I think it is important for medical students to go abroad and have clinical or research experiences. Medical school is a bubble, and during the pre-clinical years you are taught the idealistic version of medicine/the world, with barely a nod to the fact that life and medical care is in fact exceedingly complicated and frustrating. I feel like this summer woke me up to this, and to the fact that complaining about how frustrated you feel is next to no value added. This summer reminded me to tackle problems with a focus on how to find solutions, not to get lost in how complex or challenging situations might be. I think this is a skill set that will serve me, and other students, incredibly well in life and in this career.