By Caroline Ceaser
N = New information
Since beginning my summer experience, I’ve learned a great deal about how public health and clinical care are practiced in Seville, especially through my shadowing at Clínica Santa Justa. I didn’t expect the differences in hospital cleanliness protocols and resource availability compared to my hospital experience in the U.S. This challenged my earlier assumption that hospitals everywhere operate under similar standards. I now understand how local context, resources, and culture deeply influence healthcare delivery and public health priorities.
S = Self reflection and evaluation
Since starting the Global Scholars program and my summer experience, I’ve become more aware of my role as both a learner and a collaborator in global health. I’ve gained confidence in articulating my connection to my community-based interest (CBI) in public health, especially regarding healthcare equity and cultural humility. Initially, I viewed healthcare mainly through a clinical lens, but now I see the importance of social determinants, infrastructure, and cultural context in shaping health outcomes. This has helped me align my academic goals with my personal values around empathy and service.
E = Environmental influences
My environment has shifted dramatically—from my home hospital in the U.S. to the clinics and communities of Seville. Despite some differences like cleanliness and resources, the fundamental commitment to patient care is shared. Interactions with healthcare workers, patients, and locals have broadened my understanding of public health as a holistic concept, influenced by culture, policy, and history. Relationships I’m building with clinic staff and my peers abroad are providing essential support and insight, helping me refine the focus and scope of my Capstone project.
W = Where do I go from here?
So far, I’ve decided to continue exploring the intersection of clinical care and public health within different cultural contexts. This summer, I’m setting goals to deepen my language skills, increase cultural competence, and gather qualitative observations from my shadowing and volunteer experiences. My Capstone is coming together as a project focused on health equity and cross-cultural healthcare delivery. I’m also planning to shadow in Madrid and continue traveling through Southern Europe and North Africa to broaden my perspective. Additional opportunities like volunteering with local NGOs or public health programs would further enrich my understanding and help me pursue this issue beyond my summer experience.
HSF House Blogs 