Clinical Cultural Immersion: The Peru Experience

Student Narratives - 07 March 2006 - Jenna Brown

Our first few days in Arequipa...

First and foremost, we attended Mass on Sunday evening.  Erin Holland believes that Mass is exactly the same in Spanish as it is in English which is beautiful.  The community welcomed us with open arms just as you have always said.  Monday, Father Alex met with us to discuss his objectives and asked that each person develop their personal goals in addition to the course objectives/goals.   We discussed how to integrate our school projects with Father Alex´s goals for our experience.   

We formed two groups: the Alpaca´s and the Condor´s. The Alpaca´s are going to the Clinic for the first four to five days while the Condor´s are assisting with various projects in the community and on the Mission.

On Tuesday, Father Alex oriented us to Alto Cayma in the morning and introduced us to two new students that will be with us as well.  You will see them in several of our photos.  During the afternoon the Alpaca´s had their first clinical experience while the Condor´s interacted with the knitters.  Each group took this opportunity to learn about the daily lives of the locals and typical medical issues seen at the clinic.  At the same time we were able to assist the staff with their daily tasks such as examinations, dental care, and charting.

Photos

Miriam with the children at the childcare center at the Mission

Treatment at the Clinic

Condor´s with the Knitters

Two group photos in front of the volunteer house working on schedule

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Please check the website each Monday and Wednesday for newly posted written and pictorial accounts of the students' experiences.