Dr. Marcos Rojas, a former exchange student and now a research manager at Stanford Chariot Lab, recently revisited Karolinska Institutet and met with Anna Svenningson at the Department of Women's and Children's Health. We took the opportunity to ask him how his exchange year almost a decade ago influenced his career and personal development.
At the end of last year, Anna and her colleagues had the privilege of visiting Stanford, where they initiated a collaboration with a research group developing the use of AI and XR in medical education. It turned out that one of the project leaders in the group, Marcos Rojas, had been an exchange student at Karolinska Institutet during his medical studies in Chile. After graduation, he moved to the USA and now conducts educational research at Stanford. He spoke warmly about his exchange at Karolinska and how well he was received there. Reflecting on his exchange year almost a decade ago, he shared how this transformative experience profoundly impacted his career and personal growth.
The best memory
Dr. Rojas fondly recalls his clinical placements at Södersjukhuset's Emergency Department. "The generosity with time and knowledge was incredible," he says. "The team's commitment to guiding me through every step was something I will never forget." The cherished fika moments, where colleagues gathered for coffee and conversation, added a special touch to each day.
A life-changing experience
His time at Karolinska Institutet broadened his perspective on healthcare, inspiring him to pursue further studies abroad and become more critical about improving patient outcomes. This journey led him back to Karolinska Institutet, where he now presents a medical education project developed at Stanford University, aimed at enhancing medical training globally. "Returning to Karolinska to collaborate on this project feels like a full-circle moment," he reflects. "It's a testament to the lasting impact of my exchange year."
Changes at Karolinska Insitutet
Returning to Karolinska Institutet, Dr. Rojas is impressed by the new hospital facilities. "The new hospital is amazing," he notes. "It's incredible to see how Karolinska has grown and evolved." Despite the impressive developments, he misses the old bookstore, a nostalgic reminder of his time there.
Maintaining connections
The friendships Dr. Rojas forged during his exchange year have endured. He remains in close contact with several friends from Stockholm and has shared his experiences with many students back home. This led to a growing network of fellow Chileans who have since applied to and been accepted at Karolinska. "It's wonderful to see this network expand and thrive," he says.
Advice for exchange students
To today's exchange students, Dr. Rojas offers this advice: "Embrace the experience fully. Visiting a new place, especially one deeply committed to every dimension of healthcare, will broaden your understanding of what it means to care for another human being. Be open, listen, and share your own experiences and perspectives. Learn as much as you can, and you'll find yourself wanting to return."
