I didn't expect how good this Hospital is!
Anton Gillespie was a junior at Harvard University when he realized his dream of becoming a doctor. Before starting his senior year, he decided to volunteer in Russia. With the support of Podari Zhizn and Podari Life, Anton secured an internship at the Federal Center for Pediatric Onco-Hematology in Moscow.
"At first, I just knew I wanted to become a doctor—not necessarily an oncologist. But I felt it was important to gain experience shadowing physicians, to see how they interact with patients."
Anton arrived in Moscow at the end of June and was assigned to Dr. Sergei, who works with children recovering from stem cell transplants under strict sterile conditions.
“I haven’t had official medical training yet—because in the U.S., you complete your academic studies first. So I can’t assist with medical procedures. But I observe the doctors, listen to how they explain things, and sometimes they let me listen to patients’ lungs. For example, they’ll point out that if you don’t hear anything in the lower lungs, it could mean fluid buildup—those small but important details.”
Language has not been a barrier. The doctors speak English, and Anton has always been interested in learning Russian—his family is originally from Russia, and he feels a strong connection to his heritage.
“I’ll begin applying to medical schools next June, so this is a crucial time for me to explore my interests.”
Anton admits that he had modest expectations when coming to a public hospital in Russia.
“Everyone says free healthcare means low-quality care, and that you’re better off in a private clinic. But I was completely surprised by the quality of this federal hospital. The level of care, the attention to children, the involvement of volunteers, and the overall quality of life are all amazing. It far exceeded my expectations.”
When Anton first contacted Podari Life, he thought any opportunity to help would be meaningful. But now, after spending six hours a day in the hospital, he sees the full picture.
“I watch how doctors work with parents, how much paperwork they deal with—it's much more digital in the U.S.—and how emotionally invested they are. I’ve shadowed doctors in the U.S., but never while they were actively seeing patients. This is my first real ‘field experience.’”
He also notes differences in the doctor-patient dynamic.
“Here, doctors seem to give more personal attention. Their offices are literally next door to the patient rooms.”
Anton will stay in Moscow through the end of July and will begin volunteering soon.
“I start volunteering tomorrow, and I’m very excited. I also plan to observe an apheresis procedure—when donors give stem cells. I’ve already signed up for the bone marrow registry myself. I’ll see how blood components are separated and shadow in the operating room.”
Anton is still figuring out his path in medicine.
“It’s hard to say exactly what I’ll specialize in. You come into med school thinking you’re interested in one thing, then start shadowing and see what truly resonates. I think oncology is fascinating, but also very intense. Some of these patients have extremely weak immune systems—if they get a fever, you have to act fast. Their lives depend on it. But on the other hand, you’re literally helping people survive—and that’s incredibly inspiring.”
We are so proud that the hospital we support left such a strong impression on Anton. Our mission is to help Russian children receive the best medical care possible and to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among doctors.