After too many travel naps, we finally made it to Bilbao. Even after all the traveling and a short day in Madrid, we still started bright and early. After the hotel provided one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had, we headed off to Basurto Hospital for a tour and presentations from the staff. We learned about the healthcare system in Spain and the Basque region specifically. Their current research was also a big talking point of the presentation. I found it interesting how, even though their healthcare is universal and normally paid for, there are situations where, if people know there is a risk and get hurt, they have to pay for their ambulance or helicopter.

After a short snack break, we headed over to BioBizkaia Health to look at some of their current research. I learned about 3D bioprinting and got to see some of the current applications of it. For example, they created multiple 3D-printed larynxes in order to allow doctors to practice surgery without having a patient. They also had an organic 3D printer and talked about some past research projects they had done with the hospital close by. They also showed their patient rehabilitation room, where they currently help cancer patients by having them do endurance workouts. I learned about the importance of the use of implementation and deimplementation in healthcare, because even though research can prove effective methods or ways to help patients, it often takes upwards of 15 years for the methods to be implemented in practice. We then headed to Bilbao School of Engineering’s cafeteria for lunch before getting a preview of the rest of the trip. I can’t wait for tomorrow!