"The practice took place in the emergency department, consulting, diagnostic and neonatology departments. Every morning we started by discussing clinical cases with our supervisors. Communication with mentors and patients was entirely in Spanish, which gave me valuable practice in professional vocabulary and communication. I especially remember cases of tropical diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, an experience that is rarely available in Russian clinics. In Columbia, I lived with the family of a medical student. It felt like I had parents, a sister and a brother: I was received very warmly and at home. The Colombians reminded me in an amazing way of the Russians — how open, warm-hearted and ready they are to help. Sometimes I even forgot that I was in another country," the girl said. 

Then Ekaterina continued her internship in the Brazilian city of Botucatu. Here, at the University of the State of Sao Paulo (UNESCO), she performed such functions as monitoring clinical cases, helping with patient admission, and maintaining medical records. The girl communicated with the mentors in English, and with the patients in basic Portuguese.

"What I particularly liked in both countries was the more smiling, friendly and relaxed atmosphere of communication between colleagues. This approach helped me feel like a part of the team very quickly, as if I had been working with them for a long time. I have dreamed of going to South America for many years, and I am very glad that I had the opportunity not just to travel, but to really feel what it means to be a pediatrician there for a month. This internship abroad allowed me to look at my specialty from a different perspective and literally fall in love with it all over again. She reminded me why I chose medicine and how important it is to remain open to new ideas and approaches,"Ekaterina shared.