I had an incredible time in Cape Town for the past few months and I’m so glad I decided to come! My internship at a hospital’s cardiothoracics ward was a mixture of research and clinical work. During the morning rounds I was able to listen to and ask questions about the decisions being made, and I was responsible for ordering the diagnostic tests and scans the doctors requested during rounds. In addition to ordering these tests I was able to learn how to write discharge summaries and I observed many types of cardiac and thoracic surgeries. The department was also working on a couple of different clinical trials for devices and methods used in surgeries. The research project I worked on compares two types of mechanical valves used in heart valve replacement surgery. I loved my internship because of the opportunities for observation and patient interaction, the ability to learn about the health care system from the perspective of a physician or surgeon, and a great team of doctors and medical students who were very willing to explain concepts and answer questions. In addition to the great experiences and friends I have met through work, I enjoyed livin with the other Connect-123 interns. At first I worried about making friends but instead I have made plenty and there is always something going on! The other interns come from all over the world and exploring Cape Town with them was so much fun!