From Coimbra to Lisbon

Andy Langman, a junior biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, spent his three weeks shadowing physicians in Lisbon, experiencing European healthcare for the first time. 

“In the U.S., you never get close to the operating table while shadowing,” Langman said. “In Portugal, it’s a lot more laidback. I saw procedures close up as surgeons explained in detail.” 

Langman, who aspires to attend medical school, observed an abdominoplasty, eye surgery, a mastectomy and tumor removals. Nephrology stood out as a potential specialty. 

“The nephrologist gave me a free MCAT review session every time we talked,” Langman said. “He was so descriptive and brought things down to a level I understood.” 

Gianna DeSousa, a junior medical diagnostics major with a pre-physician assistant (MDD-PPA) concentration in the College of Health Sciences, also shadowed physicians in Lisbon, rotating through plastic surgery, orthopedics and internal medicine.

“I loved internal medicine — connecting with patients and hearing their stories,” she said. “But I learned a lot of doctors in Portugal don’t stay in the specialty because the cases are so complex. You have to love the specialty to stay in it, and it’s what I envision as a PA.”

Since Portugal doesn’t have PAs, DeSousa found reassurance in how doctors described their motivations.

“Their reasons for becoming doctors aligned with why I want to be a PA — to help people and make a difference,” DeSousa said.

Students obtained 80 hours of shadowing while studying abroad, which will help them stand out on PA and medical school applications. 

“It was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had, and it opened my eyes to things I would have never experienced — even as a certified physician assistant,” Dubler said. “It reassured me that I was on the right path and gave me a glimpse into my future.” 

Beyond the operating room

The study abroad was led by Saskia Richter, associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology and director of UD’s Center for Health Profession Studies (CHPS); Jennifer Nauen, associate professor of biology; and Caroline Tillman, academic program coordinator for CHPS. 

"This is our fourth year leading an international healthcare practicum, traveling to a different country or city each time,” Richter said. “Our students are experiencing a new culture and healthcare system, and it's been amazing to watch them adapt and learn so much in just three weeks."

Beyond shadowing, students explored Portugal’s rich culture, visiting Porto, Sintra and Tomar. Dubler fell in love with Porto.

“It was charming and gorgeous and a nice break from the rain in Coimbra,” she said. 

 Langman enjoyed attending a Portuguese opera.

“I’d never seen anything like it; the music was so good, and the singers were incredible,” he said. 

As the only male student on the trip, Langman was initially apprehensive. 

“When I found out, my heart sank. But I embraced it and had a wonderful time,” he said. “That’s a life lesson I’ll carry with me — make the best of every situation.” 

Taggart encouraged Blue Hens to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity study abroad provides. 

“Between the classes you take, traveling without your parents, and meeting new people and learning from them, you’ll make memories and lessons you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life,” Taggart said. 

For DeSousa, the trip had personal significance. She first traveled to Portugal in 2016 at age 9 to visit the villages where her grandparents grew up. This time, the trip was more transformative. 

“In the U.S., you’re in this bubble of what everyone tells you the medical field is like,” DeSousa said. “In Portugal, I saw the real meaning behind being a doctor. It humbled me and motivated me to work even harder toward my goals.”