Hello, I'm Gloria Liu, an international biochemistry and pre-med student at UCSD from Taiwan. I've been offered an invaluable opportunity to shadow doctors abroad, specifically in Italy. As an international student, obtaining such an opportunity is extremely challenging due to identification issues. My lifelong interest in medicine, fueled by my experiences growing up with various health conditions and witnessing my mother's battle with cancer, has led me to aspire to become a doctor. The Atlantis program offers me a chance to shadow international doctors, gain valuable medical experience, and participate in the Harvard Medical School HMX course tailored for pre-med students. Studying in Italy presents a unique opportunity to understand the consequences of Covid-19 and contribute to medical research and future prevention efforts. However, funding this experience is a challenge for me, and I seek financial support to cover program expenses. With your assistance, I hope to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor and contributing to the medical field.

(Apologies for any confusion; I am using Caroline's account to receive the donation due to my status as an international student, and that she will transfer the donation to me afterward.)

The following is a detailed explanation:

I have been interested in medicine for as long as I can remember. Growing up with severe allergies, atopic dermatitis, pectus excavatum which has caused my ribcage to be sunken and press against my heart, and flexible flatfoot caused by loose ligaments, has made me a frequent visitor to hospital clinics. When I was 14, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that time, I felt that cancer was a distant and fatal disease, something that should not have happened to my mom, who was in her forties, at the peak of her career. So when I heard the news, I felt powerless and lost. A whole lobe of her lung was removed, and my mom could no longer engage in physically demanding tasks. Her energy levels also never returned to their pre-illness state. However, medical science is also miraculous. Whether it's my mom's cancer or my congenital condition, almost anything can be treated, offering a glimmer of hope to all the sick people in the world.

Perhaps it's because of my frequent hospital visits, witnessing doctors saving patients, that I have developed a deep admiration for the medical profession. Or perhaps it's because experiencing powerlessness and confusion made me admire this profession even more. One thing that has impressed me is the unwavering optimism displayed by doctors, even in the face of life and death situations. Their optimism has profoundly influenced my outlook on life, and I aspire to become someone like them: healing patients' physical and mental health.

When I discovered the Atlantis program, a pre-med abroad program that connects pre-health students with doctors in hospitals worldwide by providing opportunities to shadow international doctors, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. It blends with my ambitions, offering a chance to glean from diverse hospital experiences and enrich my med school application through shadowing and activities.

Italy was the first place to be hit by Covid-19. To understand the initial severe consequences of Covid, such as long-term patient effects, healthcare system collapse and reconstruction, Italy is the best place to learn about this historically severe infectious disease. What’s more, Italy is currently facing a peculiar predicament. Despite the global pandemic tapering off and confirmed cases in Italy declining, the country experienced its most severe flu outbreak in 15 years at the end of 2023, likely linked to the previous years' Covid pandemic. Respiratory diseases running rampant have overwhelmed the local healthcare system. Whether for research and future prevention efforts or to contribute to local healthcare, I want to study in Italy to broaden my horizons and gain the experiences necessary to become a qualified doctor.

In addition, Atlantis offers the Harvard Medical School HMX course tailored specifically for pre-med students, along with certificates to augment my resume. This coursework is designed to equip pre-meds with the skills necessary to transition from pre-health academics to medical school academics seamlessly. Neither Atlantis nor my undergraduate institution alone can provide this level of medical school experience, which is precisely what HMX delivers. Moreover, through intercultural exchange and shadowing in up to 10 specialties during one summer, a unique opportunity offered by Atlantis, I can absorb a wealth of knowledge to shape my own experiences and insights, thereby enriching the future value of this journey.

Atlantis website: https://joinatlantis.com

I am excited to explore how different cultures shape unique healthcare systems locally, and I hope to apply good systems to our country. Furthermore, through a series of shadowing experiences, I aim to determine the department I wish to specialize in the future. Regardless, I hope this learning journey will provide me with deeper and novel insights to contribute to the world.

However, I lack the funds to afford this opportunity. As an international student from Taiwan, I already bear the heavy burden of university tuition fees, and I am unable to apply for school, state, or country scholarships due to my international status. Furthermore, I cannot apply for any jobs outside of school due to identification restrictions. My parents have already borne the heavy tuition burden, and I hope not to further weigh them down. I aspire to qualify for studying abroad through my own efforts. Therefore, fundraising is my only option, and I would be extremely grateful for your assistance.

The total cost of the program is $6700, but I aim to raise $8000 to cover flights, additional food, and any extra expenses. If you are willing and able to support me in my medical pursuits, I would greatly appreciate a monetary contribution of any amount. No gift is too small, so whether you can give $10, $25, $50, $100, or $500, I would appreciate any support. Thank you again for helping me in my future medical career!