A Transformative Global Healthcare Experience with the P-PAC

This summer, the Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) at Seton Hall University launched a two-week global healthcare experience in Portugal in partnership with Joint Atlantis. Led by PPAC Director Chantal Vergara, this fully funded initiative eliminated financial and experiential barriers that often limit pre-med students’ access to international clinical exposure.

Joint Atlantis is an international organization specializing in ethical, observation-only clinical shadowing programs. Through its partnerships with leading hospitals across Europe and Latin America, Atlantis offers pre-health students the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into global healthcare systems while rotating through multiple specialties. With Atlantis providing the in-hospital infrastructure and PPAC offering medical school preparation, advising and support, this collaboration created a powerful and immersive learning opportunity for Seton Hall students.

Recognizing the value of hands-on, culturally immersive experiences in shaping the next generation of physicians, the PPAC selected a diverse cohort of students who demonstrated:

• A strong interest in global health, leadership and community engagement
• A minimum GPA of 3.5
• A valid passport and professional maturity
• Consistent engagement with PPAC advising and the pre- health community

The selected students: Ayame Ciocoiu, Lauren Cinquino, Blessy Phillip, Nia Mullengada, Mikyah Moore, Aadesh Arul, Prasidh Pradeep and Mohamad Hamoudeh represent some of the university’s most promising pre-medical leaders.

Inside the Experience

During their two weeks in Portugal, students completed over 40 hours of clinical shadowing, rotating through specialties including:

• Pneumology
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Students observed complex procedures rarely available to undergraduates in the U.S., offering them advanced exposure to real-world medicine. Beyond clinical observation, they networked with physicians and current Portuguese medical students deepening their understanding of international healthcare pathways and practices.

Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth

Outside the hospital, students explored Portugal’s vibrant culture trying traditional foods, learning the language and visiting historic landmarks. These moments of cultural immersion fostered adaptability, empathy and global awareness essential qualities in future healthcare providers.

“We set out to create opportunities that challenge and inspire. Experiences like this redefine what it means to train as a future physician. By stepping into global healthcare spaces, our students gain perspective, empathy and confidence that will shape the doctors they become," Chantal Vergara, director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center. "Watching their curiosity and sense of purpose deepen each day is why we do this work. This journey is bigger than medicine it’s about shaping leaders who will make a difference in the world.”

Real-World Impact – Student Reflections

Many students have integrated their Portugal experiences into their secondary applications and interviews for medical school offering unique perspectives that help them stand out in a competitive admissions process. The experience has also provided them with rich stories to share in interviews, enhanced their global outlook and confirmed their commitment to the medical field.

“This experience was truly life changing for me. I remember standing next to the surgeons as they removed a tumor from a patient’s pituitary gland. They were able to completely operate within the patient’s nasal cavity. This meant that when she woke up from the procedure, she would not have any noticeable scars. Watching the surgeons and the rest of the medical team, I saw how much they valued their patients' standard of care. It was not just about removing the tumor. There are so many other aspects of surgery that the medical team need to consider in order to do what is best for the patient. In addition to observing their value for their patients and teamwork, I learned how different cultures impact treatment plans. While there are universal aspects to medicine, it was still clear how the medical field is affected by Portuguese versus American culture. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to taking these experiences with me as a future physician.” — Nia Mullengada (Class of 2026, Biochemistry)

“I had the life-changing opportunity to witness doctors and other healthcare professionals positively impacting the lives of others through the transformative power of medicine. I saw plastic surgeons perform reconstructive surgeries on cancer patients, anesthesiologists joking with patients before surgery to ease their nerves and interventional radiologists remove blood clots from stroke patients. Although there were many conversations held in Portuguese, I language I do not speak, I was able to see the universality of medicine. I observed the various tender moments during patient-physician interactions and communication between members of the healthcare team. This experience deepened my desire to help others through medicine. I am confident that the many experiences I had in Portugal, both inside and outside of the hospital, will continue to shape my journey toward becoming a physician.” — Mikyah Moore (Class of 2025, Biology)

“From watching a six-hour reconstruction surgery to a four-hour long Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, the experiences and knowledge that I gained with this opportunity has deeply impacted how I view medicine and my role as a future healthcare professional. Shadowing abroad was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am incredibly grateful for all the new connections, friends and doors this experience has opened up for me!” — Blessy Phillip (Class of 2027, Interprofessional Health Sciences)

“Shadowing physicians in Portugal has been an incredible opportunity to gain insight into global healthcare delivery. Observing complex neurosurgical procedures and engaging with medical professionals abroad has broadened my perspective on patient care, research and career paths in medicine. Exposure to Portugal’s universal healthcare system, alongside its expanding private sector, provided valuable context for my ability to engage in healthcare advocacy. I also had the chance to build lasting connections with Portuguese physicians and medical students from across Europe, including Romania, which opened my eyes to the potential for future global collaboration. I’m excited to bring these lessons and relationships back to my future practice in the U.S.” — Prasidh Pradeep (Class of 2026, Biology)

“I was in awe at the compassion and personability of the Operating Room staff. I watched patients smiling and laughing with the team as they were prepped for surgery; I could tell the patients had full confidence and trust in their care team. All the staff were so eager to teach and so many surgeons took the time to explain to us what was going on during the procedure. You can tell these professionals are truly dedicated to their work. This experience exemplified humanism in medicine and helped shape the kind of physician I will be in the future.” — Lauren Cinquino (Class of 2026, Biology)

“Standing just a few feet away from surgeons as they worked was an unforgettable experience. I was able to see every part of medicine come together, the precision of the surgeons, the teamwork of the staff and the compassion shown toward each patient. Traveling abroad made me realize that these pillars of medicine are universal, no matter where in the world you are. It took stepping outside the U.S. to truly appreciate that at its core, medicine is about humanity, connection and the shared goal of healing.” — Ayame Ciocoiu (Class of 2027, Biology)

“The doctors handed me a blood clot they had just removed from a patient’s brain after a stroke. Holding something that had nearly ended someone’s life is a moment that will stay with me forever. Shadowing abroad was truly an unforgettable experience that reminded me of why I want to pursue medicine and be part of moments that make a meaningful difference in someone’s life." — Aadesh Arul (Class of 2026, Interprofessional Health Sciences)

“During the first Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery I observed, I had to remind myself to close my mouth from sheer awe; I was standing barely a foot away from a real, beating human heart. The physicians and residents were incredibly kind and eager to teach, explaining each step whenever conditions allowed. Seeing how healthcare is delivered in a different country allowed me to reflect on both the universal challenges and the unique approaches that shape patient care around the world. This opportunity has been truly invaluable in shaping my path in medicine and strengthening my aspirations to one day contribute to global healthcare” — Mohamad Hamoudeh (Class of 2027, Biology)

Medical School Acceptances: Turning Experience into Opportunity

The Portugal global healthcare experience has already yielded tangible results for our students. Two participants have received definitive medical school acceptances, highlighting how immersive clinical exposure, cultural competency and international networking can strengthen an applicant’s profile.

“This global healthcare shadowing experience gave me a unique perspective on our healthcare system, which allowed me to reflect on public policy and healthcare delivery in the States. I demonstrated to admissions committees my cultural competence, experience with a diverse range of specialties and the ability to think critically about healthcare beyond just its science aspect. I truly believe this experience made my application stand out by fostering skills I likely would not have had the opportunity to develop without going abroad. I am proud to have earned my acceptance to medical school and I owe a lot of this success to my global healthcare experience." — Lauren Cinquino, Class of 2026

“My Portugal experience gave me stories, insights and confidence I could bring to my medical school interviews. Seeing medicine practiced in a completely different context reaffirmed my commitment to becoming a physician and helped me articulate my journey in a way that resonated with the care I wish to bring to my future patients. I’m thrilled to say I’ve been accepted to medical school and I know this experience played a key role.” — Prasidh Pradeep, Class of 2026

These acceptances demonstrate that combining clinical observation, cultural immersion and dedicated advising can directly impact students’ pre-medical trajectories.

Looking Ahead

This exceptional opportunity was made possible through the dedicated advocacy of P-PAC Director Chantal Vergara and the generous support of the Office of the Provost. Looking forward, P-PAC aims to expand international healthcare experiences, contingent on donor and sponsor support. Through initiatives like the Portugal program, P-PAC remains steadfast in its mission to remove barriers and elevate the pre-med experience at Seton Hall. By preparing globally minded, compassionate and well-rounded future healthcare leaders, P-PAC continues to redefine what it means to train as a physician. This fall, P-PAC is offering 40+ workshops and events designed to support every stage of the pre-health journey. Stay connected with P-PAC by following @setonhall_ppac on Instagram, checking updates on ENGAGE and the newsletter, scheduling 1:1 advising appointments via COMPASS, or joining Community Drop-In Hours every Thursday from 3:30–5:30 p.m. in the P-PAC suite.

Categories: Education, Health and Medicine, Nation and World