One of my favourite aspects of studying medicine at RCSI is the opportunity to undertake international electives during the summer before final year.

These electives allow us to explore other healthcare systems and are particularly valuable for obtaining letters of recommendation if you plan to apply for residency internationally. I hope to pursue residency in North America, so I chose to spend my summer completing electives in both Canada and the United States.

In Canada, I had the opportunity to undertake cardiac surgery electives in Ottawa, Sudbury, London and Toronto. Each placement allowed me to visit different university hospitals and build professional connections. I also had the chance to explore each city, gaining insight into what residency training could look like in diverse settings.

In the United States, I completed an ICU and neurosurgery elective in Rochester, New York. This experience provided a firsthand look at a different healthcare system and highlighted how systemic factors such as funding and accessibility can influence patient outcomes.

Beyond these clinical and systemic differences, the electives offered invaluable exposure to patients and colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds. Interacting with patients, families and healthcare professionals from diverse cultures strengthened my communication skills and reinforced the importance of empathy and respect in medicine.

While these electives were challenging both mentally and clinically, they were also personally transformative. Living and working in different cities required me to adapt to new and sometimes uncomfortable environments, helping me step confidently outside my comfort zone. I developed stronger clinical skills, honed my ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and gained a deeper appreciation for diverse healthcare systems.

For students considering international electives, I highly encourage embracing this opportunity. Rotating in different healthcare systems and communities broadens your understanding of medicine, enhances cultural competence and fosters personal growth. An added bonus is that RCSI grants credit for completing these electives through the summer credited programme. Reflecting on my experiences, I feel I have grown to be a more confident, empathetic and adaptable future physician.