As Pre-Medical Interns at Stetson Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we (Emily and Brittany) were given the invaluable opportunity to travel to China for the Women’s World Cup in September 2007 with Dr. Scott Powell, team physician for the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. We traveled throughout China and Hong Kong and experienced the food, culture, and customs of the People’s Republic of China.

As members of the U.S. Women Soccer Federation’s Family and Friends Program, we were able to support the U.S. Women’s team and cheer them on as they came in third place in the 2007 Women’s World Cup. Since the U.S. Women’s Soccer team placed third in China, they were automatically qualified for the 2008 Olympic games!

In addition to viewing the World Cup games, we had the opportunity to view an authentic Chinese Peking Opera, as well as step foot on one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall! While in Beijing we toured the Ming Tombs and saw the tomb of the third Ming Emperor, Yongle. Amongst the preserved Emperor’s artifacts were garments emblazed with dragon symbols, an emblem reserved for Chinese Emperors. In Shanghai we watched fireworks on the Yangtze River while dining in the Bund district. Fireworks originated in 12th century China and their loud sound was used to frighten away evil spirits. In Old Shanghai we visited the Yuyuan Garden, which is considered on the four finest Chinese gardens. Chinese gardens are places of solitary and contemplation of nature.

China was an amazing experience that would not have been the same without the encouragement and support of both Dr. Powell and Dr. Stetson. We want to thank them both for being patient and taking the time to teach us not only about medicine, but also about the world! We would also like to thank Dr. Cynthia Boxrud for introducing us to the family and friends of the U.S. Women’s Soccer federation and for taking her time in showing us the wonders of Shanghai.

Sincerely,
Emily Fu & Brittany Doremus
The Stetson Powell Pre-Med Interns of 2007-2008