From Molecules to Metropolis: A Pre-Med Journey in London’s Unique Ecosystem

For me, however, I saw the perfect backdrop for my quest to understand the  complexities of life through the lens of biology by being in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and historic cities, where history intertwines with cutting-edge science. As a pre-med student, I didn’t know if studying abroad would be possible for me as I had to forgo a semester of research in a lab, pre-med prerequisites, and extracurricular activities. However, I knew once I learned about the King’s 

College London Premedical Program that it would be not only an academic adventure but also an  immersion into a city where every corner holds a story.  That being said, studying abroad is something that comes with a lot of mixed emotions. When I  sent in my application to participate in the program I was filled with a sense of nervous excitement for what was to come as I was confident that there was nothing I wanted more than spending a semester in London. When I received the notification that I had been accepted, something unexpected happened, I  started to doubt my decision. I knew I was on the precipice of making a major decision to either give into  the fear and stay where I was comfortable, or take a chance and embrace the unknown. I analyzed every  advantage, disadvantage, and emotion and by the end, I once again yearned to understand exactly how  wide the world was. 

During this semester I took four classes, all of which fell under the biosciences department.  The most important and influential for me was Health and Society, a class designed for pre-med  students, like myself, that explores medical ethics, medical humanities, and clinical practices. It was  n this class that we went to various medical, art, and historic museums, practiced clinical skills in  patient simulations, and shadowed doctors at various practices around London. A small class,  consisting of only 12 students, personal connections were also able to be formed as we got lunch together every Wednesday and made an impromptu class trip to the Broad Street Pump that was responsible for the cholera outbreak of 1854. This class, based on experiential learning, was engaging and provided me with an abundance of insight as to what it means to be a good doctor. 

Academics were not without their challenges as there were key differences in the pedagogies between the US and UK education systems. Firstly, it was hard to know where I stood in the classes as graded work consisted of one smaller project (poster, presentation, essay) and one final exam.  Secondly, each lecturer was different for every class, which at times made it feel like the classes were not cohesive. Despite these differences, I still worked as hard as I could to be able to succeed in my classes and without a doubt being able to adapt to these challenges made me a more resilient student. 

My absolute favorite part of my time in London was exploring the intricacies of the city. Given  the amount of time I had in London I was able to visit a wide variety of sites, most more than once. I  spent countless hours sampling the delicacies of the Camden and Spitalfield markets, shopping down Oxford Street and Brick Lane, absorbing the knowledge from the Tower of London, British Museum, and Kensington Palace, and being awestruck by the performances on the West End. IFSA even provided an overnight excursion to Leeds where we were able to visit with guided tours of the Brontë Parsonage, Chatsworth House, and Piece Hall. If I had one piece of advice for a student studying abroad in London it would be to take advantage of the museums and excursions! Most of them are free and there are so many which provide a wonderful opportunity to gain an appreciation for the city. Although my friends and family visited me, it was the friends that I made along the way that truly made the difference. The connections we forged sleeping in airports, riding on camels, and hiking to castles together created bonds  that will last a lifetime. 

My time in London has truly been a transformative experience for me. This program went so far  beyond a traditional semester as I developed a broadened worldview and confidence in my ability to be on  my own. My time studying in London has not only deepened my understanding of biology but also enriched my life with invaluable cultural experiences and global perspectives, shaping me into a more informed and aware individual. 

Hailey Rodriguez | Duke University | IFSA King’s College London: Premedical Program | 2024