• Arrival at 11:30am in London

• Check in to Hotel at 3pm 

• Medical Bloomsbury Walking Tour 

• Group dinner at Marquis Cornwallis 

The first activity we did during our study abroad in London was the Medical Bloomsbury Walking Tour, which set the tone for the rest of the trip. As we walked through the historic Bloomsbury district, we explored key sites connected to the development of modern medicine and public health. The tour highlighted the contributions of notable figures like Charles Darwin and Florence Nightingale and took us past institutions such as the British Medical Association and the former Royal Free Hospital. It was a fascinating introduction to London’s rich medical history and helped us appreciate how science, medicine, and social reform have been deeply intertwined in the city’s past. 

• NHS and Induction Healthcare Group Presentation

• Path-ologies: An A-Z of London's Illnesses Tour 

During our study abroad trip, we attended an insightful presentation about the National Health Service (NHS), which gave us a deeper understanding of how healthcare operates in the United Kingdom. We learned about the founding principles of the NHS, its structure, and how it provides free healthcare to all UK residents at the point of service. The speaker explained how the NHS is funded through taxes and emphasized the importance of accessibility, equity, and quality care. We also explored the challenges the system faces, such as long wait times and staffing shortages. This presentation was a valuable comparison to the healthcare system in the U.S. and helped us better understand the cultural and political differences in how healthcare is delivered around the world. 

One of my favorite experiences during our study abroad trip was the “Path-ologies: An A–Z of London’s Illnesses” walking tour. We started in the National Gallery, where we explored paintings that subtly reflected themes of illness and the human condition. From there, we walked through the streets of London, stopping at various historical landmarks tied to medical mysteries, outbreaks, and the evolution of public health. Each letter of the alphabet represented a different illness or condition, weaving together stories from London’s past that were both eerie and fascinating. The tour was not only engaging but also a creative way to connect art, history, and medicine, making it a truly memorable and unique part of the trip. 

• Greater London Authority Group Public Health Unit Presentation

• Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret Presentation 

During our study abroad trip, we attended a presentation by the Greater London Authority (GLA) Group Health Unit, which gave us valuable insight into how public health is managed on a city-wide scale. The presenters explained the GLA's role in addressing health inequalities across London and promoting the well-being of its diverse communities. We learned about various health initiatives and policies the unit supports, including strategies to improve mental health, reduce obesity, and increase access to healthcare services. The presentation emphasized the importance of using data to guide public health decisions and the impact of collaboration between government agencies and local communities. It was an eye-opening experience that showed us how public health efforts can shape the overall health of a city as large and complex as London. 

Our visit to the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret was one of the most fascinating parts of our study abroad experience. Located in the attic of an old church near London Bridge, the museum gave us a glimpse into the history of surgery and medicine before modern advancements. We attended a presentation that detailed what surgeries were like before anesthesia and antiseptics, and we sat in the original operating theatre where students once watched procedures take place. The Herb Garret, filled with dried medicinal herbs and tools, showed us how natural remedies were used in early medical treatments. The combination of the immersive setting and the engaging presentation helped bring history to life and made us appreciate how far medicine has come. 

• Nuffield Trust Presentation

• Group lunch at Cote Brasserie 

• British Museum 

During our study abroad trip, we had the opportunity to attend a presentation by the Nuffield Trust, an independent health think tank in the UK. The presentation focused on the research the organization conducts to improve health policy and healthcare delivery across the country. We learned about the challenges facing the National Health Service, such as increasing demand, limited resources, and workforce shortages. The presenters also discussed the importance of evidence-based policy, data analysis, and long-term planning in shaping the future of healthcare. One of the most engaging parts of the session was our discussion about the differences between the U.S. and UK healthcare systems. We compared how each system is funded, how care is accessed, and the overall priorities of each model. This conversation helped us critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of both systems and gave us a broader, more global perspective on public health. 

During our study abroad trip, we visited the British Museum, one of the most iconic and expansive museums in the world. After a brief introduction, we were given time to explore the exhibits on our own, which allowed us to dive into the areas that interested us most. The museum’s vast collection spans thousands of years and cultures, from the Rosetta Stone and ancient Egyptian mummies to Greek sculptures and artifacts from around the globe. It was an incredible opportunity to see firsthand the historical and cultural pieces we had only read about in textbooks. Being able to walk through the museum at our own pace made the experience even more meaningful, as we could truly take in the depth of human history.

• Centre for Mental Health Presentation

• Wellcome Collection Tour

As part of our study abroad experience, we attended a presentation by the Centre for Mental Health, which gave us valuable insight into the mental health landscape in the UK. The presenters discussed the organization’s mission to drive change in mental health policy and practice through research, advocacy, and partnerships. We learned about the challenges many people face in accessing mental health support, as well as the inequalities that exist based on factors like race, income, and geography. The presentation emphasized the importance of early intervention, community-based care, and reducing the stigma around mental illness. It was a powerful reminder of how crucial mental health is to overall well-being, and it inspired thoughtful discussion about how mental health systems in the UK and U.S. compare and what we can do to advocate for better care in our own communities. 

During our study abroad trip, we had the chance to tour the Wellcome Collection, a unique museum that explores the connections between medicine, life, and art. The tour guided us through a variety of exhibits that blended historical medical artifacts with contemporary artworks, offering a thought-provoking look at how people have understood health and the human body over time. We saw everything from ancient surgical tools and anatomical models to modern installations focused on mental health and identity. The Wellcome Collection encouraged us to think critically about the cultural and ethical dimensions of medicine and science. It was a truly eye-opening experience that challenged us to see healthcare not just as a science, but as something deeply human and influenced by society, history, and personal experience. 

• University of Oxford Visit and City Tour

• Group Afternoon Tea at L'Escargot 

During our study abroad trip, we had the privilege of taking a tour of the University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the world. The tour allowed us to explore the iconic campus, including centuries-old buildings and stunning libraries, while learning about Oxford's rich academic traditions and the groundbreaking research conducted there. We visited several colleges within the university, each with its own unique history and architectural style. Our guide shared fascinating stories about famous alumni and explained how Oxford has contributed to advancements in science, literature, and politics. The tour offered a deeper appreciation for the university's commitment to academics and its global influence.

Our very last event as a group during the study abroad trip was an afternoon tea at L'Escargot, a charming and historic restaurant in London. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time together, allowing us to relax and enjoy delicious tea, pastries, and finger sandwiches while reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared. We spent the afternoon chatting, reminiscing about our favorite moments from the trip, and expressing our gratitude for the opportunity to explore London together. It was a bittersweet moment as we said our goodbyes, knowing that our time as a group was coming to an end.  

I decided to stay in London for a few extra days. Because of the Heathrow Airport fire, my aunt couldn't join me like we planned, so I was all by myself. 

I got to visit all of the Sherlock Holmes sites (I am a huge fan, and he's a very important inspiration in my life for being a fictional character), see the pub that was in the movie Kingsman (my favorite movie of all time), see the Musical Six, and go to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Sets. 

It was an amazing trip!