When Lorenzo first arrivedat ItchenCollegeas an exchangestudent, he couldnothave predictedhow profoundly the experiencewouldshape bothhis academicpath and personal growth. Lookingback now, as a qualifiedmedicaldoctor preparing for specialisation,he reflectswarmly: “I absolutely loved my experience at Itchen, so it’s an honour for me to stay in touch.”
Lorenzo’s timeat Itchenwas academicallyrigorous but deeply rewarding. He pursued subjects thatcomplementedhis Italianhigh school curriculum, while also challenginghimselfwithnew opportunities, such as completinga French A-levelin just one year. “I even considered doing a second year to graduate from Itchen College,”he admits. “It was a challenge to adapt, as I went from studying four subjects I was passionate about to taking on everything again back in Italy.”
The intellectualbreadth of his studiesproved invaluablewhen he laterenteredmedicalschool.In particular, sociologyleft a lasting impression: “Sociology was a wonderfulcombinationof history
“I grew so much as a person at Itchen College; I developed empathy towards others, I became more mature and independent, I and I became more openminded. university and was living away from home again.” cornerstone of his approach to medicine. and modern culture, lookingat familiesand education,and it really helpedmeme understandmy patientsbetter.”This awareness of thesocialdimensionsof healthhas become a
Beyond academics, Lorenzo creditsItchenwithcultivating thepersonal qualitiesessentialfor a medicalcareer.
After completinghis highschool diplomain Italy the highest possiblegrades despitethe challenges passed the competitiveentranceexam for medicaluniversity in Milan. was accepted into medical university in Milan,” proudly. His six coincidingwiththeoutbreak of COVID disruption, he persevered and is now a qualifiedGP. “I recently qualified as a GP. I have my consultancy in the mornings, and I use the afternoons to study for my specialty exam.”
Lorenzo’s sightsare now set on psychiatry, a field thatfirst captured his imaginationduring his dissertationon bipolar disorder. He also emphasizes thegrowing importanceof mentalhealth awareness in a post-pandemicworld: “Psychiatrists are doctors and theirpatientsaren’t ‘mad’—theysimply have conditions that make them different.You don’thave the same clear diagnostictestsas in other fields, butillnesseslike likedepression, bipolar disorder, or schizophreniaare are very real pathologies.”
Yet Lorenzo’s story is not solelyacademic. His personal lifewas equally enrichedby his timein the UK. He remains close to his former host family, the Dawsons, who played an importantrole in his development.Their support, alongsidethefriendships he made, provided a foundationof belongingthatextendedfar beyond the classroom.
“I go back to the UK every year to see them,” Lorenzo admits.
“They gave me a lot of confidence to try new things and embrace my time abroad.”
Today, as he takes a gap year to prepare for his specialtyexams, Lorenzo continuesto draw upon theresilience,empathy, and openness he cultivatedduring his time atItchen.His journey— from Italyto the UK and back again—illustrateshow education abroad can nurturenot only professionalaspirationsbut also the qualitiesof characterthat definea compassionate doctor.
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