Author: Alexis Reardon | Major: Biomedical Engineering | Semester: Summer 2024
Suturing on pig skin
For as long as I can remember, when someone asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would respond “A doctor.”. The Summer in Cyprus: Pre-Med program was a dream experience as a student pursuing medicine. At the University of Nicosia, this four-week summer program offered a unique combination of academic and cultural opportunities that stood out amongst other study abroad programs. I first heard about the Cyprus program on a panel where University of Arkansas students discussed their study abroad experiences. One of these students mentioned this program and the cadaver lab it included, and I was immediately hooked. Participating in a cadaver lab while in undergrad is a truly unique opportunity, and this was only the beginning of what the pre-med program offered!
Summer in Cyprus: Pre-Med included two courses, management of care and special topics in clinical anatomy and skills. The anatomy course was remarkable. It was taught at the UNIC medical school and included a lecture, cadaver, and clinical skills section each class day. Having the opportunity to learn from human cadavers greatly enhanced what I learned from the class. Learning clinical skills such as venipuncture, suturing, and various exams was also valuable. The anatomy course not only taught basic anatomy but served as a glimpse into what medical school and a career in medicine would be like. The management of care course, on the other hand, focused on the moral and ethical aspects of healthcare. The course involved critical discussions of topics such as inequalities in healthcare, euthanasia, and how culture and ethnicity affect care. To gain a better understanding of European healthcare, we had the chance to visit a palliative care facility in Nicosia. This class broadened my perspective on healthcare and opened my eyes to aspects of care other than science.
One of the best features of this program was the weekend trips. Each of the four weekends on the program was accompanied by a trip to a town around Cyprus. Since Cyprus is a very small island, this meant that we got to see a great majority of the country. On the first weekend we visited Limassol. Most of this weekend was spent swimming in pools and enjoying good food. The second weekend we visited Ayia Napa, where we went on a day cruise around the coast of Cyprus and took walks along the beach. On the third weekend we visited Paphos and Famagusta. Famagusta is a ghost town on the Turkish side of Cyprus, which was astounding to see. What was a thriving tourist community 50 years ago is now a crumbled, worn-down desert. Famagusta was only a day trip, so we spent the rest of the weekend in Paphos. Paphos was my favorite town in Cyprus due to the relaxing beaches and resorts. It is also home to the birthplace of Aphrodite at Aphrodite’s Rock! The last weekend we spent a day in the Troodos Mountains. This included visiting a mountain village and winery. These weekend trips allowed me to gain a greater insight into the lives of Cypriots and Europeans. I found exploring different cultures to proliferate self-growth simply as a person and as a future medical provider.
Overall, this trip to the Mediterranean was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The memories created, friendships made, and topics studied have left an impact on me far greater than I anticipated. I am leaving Cyprus eager to explore new places and dive deeper into my passion for medicine. Cyprus was the perfect destination for an even better experience!