It is hard to believe that our time in Buenos Aires has already come to an end. These past two weeks went by incredibly fast, and it feels like we just arrived unsure of what to expect. On our final day, we listened to everyone’s presentations reflecting on what we had learned throughout the trip. One of the coolest parts was seeing how much everyone’s perspectives had changed since our pre-departure presentations. It was clear that this experience impacted everyone, we all walked away with a much deeper understanding of Argentina’s healthcare system, culture, and way of life.
Before this trip, I honestly did not know much about healthcare management, even within the United States. Coming to Argentina completely changed the way I think about healthcare systems and how many factors influence the delivery of care. Throughout the program, we visited a wide range of hospitals, clinics, universities, and organizations, all of which showed different strengths and challenges within the system. Visiting places like Mater Dei, San Isidro, La Matanza, Tigre, and Austral allowed me to see how healthcare can vary dramatically depending on funding, location, accessibility, politics, and economic conditions. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that there is no single perfect healthcare system. Every community has different needs, and healthcare organizations must constantly adapt based on the populations they serve and the resources available to them.
As a business student, I became especially interested in the management and operational side of healthcare. I realized that healthcare is about much more than hospitals and patient care. Behind every system are decisions involving funding allocation, insurance structures, government policy, staffing, logistics, and leadership. Seeing the differences between public hospitals, private hospitals, and Obras Sociales helped me understand how economics and healthcare are deeply connected. This experience also made me more interested in healthcare management as a potential career path because of how important strong leadership and organization are to improving patient experiences and accessibility.
Beyond academics, this trip also taught me a lot personally. Living in another country, navigating unfamiliar situations, and stepping outside of my comfort zone helped me become more adaptable and open-minded. I also made friendships and memories that I know I will carry with me long after this trip is over. Argentina challenged me to think differently, ask more questions, and appreciate perspectives outside of my own. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, and I know the lessons I learned in Buenos Aires will continue to influence both my academic and professional goals moving forward.
