Students
Why Join Us?
Unlock the competitive edge you need for medical school by stepping beyond the classroom and into Lisbon’s leading hospitals. With SPX, you’ll shadow experienced doctors across diverse specialties, gaining real clinical experience that sets you apart when applying to top med schools. Our hands-on approach gives you the confidence, skills, and application-boosting stories that admissions committees are looking for.
But it’s about more than just exposure—it’s about transformation. As you immerse yourself in a vibrant international community, you’ll build lifelong friendships, develop a global perspective, and leave a meaningful mark on the medical field.
Join SPX and turn your ambition into action—because the journey to becoming a great doctor starts with the right experience.
SPX Program
Benefits to Students
SPX provides a comprehensive and carefully curated experience that helps you achieve your long-term goals
Full commitment to AAMC core competencies
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, there are 17 core competencies expected of all pre-med applicants for their acceptance into medical schools and their subsequent success in the field of medicine.
How can SPX enhance your AAMC core competencies?
SPX provides a comprehensive and carefully curated program to help students achieve their long-term goals.
When you join SPX’s job shadowing program in Lisbon, you don’t just observe—you become immersed in real hospital life, building the professional edge that sets top applicants apart.
You will actively strengthen your Commitment to Learning and grow your Cultural Awareness as you interact with diverse patient populations on a daily basis. This hands-on experience deepens your Empathy and reinforces your Ethical Responsibility by exposing you to real-world ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage directly with both medical staff and patients, honing your Interpersonal and Communication skills. The day-to-day demands of a professional environment will challenge you to demonstrate Reliability and help you build true Resilience as you navigate the unique aspects of a foreign healthcare system. You’ll discover a genuine Service Orientation, and by working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you’ll elevate your Teamwork to new heights.
Each clinical encounter pushes you to apply Critical Thinking and sharpens your Quantitative Reasoning as you analyze patient cases and real medical data. Your exposure to hospital research ignites your Scientific Inquiry, giving you the opportunity to collaborate on research projects and forge invaluable networks for your future.
By working beside top clinicians, you’ll deepen your Science Competencies—gaining a comprehensive understanding of Human Behavior and Living Systems and expanding your hands-on skills with advanced medical equipment. And, as you document your journey in an internship report, you’ll further refine your Written Communication — a must for clear, effective medical documentation.
SPX gives you more than experience: it equips you with every critical competency medical schools value, ensuring you are ready to stand out and excel throughout your entire medical career.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, these are the 17 core competencies expected of all pre-med applicants
Professional Competencies
Thinking and Reasoning
Competencies
Science Competencies
Why Lisbon?
Discover Lisbon, a city where history meets vibrant modernity, offering an unforgettable experience.
Nestled on the stunning Atlantic coast, Lisbon boasts a captivating blend of charming cobblestone streets, iconic pastel-colored buildings, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River.
Whether you’re wandering through the historic Alfama district, savoring world-class cuisine infused with fresh seafood and local flavors, or immersing yourself in the city’s thriving arts and music scene, Lisbon promises a rich cultural tapestry that captivates the senses.
Beyond its beauty and culture, Lisbon is a dynamic hub of innovation and hospitality, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business.
Lisbon’s perfect mix of tradition and trendiness ensures that every moment spent here is inspiring, making it a must-visit destination that leaves a lasting impression.