What went well?

• Continued participation as an observer at Emergency’s mobile clinics, attending two clinic sessions.
• Began conducting qualitative interviews, successfully meeting some of the women who will be interviewed.
• Established a rapport with interview participants, setting a positive tone for future interactions.

What could have been done differently?

• Could have scheduled more time for interviews to ensure a more relaxed and thorough conversation.
• Prepared additional materials or aids to help bridge the language gap more effectively.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

• Gained confidence in initiating and conducting interviews, despite initial language challenges.
• Recognized the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in building trust with interview participants.
• Enhanced my ability to adapt communication styles to different individuals and situations.

What did I learn about leadership?

• Leadership includes being proactive in addressing and mitigating challenges, such as language barriers.
• Effective leaders are also good listeners, making sure to understand and value the input of all team members and participants.
• Building trust and rapport is a key aspect of leadership, particularly in a multicultural environment.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

• As I transition to a region where English is predominantly spoken, focus on deepening my interactions with patients and staff.
• Experience the operations of another mobile clinic in a different part of Italy to broaden my understanding of Emergency’s impact.
• Use the insights from Milan to enhance my approach in the new setting, aiming for more effective and culturally sensitive healthcare delivery.