BSOM Bulletin

Cachamsi - Riobamba, Ecuador

Maram Abuhaidar and Nick Daskalakis, MS2s, spent two weeks in Ecuador learning about patient care and the overall health care system of the nation, learning many nuanced differences about patient-doctor relations and technology throughout the region. 

"We travelled to a rural health center during our last week to work with babies for the first time. We had the amazing opportunity of spending an entire day treating patients in their own homes. Walking through the village with our medical tools was an incredibly special experience," the students said. 

Abuhaidar and Daskalakis also had daily Spanish classes, learning about the cultural dialect within physician-patient interactions. On top of their academic and professional experience, the two students enjoyed adventuring around the area and would love to return some day. 

People of Peru - Iquitos, Peru

BSOM alum Dr. Jonathan Stofer mentored the following MS1s in Peru for 12 days: Tate Barney, David Buchinsky, Grace Busick, Brandon Calvert, Emma Gunn, Aurelia Incristi, Grace Li, and Kyle Willette.

For the first eight days, the group worked with an organization called "People of Peru" to run healthcare clinics. One of the students described this experience. 

"The first 2 days we were there, we actually went into the jungle to meet the Bora tribe, hold some sloths, and camp overnight at a village called Gran Peru. We set up a clinic there and treated the whole village," the student said. 

The group utilized their global health training while using interpreters throughout their work. The group did learn something surprising.

"This trip showed us that we might all come from different backgrounds and cultures, but we all still want to be healthy and live fulfilling lives," one student said. 

The Luke Commission - Sidvokodvo, Eswatini

MS2s Grace Blades, Hannah DeRespiris, JP Khouzam, and Parth Patel spent time in Eswatini with the Luke Commission, learning about the group's self-sufficiency and innovative healthcare approach.

"From caring for the patients, creating their own EMR system, growing their food, building the only oxygen plant in the country, and piloting a drone program to transport medical supplies more efficiently, the Luke Commission does it all," one student noticed. 

The group plans to continue research about TLC and its impacts on the global health community.

For more information, including more student testimonials and advice, read the full GHSP newsletter.