Besides students from the United States, Canadian students have a significant presence at AUA. Hailing from Montreal, Annie Lecavalier recently matched at the Albany Medical Center in the United States. Her journey may seem like a familiar story since she also pre-matched for an Internal Medicine slot, but her unique situation, of being a Canadian citizen practicing in the United States, is worth a further look.

Internal Medicine has been a popular choice for many AUA graduates. The primary concern of Internal Medicine is the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases through medication, almost exclusively in adults. According the American College of Physicians, the leading Internal Medicine organization in the country, says that physicians that work in Internal Medicine are often known as “doctor’s doctors.” They are usually called in by physicians to act as consultants to answer problematic diagnostic questions.

Annie Lecavalier enrolled at AUA in January 2006. Even before attending, she was always fascinated with sciences. In high school, after taking a Biology course, she was convinced that medicine was going to be her career. While taking her rotations, she found Internal Medicine the perfect fit for her passions.

“[Internal Medicine] was the most challenging,” said Lecavalier. “You have to deal with all specialties and you need to know a little bit of every discipline.”

She may or may not go back to Canada after this; it is up in the air. She is no stranger to the United States, thanks to her experiences with AUA’s clinical rotations. Certain things still remain unresolved, such as obtaining a visa, but, for now, she is committed to working in the United States.

“Well, it’s kind of what I planned,” said Lecavalier. “Although I always knew I would practice in the U.S. at least for a few years, I’ve always looked at the possibility of going back to Canada to practice.”

Despite her giddy anticipation to practice in the United States, Lecavalier said that her medical experience on Antigua was the best so far.

“The professors were awesome,” said Lecavalier. “The classes were more intimate on the island.”

By studying in so many countries, her worldview has become akin to the saying from an old Disney ride: it’s a small world after all.