Author: Emily Ye | Major Biology | Semester: Summer 2024

A visit to Stonehenge in Salisbury.

At first glance, studying abroad in London was going to be an “easy” option. After all, we share the same language and largely the same culture. However, the Frontiers in Human Health Summer School Program at St. George’s, University of London challenged me to learn about healthcare from different perspectives and about the importance of translational research.

For the first two weeks of the program, we attended seminars hosted by lecturers and doctors at St. George’s Hospital and University. They covered topics from direct-to-consumer genetic testing to child pesticide poisoning in South Africa. Professor Francesca Morgante, a professor of neurology at the university, spoke about her research on movement disorders and how deep brain stimulation could be used as a more effective method to help treat them, in comparison to the previous treatment of oral medications, which were not as successful.

After lecture, in the afternoons, we would visit the hospital’s research and training facilities. Of them, I found the Pathology Museum the most fascinating because of the obscurity of having a museum in a hospital. Located in the basement, the museum contained jars of diseased organs from nearly five hundred years ago, some of which have been used for a study on the development of measles. Overall, the program focused on six different themes: global health, genomic medicine, neuroscience, population health, oncology and radiotherapy, cardiovascular health, immunology and immunotherapy, and translational medicine.

For the remaining two weeks, students were tasked with developing a mini research project. Working with a team of seven other students, we investigated the cell death and immune cell activation in prostate tumors grown in a mice model treated with a combination of immunotherapies. In the lab, I performed hematoxylin and eosin staining to analyze the necrosis of the prostate tumor and performed immunohistochemistry. I was also introduced to data analysis software, which was used to interpret the results. Having never presented a research poster before, I can confidently say that the lab experience and data analysis skills are invaluable. This experience has shown me that extreme care and patience is needed to develop a sound research project and has made me even more appreciative and grateful for the currently available treatments we have, as a society, for various human diseases; this is a lesson that I will carry with me throughout university and beyond.

Outside of class, I made it a goal to take advantage of the beautiful scenery in London. Contrary to my expectations, I found London to have incredible greenery. Around every corner, there was a park or trail to walk along, from the magnificent Hyde Park to Springfield Park located behind Horton Halls (our residence during our study) in Tooting, an area of London a short distance from Wimbledon. On the weekends, we traveled to Hastings on the southern coast of England and Salisbury, the home to Stonehenge.

Some of my favorite cultural moments, though, came from sporting events. While out one evening for dinner, I stumbled upon a pub showing the European Football Championship Final between England and Spain. The atmosphere was electric, with chants echoing through the pub out into the streets. At the Wimbledon Championships (which I was lucky enough to find an extremely short queue), I enjoyed a treat of the iconic strawberries and cream, while watching some of the world’s best tennis players on court. The British politeness and respect during the games were comforting and a stark contrast to American football games.

For students who are interested in studying abroad, I urge you to do it! As an introvert, I found myself truly enjoying a city I’ve only dreamed of with people who I can now call some of my closest friends. I suggest that you find a program that fits your interests and schedule. Apply for any and all applicable scholarships, and save some extra money for things to bring home for friends, family, and yourself. Begin the application process as soon as you decide you want to study abroad because there are bound to be small bumps in the road.

Finally, when you are abroad, go out and explore; step outside of your comfort zone by trying new foods and meeting new people. It is one of the best ways to grow as a person and find your path in life. For me, I know that my time in London has shaped me not only as an adult, but also as a well-rounded future physician.

From the left side of the road, cheers!