My name is Said M., I am originally from Columbus Nebraska and attend school at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln Nebraska. I am going into my senior year and will be finishing my bachelor’s in athletic training. I then plan to attend physical therapy school and graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree.
How and why did you decide to intern in Costa Rica?
I have always wanted to study abroad and was looking for some type of internship abroad where I could expand my Spanish medical terminology. One of my professors at school told me about Maximo Nivel so I started to do my research and saw Maximo had internship opportunities in the medical field in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. I had always wanted to go to Costa Rica so I decided to Costa Rica would be best fit for me. Furthermore, I knew Costa Rica had a better health system than the other two countries so that guided my decision quite a bit too.
Did you have any concerns?
Yes. I had a bit of concerns. My family is originally from Mexico and I had never been to another Latin America country other than Mexico. That created a little bit of apprehension of what to expect.
Tell us about your internship placement. What has been your role at your placement?
I was placed at a sports physical therapy clinic where I was able to observe and aid the physical therapist in evaluations and treatments of patients. I was able to apply the skills I brought with me into the clinical setting. Furthermore, skills I learned in the clinic I was able to apply right away.
Did you notice any cultural differences in the medical environment in Costa Rica?
Yes. In the United States the physical therapist works under a doctor and must follow the doctor’s rehabilitation protocol after surgery. In Costa Rica, the physical therapist task control on the rehabilitation protocol and can take it at its own pace. He is the boss of the rehabilitation protocol and has full control of it.
What was the most interesting thing you learned during your internship?
The most interesting thing I learned during my internship was how to manage a brand-new clinic. The physical therapist who I was place with had just opened his own private clinic four months ago. This could have not been any more perfect. During spring of 2021 I had taking a class in which they explained the steps that needed to be taken when opening a new clinic and the obstacles that one may come across once opened. I was able to apply this knowledge in helping the physical therapist tackle problems to make the clinic better. Furthermore, I was able to help promote the clinic by helping make a promotion video of the clinic.
Did the internship meet your expectations?
Yes. The internship met and over exceed my expectations. I learned and experience more than I could have ever imagined. I can say I left Costa Rica meeting the goals and more I had set for myself before coming and starting my internship.
What’s the next step for you?
I will be heading back to school and finishing up my last year while working at a physical therapy clinic in Lincoln Nebraska. Furthermore, I will be applying to Duke University, University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic for physical therapy this fall, in hope of getting accepted in one.