During my Spring 2022 semester, I had the opportunity to participate in a Service Learning Trip to Lima, Peru with Medicine, Education, and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere (MEDLIFE). I embarked on this trip during my spring break and was able to serve residents of Lima through free health clinics and building neighborhood amenities. Participating in this opportunity allowed me to witness the impacts of political instability, geographical barriers, and health disparities all impacting one's access to care. My journey to Peru was an enriching blend of service, learning, and profound cultural immersion. Working hand-in-hand with local communities, I discovered the profound impact of grassroots healthcare initiatives.
Cultural Immersion
Upon arriving in the Miraflores District in Lima, I was immediately drawn into the rhythm of the city, a vibrant metropolis teeming with life and culture. Peruvian cuisine, a vibrant fusion of indigenous flavors, Spanish influences, and diverse regional specialties, became a gateway to understanding the country's culture. In Lima, I savored the iconic ceviche, a burst of freshness with marinated seafood steeped in zesty citrus flavors. Delving further, I relished the richness of lomo saltado, a stir-fry marrying beef, vegetables, and Peruvian spices, reflecting the country's culinary diversity.
As captivating as the cuisine was, the views and landscapes across Miraflores were equally mesmerizing. Perched atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Miraflores offers panoramic views that blend urban sophistication with natural beauty. One of the most iconic spots is the Malecón de Miraflores, a cliffside boardwalk that spans along the coastline. Strolling along this promenade, I was treated to breathtaking views of the expansive ocean stretching out to the horizon. The crashing waves against the rugged cliffs below created a mesmerizing spectacle, while paragliders soared above, adding a sense of adventure to the skyline.
The Parque del Amor, a romantic park adorned with colorful mosaics and a larger-than-life statue of lovers embracing, provided a perfect vantage point to witness the sunset. As the sun dipped below the ocean, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, casting a warm glow over the Pacific and silhouetting the cliffs. Ironically, Miraflores also had Parque Kennedy, a bustling park surrounded by cafes and adorned with colorful flowers in honor of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. While I was surprised that Peru had a park dedicated to a president of another country, it represented the global influence of the United States.
Peru's cultural immersion, through its cuisine and captivating landscapes, revealed layers of history, resilience, and diversity.
Healthcare Clinics
While it was incredibly fascinating to explore the city, the wealth of Miraflores District strongly contrasted with the poverty of the nearby mountainous regions of Lima, Peru. Our mission began each day with a bus ride up the mountains to support free clinics, where I witnessed the resilience of the Peruvian people and the dedication of healthcare professionals operating with limited resources. MEDLIFE collaborated with local health professionals to provide equitable and proficient care. Assisting in these services allowed me to gain a global perspective and deepen my motivations to study medicine.
I assisted in triage, assessing patients' needs and directing them to the appropriate care, a humbling experience that taught me the importance of efficient and compassionate healthcare delivery. By measuring each patient's basic vital signs and communicating these numbers to nurses in Spanish, I was able to comfort patients, most of whom have never had a primary care visit before.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to delve into pharmacy practices, assisting in dispensing medications and educating patients on proper usage. The gratitude in their eyes for something as fundamental as access to medication resonated deeply with me. This experience also taught me how many countries outside of the United States refer to medications by their generic name or the chemical itself, rather than brand name. Learning to identify drugs by their generic name was a great learning experience.
Moreover, being involved in gynecology clinics was an eye-opening experience. I learned about the unique healthcare needs of women in underserved communities, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivities and the importance of comprehensive women's health services.
Spanish-Speaking Skills
Practicing Spanish during my time in Peru, both within clinics and outside in the city, became a profound part of my journey, fostering connections and enhancing my cultural immersion.
Within the clinics, communicating in Spanish was fundamental to effectively assisting patients. I found myself constantly engaged in conversations, performing triage, and assisting healthcare professionals. The clinics provided a diverse array of scenarios where I applied my language skills, from discussing symptoms and medical history to providing guidance on medication usage. This immersive experience not only improved my medical Spanish but also allowed me to connect on a personal level with patients, understanding their needs and concerns more deeply. It was a humbling yet rewarding experience to bridge the language gap, ensuring that every patient felt heard and understood.
Beyond the clinics, venturing into the city offered a different kind of Spanish practice—a more informal and dynamic setting. Conversations with locals while exploring markets, interacting with street vendors, and engaging in cultural activities became invaluable opportunities to practice Spanish in everyday scenarios. Ordering food at local eateries allowed me to not only savor delicious Peruvian dishes but also engage in casual conversations with restaurant staff, enhancing my language fluency. Exploring neighborhoods and landmarks provided chances to ask for directions, inquire about historical sites, and learn about local traditions, all contributing to my linguistic and cultural enrichment.
The blend of clinical practice and everyday interactions in Spanish not only strengthened my language proficiency but also deepened my appreciation for the people and culture of Peru. It was through these interactions that I not only honed my language skills but also formed meaningful connections, making my journey an unforgettable fusion of language, culture, and human connection.
This service-learning trip to Lima was not merely about serving but fostering connections and understanding. It broadened my horizons, instilled in me a sense of gratitude, and ignited a passion for sustainable healthcare initiatives. It was a transformative journey that reinforced the power of empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of collective action in creating positive change.
Comments