Sage Leland

Program:

• CASI Summer Internship: Aravind Eye Care

Ask me about...

• Studying abroad in a developing country

• Conducting research abroad

• Working in a majority non-English-speaking region
   

My Experience Abroad:

During my internship at Aravind Eye Care through the Center for Advanced Studies of India, I conducted a research project on the eHealth readiness of patients at the Madurai Tertiary Hospital. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the barriers and enablers of utilizing technology in healthcare, aligning directly with my passion for working in the healthcare field.

Engaging in this research project ignited a new level of drive within me as I witnessed the direct impact I could have. Exploring patients' attitudes, access, and habits regarding eHealth allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and hone my research and analytical skills. This experience also solidified my commitment to evidence-based decision-making in healthcare, shaping my professional goals as a future physician.

Beyond technical skills, my internship at Aravind Eye Care taught me the significance of compassion and a shared mission. Through interviewing patients and interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I encountered a collective dedication to eradicating needless blindness. These encounters profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth, reinforcing my dedication to serving others and making a meaningful difference in the healthcare field.

Overall, my internship at Aravind Eye Care provided me with invaluable experience, equipping me with research skills, reaffirming my commitment to evidence-based decision-making, and instilling a deep appreciation for compassion and the pursuit of a greater mission in healthcare.

Other Highlights:

• Traveled throughout Spain and Europe solo and in a group.

• Meeting people from all over the world at our hostel and traveling with them across India on the weekend

• Cramming 8 people into one auto-rickshaw to traverse the bustling downtown streets of Madurai

• Trying kulfi ice cream for the first time

• Conversations with the ophthalmologists in the hospital about their path to medicine and future goals

• Witnessing firsthand the compassionate and personal impact Aravind has on the community