Sydney setting up for an eye injection procedure.

Author: Sydney Crees | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Summer 2025

G’day mate! My name is Sydney Crees, and I am an honors exercise science student in the College of Education and Health Professions. I also am minoring in biology and am on the pre-medicine track. I did an international internship program in summer of 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Yes, I know it’s ironic with my name!

My internship was at Eye and Retina Specialists in the Green Square suburb of Sydney. I got the opportunity to shadow and assist an ophthalmologist and gain hands on experience in both clinical and procedural settings. Over the course of the internship, I completed 200 clinical hours and was actively involved in patient care.

My responsibilities included setting up for procedures, reviewing patient records, and discussing medical histories and diagnoses with the physician for the 5-8 patients we saw daily. It mostly felt like my main task was to just learn! We often got patients with different diagnosis, so I was able to ask questions and learn something new almost every day. I was very unfamiliar with ophthalmology before, and it was interesting to learn all about the eye anatomy, functions, and how different organ systems and illness affect the eyes! I learned about multiple procedures and surgeries such as injections, lasers, and cataract surgery that can benefit some people’s eyesight.

I not only deepened my understanding of ophthalmology but also learned how medical practices operate, how clinical visits are typically conducted, and how providers manage documentation, charting, and case reviews. I had never worked in an outpatient clinic before, and it was interesting to compare it to a hospital environment.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was learning how healthcare systems vary across countries. Interning in Australia gave me a broader perspective on global medicine and healthcare access. It was eye-opening to compare it to the United States system and reflect on the differences in patient care, clinical workflow, and insurance models.

Along with learning a lot about my future career field, I also learned a lot about myself. Working in a professional healthcare environment abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I had to quickly adapt to unfamiliar situations, communicate effectively with new colleagues, and navigate cross-cultural conversations in a clinical setting. I also learned the importance of asking thoughtful questions, which helped me be a more engaged and productive learner. These experiences challenged me to further my independence, flexibility, and resilience. I also developed a stronger sense of self awareness and confidence, that I know will serve me well as I continue on the track to becoming a physician.

This experience overall strengthened my passion for medicine and helped me to confirm my desire to pursue a career as a physician. Once returning to the states, I will be pursuing research opportunities, continuing my job as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, and yes, conquering organic chemistry before I apply to medical school in a few years. I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received, and the opportunity to learn in such a unique, international setting.