What went well?

Successfully attended orientation and introductory sessions with Emergency's staff.
Became familiar with the organization's operations and mission.
Met new people, including staff and other volunteers, and began building relationships.
Shadowed healthcare providers at Emergency’s mobile clinics in Milan, gaining initial insights into their work.
What could have been done differently?

Language barriers posed a challenge, even with translators, making it difficult to fully engage with patients and staff.
Could have spent more time learning basic Italian phrases to facilitate smoother communication.
What did I learn about myself when working with others?

Developed empathy towards patients, understanding their struggles and needs.
Realized the importance of active listening and patience when working with diverse groups.
Valued the role of teamwork and collaboration in providing effective healthcare services.
What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership involves being adaptable and responsive to the needs of both patients and team members.
Effective leaders demonstrate empathy and compassion, particularly in healthcare settings.
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial in overcoming challenges, such as language barriers.
What do I want to develop or focus on next?

As I move to a region where English is more commonly spoken, I aim to focus on building deeper relationships with healthcare providers and patients without the barrier of language.
Gain experience in another mobile clinic setting in a different part of Italy to understand diverse healthcare delivery models and patient needs.
Develop strategies to integrate insights from Milan into my observations and interviews in the new location.