Unique experience: Medical student in Harvard enthusiastic about internship

Unique experience: Medical student in Harvard enthusiastic about internship

Medical student Ali Bakri completed a clinic internship at the renowned Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts in April 2025. This was a highlight in his training, since since Corona pandemic no international students were no longer approved for internships at the Harvard Medical School. American students had priority during this time. All the more remarkable is Badri's success, which he with the support of the Ruhr University, in particular from Studiendekan Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schäfer, achieved.

The internship was partially financed by a Scholarship of the Study Foundation of the German People . During his stay, Bakri mainly worked in the operating room and accompanied various operations and visits. He found that additional discipline and diligence are just as important for professional success as exceptional intelligence.

a unique learning

In Harvard, Bakri had the opportunity to learn new surgical techniques and get to know various communication styles through patient calls. He was particularly impressed by the unconventional surgical approaches of the chief physician who were helpful to the patient in certain cases. Bakri emphasizes that the exchange of different medical standards has inspired him to find individual solutions for patients.

For BAKRI, this focus was a unique experience that he recommends to every medical student in order to make both personal and professional progress. He emphasizes that such a stay not only provides new medical knowledge, but also offers insights into a foreign culture and the American health system.

The admission requirements at the Harvard Medical School

The Harvard Medical School accepts international applications, but applicants must meet special requirements. This includes completing at least one year at an accredited institution in the USA or Canada and the conclusion of certain course requirements. In addition, applicants who have already acquired a Bachelor's degree at an American or Canadian institution are preferred. Knowledge of English is required, but a toefl test is not absolutely necessary.

The Harvard Medical School has strict guidelines for approval, which means that applicants who are inscribed at another medical school are not considered for an internship. Information about the admission criteria can be found on the Harvard Medical School website, where the worldwide presence of Harvard University, for example, on the page Harvard Worldwide

Medical students who are interested in stays abroad can receive financial support from various scholarship programs. Supporters such as the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation and the Hans Böckler Foundation offer financial resources to facilitate study visits abroad. These scholarships can contribute up to 812 euros per month and also cover study costs.