tired and fat, a great combination.
We get to the hospital and meet up with the main doctor for that week’s unit. Usually we go on rounds with them, seeing their usual patients and learning more about their conditions, treatments and lives. People are very open here and I have seen quite a few graphic photos of lesions and injuries that were willingly presented by patients who were eager for us to learn. A lot of smiles and nods are shared as they quickly discover I do not speak a word of Italian. A shocking amount of younger people and doctors can speak English because of their schooling, so usually I am not left in the dark.
After that we often go with another doctor to see different areas of the department, which varies from week to week. It can range from watching therapy, an operation, attending a meeting (always in Italian) or sitting down and asking them questions. We are able to gain a variety of experiences because of the diversity and adaptivity of the program.
Once we head home we usually nap. I am not the kind of person that can fall asleep so easily but there is something about this internship that just drains me of all my energy. After that we usually go wander through Pavia. We’ll see a few churches (there are tons and are all from medieval and renaissance times), go to some of the shops or get a croissant and gelato. It’s common in Italy for friends to go out for drinks and a snack around 4 or 5 since dinner is usually at 7 or 8. Due to an extensive list of priorities and obligations, Italian stores are closed and open at the strangest times of the day, so it really is hit or miss as to what you’ll discover.
Dinner is always a highlight because they know how to EAT in this country. We start off with an appetizer, usually bread with olive oil, balsamic and a meat and cheese platter. We have the antipasto, which is big enough to be its own meal, and is usually pasta or risotto (a rice dish famous in the Lombardy region). The main courser is a meat with a small side like veggies or potatoes. Water sadly costs extra everywhere you go, so we often are dehydrated as a protest to this act. Desert is a tarte or gelato and is always delicious. The one plus to eating so late is you get to go home and slip quickly into hibernation. Repeat this process and you quickly become tired and fat, a great combination.
This whole experiencing is helping me deepen my appreciation for different cultures and methods. Learning how healthcare differs here and diving deeply into the practices and beliefs of a new society is so stimulating, I feel as though I am slowly becoming a new being. I love the emphasis on connections, quality time and equality.
(650 words)
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