Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
Philotimo Med Abroad

Philotimo Med Abroad is a U.S. based organization that provides best shadowing programs including clinical shadowing, medical internships, and volunteer opportunities in Greece. Our programs are designed for pre-med, medical, dental, and pharmacy students looking to gain hands-on experience in some of Greece’s top hospitals and under supervision of experienced doctors. Through our programs, students enhance their clinical skills, gain global healthcare exposure, and develop cultural competence, all while studying abroad in Greece.

We offer a variety of programs to suit different healthcare fields and interests:

  • Clinical Shadowing: Observe experienced physicians in specialties like surgery, emergency medicine, and cardiology.
  • Dentistry Internships: Learn from leading dental professionals and participate in dental procedures.
  • Volunteer Programs: Help underserved populations through humanitarian work.
  • Hybrid Programs: A combination of clinical shadowing and volunteering.

Our programs are open to:

  • Pre-med, medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing students.
  • Recent graduates preparing for medical school.
  • Students interested in gaining international healthcare exposure.
    No prior knowledge of Greek is required as all programs are conducted in English.

Our programs range from 2 to 4 weeks, with flexible scheduling throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. This flexibility allows students to fit their shadowing or internship experience around school breaks.

We partner with some of Greece’s top medical institutions, including:

  • University Hospital of Larissa
  • IASO General Hospital

These partnerships offer students access to various medical specialties and procedures, giving them an in-depth experience of Greece’s healthcare system.

During the clinical shadowing program, you will observe healthcare professionals in action. You’ll gain insights into medical procedures, patient care, and how healthcare operates in Greece. Students may shadow consultations, surgeries, and emergency care, depending on the hospital department.

Our accommodations are safe, modern, and conveniently located near the hospitals and major attractions. Students stay in shared apartments with access to Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and comfortable amenities. All accommodations meet high standards for safety and comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay during your time in Greece.

Yes! We organize weekend excursions to iconic locations in Greece, such as:

  • Meteora: Explore the famous monasteries perched on towering rock pillars.
  • Mount Olympus: Hike the mythological home of the gods.
  • Beach trips: Relax by the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy Greece’s stunning coastline.

These excursions offer a great way to experience Greek culture, history, and natural beauty while bonding with fellow students.

Program costs vary depending on the length and type of program. Fees generally cover:

  • Accommodation
  • Hospital placements
  • Excursions
  • Some meals
    For more specific pricing, please visit our website or contact us directly.

By participating in a Philotimo Med Abroad program, students gain:

  • Real-world clinical exposure: Fulfilling shadowing hours required for medical school applications.
  • Cultural immersion: Experience life in Greece, develop global awareness, and understand different healthcare systems.
  • Professional mentorship: Build connections with leading physicians and dentists.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Potential LORs from top professionals in your field.
  • Certificate of Completion: Formal recognition of your shadowing or internship hours, which can be added to your resume or portfolio.

For additional details or inquiries, please visit our website philotimomedabroad.org, email us at info@philotimomedabroad.org, or call us directly. We’re happy to answer any questions and guide you through the application process!

The number of shadowing hours required for medical school varies by institution, but most medical schools in the U.S. recommend or expect around 50-100 hours of clinical shadowing. Programs like Philotimo Med Abroad can help you meet shadowing requirements by providing 25+ hours per week of shadowing experience with doctors and professionals.

Finding a doctor to shadow is a crucial step for pre-med students to gain real-world experience in the medical field. Contact Philotimo Med Abroad for hands-on experience in a Greek hospital. Their program provides an opportunity to observe surgeries, treatments, and network with experienced doctors. Choose from a wide range of specialties and flexible schedules to match your interests. Visit Philotimo With in the countryside to start your journey.

General Questions

Please verify visa requirements with your nearest Greek embassy or consulate before traveling. No visa is required for citizens of the European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Visitors from other countries should check their specific visa requirements.

Greece experiences all four seasons with warm summers and mild winters. In Larissa, spring and autumn are generally pleasant with sunny days and occasional rain.
During summer, temperatures range between 30°C and 40°C, while winters are cooler, averaging between 0°C and 8°C.

At Philotimo Med, our staff, doctors and professors speaks fluent English, Greek, and other languages. While the official language of Greece is Greek, English is widely spoken across the country.
The currency in Greece is the Euro (€). You can easily withdraw euros from ATMs using your debit or credit card, or pay directly with your card.

 

Admission Process

Our programs are designed for premed, medical students, dental, pharmacy, and nursing students, or recent graduates. To participate in our regular programs, you must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program and currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college. We also offer select programs for high school students under 18. If you’re an international student, please ensure you have the necessary travel documents and visas to travel to Greece for your medical internship or shadowing experience.

We keep applications open year-round, but due to our small group sizes, spots in our shadowing and medical internship programs fill up quickly. Once a program is full, we open new sessions. We recommend applying early to secure your place, especially for our popular premed and medical student shadowing programs in Greece.

You can expect to hear back from us within 24 to 48 hours after submitting your application. The review process may take longer during peak application periods, but we prioritize applications based on the program’s start date. If you’re applying for a program that begins soon, we will expedite your application for faster processing.

No, Philotimo Med is not just for premed students! Our programs are ideal for anyone exploring a career in healthcare, including those unsure about their exact path. Shadowing doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals can help you discover your passion. Many of our alumni have gone on to pursue careers in medicine (MD, DO), physician assistant (PA), nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health professions.

That’s perfectly fine! Whether you’re considering clinical shadowing or a medical internship, the most important part is stepping outside of your comfort zone. Participating in our programs helps you develop resilience and adaptability—key skills recognized by the AAMC as vital competencies. No matter where you go, our program ensures a life-changing experience that will help you better understand your career direction in healthcare.

Have Additional Questions?
Contact Us

By submitting this form, you consent to Philotimo Med Abroad contacting you regarding your inquiry. Please ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete. We will make every effort to respond to your inquiry in a timely manner. Thank you for choosing Philotimo Med Abroad, and we are eager to assist you on your journey to medical excellence.

Headquarters

1221 McKinley Ct. Princeton, NJ 08540

Telephone