Today was a kind of sad day, since it’s the last day of our program before we all leave. We went back to the university for a few more presentations, before a little closing ceremony.

The first presentation we heard was about the design process, and important steps and what they involve. He first showed us different graphs of what the design process looks like, before simplifying it down to the most important and basic steps.

The second presentation we saw was given by CEO Bosco Lopez of Ventijet, a small start up focused on medical devices in the respiratory field. He talked to us about how to start a company, and the different phases medical devices go through when trying to get to the market. He told us about their main project, which is a new type of ventilator that minimizes the risk of lung collapse unlike the ventilators that are used nowadays. Instead of pushing air in and then taking it all out, the have a continuous pressure into the lung, leaving the airways open as the air flows in and out of the lungs. Their method is more like the natural movements of the lung, and minimizes the risk of the lung collapsing (like if all of the air leaves the lung).

After the presentations were over, we had our final meal at the university cafeteria, before attending a small closing session. We played another kahoot game, and gave Saioa a gift from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Borovetz and Nora even received traditional Basque beret from the University of the Basque Country. It was sad to think that this would be our last time at the university, and that we will be leaving Bilbao tomorrow.

I’ve had such a great time and have met so many amazing people during these two weeks here in Spain. I am so thankful that I was able to be apart of the Plus 3 Spain program, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I’ve learned so much, not only about the healthcare system in Spain, but also about the Basque history and the research and development of medical devices.

Being apart of this program has allowed me to grow as a person, a student, and as a professional. I’ve gained more confidence in how to deal with unfamiliar and awkward situations, as well as learning more about what I want to do after college. I’ve always been a bit apprehensive to research, but by being able to follow the process that Saioa and her team have done in the development of their device Oreka, I’ve realized that research is something that I definitely want to do. I want to be able to work with healthcare professionals in coming up with a device that will help patients in the care and recovery.

I am so thankful to Dr. Borovetz and to Nora for putting this program together, and for allowing me to go on this amazing experience.