Applying to the Doctors in Italy Fellowship is simple. Visit our Apply page and fill out the online application form. You'll need to provide basic information about yourself, your academic background, and your interest in healthcare. Once submitted, our admissions team will review your application and get in touch with you regarding next steps.

After submitting your application, qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. The interview is typically conducted via video call and lasts about 20-30 minutes. We'll discuss your interest in healthcare, your goals, and what you hope to gain from the Fellowship. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the program.

A typical day begins at the hospital where you'll shadow physicians in various departments. You'll observe patient consultations, diagnostic procedures, and sometimes surgeries. Evenings are yours to enjoy Italian cuisine, connect with fellow Fellows, or relax at your accommodation.

No, you don't need to speak Italian to participate in the Fellowship. All shadowing sessions and program activities are conducted in English. However, learning a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals. We also provide cultural orientation to help you navigate the city.

Yes, our shadowing program is fully compliant with AAMC guidelines for clinical observation experiences. We maintain strict ethical standards, ensuring that all activities are observational only, with no direct patient care responsibilities. This makes the Fellowship an excellent addition to medical school applications.

Shadowing typically takes place from Monday to Tuesday during the morning hours. This schedule provides participants with a meaningful clinical experience while leaving the afternoons free for cultural activities, group discussions, independent study, or personal exploration. Weekends are free, giving fellows the opportunity to travel, discover different parts of Italy, and make the most of their time abroad.

Fellows have the opportunity to rotate through a variety of departments. The specific rotations depend on the length of the programme, as well as department availability and hospital scheduling during the dates of each session. While we always strive to provide exposure to diverse medical specialties, rotations cannot be guaranteed and may vary from one programme to another.

Unlike typical shadowing that might last a few days or a standard study abroad focused on tourism, our Fellowship combines intensive clinical observation with cultural immersion over several weeks. You'll gain international healthcare exposure, build a global network, and experience a different healthcare system firsthand—all while exploring one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Doctors in Italy is an established organization with partnerships with accredited Italian hospitals and medical institutions. Our team includes healthcare professionals and educators dedicated to providing high-quality international clinical experiences. We've hosted hundreds of Fellows who have gone on to successful careers in healthcare.

Program costs vary depending on the length and type of program you choose. Generally, fees cover accommodation, clinical placement, orientation, program coordination, and select meals. Visit our Programs page for specific pricing, or contact our admissions team for a detailed breakdown.

Yes! We offer merit-based and diversity scholarships to help make the Fellowship more accessible. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities and application process on our Scholarships page. We also recommend checking with your home institution for study abroad grants.

Fellows come from diverse academic backgrounds including pre-medical students, nursing, public health, biomedical sciences, and related health professions. We welcome anyone passionate about healthcare who wants to gain international clinical experience and broaden their understanding of global health systems.

The application process consists of: 1) Submitting an online application, 2) Participating in a video interview, 3) Receiving an acceptance decision, 4) Completing enrollment paperwork and payment, 5) Preparing for your Fellowship with our pre-departure orientation materials. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to acceptance.

The first date listed for your programme is always the official arrival day, which falls on a Sunday. No programme activities are scheduled on this day, giving you time to check into your accommodation, unpack, rest after your journey, recover from any jet lag, and settle in before your programme begins. This also gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with your new surroundings and prepare for the exciting weeks ahead.

Yes, upon completion of the Fellowship, you'll receive an official certificate documenting your participation and clinical observation hours. Many Fellows have successfully used these materials for medical school applications, academic credit (check with your home institution), and professional development portfolios.

Business casual or professional attire is required during clinical shadowing. Think dress pants or skirts, collared shirts or blouses, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid jeans, sneakers, or overly casual clothing. We recommend bringing comfortable professional shoes as you'll be on your feet for several hours. Specific dress code guidelines will be provided before your program begins.