During the Community Medicine in the Yucatan program, I was able to explore parts of the healthcare industry in Mexico and experience the Yucatan and Mayan cultures. Once I landed in Mérida, I realized how hot it was after we exited the plane. Considering when I left that morning it was snowing in Michigan, this was a big change. As I was driving to the hotel after being picked up from the airport, I looked outside and was amazed at the different architecture and colors of the buildings that I passed. I was excited about how the rest of the week was going to go.

The first day, our group learned about Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Mexican maternity care, highlighting challenges in public hospitals due to limited resources. The next day’s focus was on maternity and infant care, where our group witnessed a natural birth, a C-section, and tubal ligation. A lecture on the Mexican healthcare system followed, that emphasized how many doctors in Mexico work multiple jobs.

Halfway through, the program involved observing surgery at O'Horan hospital, including a bowel reconstruction. Later, I practiced medical skills at a medical school simulation center at Marista University. After that, the next day was spent rotating between the O'Horan emergency room and a wound clinic, where I learned about healthcare differences, such as longer patient consultations in Mexico as compared to America. Afterward, we visited Progresso Beach to experience the nature and popular landmarks of Merida.

The last rotation was at Alta Especialidad hospital which included surgeries on kidney stones, a gall bladder removal, and an infant’s pulmonary atresia. Afterward, I attended a lecture on Osteopathy and enjoyed a farewell dinner with Mexican food and a traditional piñata.

Overall, this study abroad experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I had the pleasure of experiencing. As someone who was not fluent in Spanish and unfamiliar with the Mexican culture, I was both nervous and excited to be a part of this global health education abroad. I was able to experience not only the Mexican culture and healthcare system, but also gain new friendships, meet new people, build my Spanish-speaking skills, and experience unique procedures that I have not seen anywhere else. I will always remember and recommend this experience. I will also take this experience and the knowledge I gained with me everywhere I go in my future careers.

Name: Amirah Bashi
Status: Junior
Major: Microbiology
Hometown: Richmond, Michigan
Program: Community Medicine in the Yucatan