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Institution
University
of Copenhagen
Host
Institution(s)
Mount Sinai
Medical Center, New York
Mentor: Trudy S. Berkowitz, Ph.D.
The research part of my BMEP academic year was at the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine. Unlike many other BMEP students, it was not lab oriented but an epidemiological study. Specifically, I worked on a prospective cohort study on the health effects of pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood.
On a weekly basis I also took part in community outreach work in East Harlem, working mainly as a health educator, monitoring pest problems and environmental pollutants in the homes. Further, this work involved guiding the participants in their legal battles against landlords and housing authorities in order to improve the often depressing living conditions in East Harlem.
Anesthesiology, Dermatology and Otolaryngology
I had been to the US several times before, but had never actually lived there, which made a big difference. New York City is something very special, with its diversity, 24 hour a day high energy and craziness. I have definitely come to like the New York life very much. There were some hard times in the beginning when it all seemed very foreign and I knew nobody, but, as time passed and I got to know people, I have come to like this city more and more. I am already trying to think of ways to get myself back to New York.
I think my greatest difficulties were actually before I came over here. The hassle to get the IAP-66 form for the visa, and Mount Sinai's requirements of an extensive medical examination and medical tests, took a lot of time to arrange, right around that time of the summer when I was already buried in exam stress.
Upon my arrival I had some problems in establishing myself in the project at Mount Sinai, since my role was not so clearly defined before I arrived. It is probably easier if you are doing concrete lab work. In the beginning I had to work a little on carving out a role for myself, but it worked out fine in the end. I did not have the big problem of housing, since it had already been arranged through friends before I came. Otherwise that is one of the largest problems for newcomers in this city, where the price of living is outrageous.
If you choose to go to New York City, I think it is worthwhile to spend a chunk of time before you come, applying for additional grants. The cost of living in this city is very high and you easily need $1500 a month, depending on how high a rent you need to pay. In terms of housing, Mount Sinai actually does have dormitories for BMEP students.