What inspired you to travel abroad?
I would be provided with a glimpse of a hopeful and imperishable future as a physician. I was also interested in having the opportunity to provide patient care while being intertwined with the unique and idiosyncratic healthcare system of Peru.
Similarly, I was inspired to embrace a career filled to the brim with perpetual problems and concerns with a distinctive hopefulness and optimism that I believed this experience would provide.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
I chose IMA because they are in areas with urgently needed medical care. Participants gain valuable exposure to various medical specialties and shadow physicians.
I wanted to experience a raw and unfiltered version of healthcare and patient interaction that I would not have been able to do in the United States. I also wanted to grow my cultural competencies as I believe that this will make me a better physician.
What was your favorite part about Peru?
My favorite part about Peru was the vibrant and holistic culture. Since I was in Peru during June, the people were celebrating Inti Raymi ( the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun).
The streets were packed with rejoicing people, and I had never experienced anything like that prior to coming to Peru. The citizens were incredibly passionate about "Pachamama" and encouraged us to embrace their perspectives and lifestyles.
It was also quite wonderful and refreshing to experience a more medicinal side of medicine.
Local community clinic
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The doctors I shadowed and the patients I was able to interact with made this experience completely invaluable, one I will never forget.
The physician's attention to each detail and concern of the patients was beautiful. Having patients chatting with me and telling me about their daily lives was an experience that I hope to have once again.
This dynamic was beyond encouraging to me, and it inspired me to continue my passion.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were some of the most encouraging, lively, timely, and helpful people that I have ever met. Whenever we had any questions or concerns, they were more than ready to help provide an answer.
The local staff were also amazing people who wanted to get to know who we were while educating us about the values of their life experiences as well.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would have wanted to participate in more local community outreaches and educational events. I felt that these were some of the most rewarding days throughout my internship.
It left me feeling empowered and inspired to spread health education and, even more so, to become a doctor who prioritizes rural locations.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Wake up bright and early to have some breakfast and put on lots of layers (Peru is chilly in June!). After breakfast, we would go to the local hospital and shadow whichever specialty we were assigned.
Afterward, we would usually go to our Spanish classes and learn for a couple of hours--note that these were so interactive and fun!
Post our Spanish lessons, we would head back to the housing accommodations, and my new intern pals and I would go and get empanadas from a local vendor.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I was able to travel to the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain. These were some of the most breathtaking views that I have ever seen!
The friends I made abroad also would go around Cusco and explore with me. While exploring, we tried amazing food and found some wonderful local vendors.
The country and the people within it were astounding.
Rainbow Mountain
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We were in a local hotel. The local hotel was right in the middle of the city which was really nice as we were able to easily walk around and go to the city center whenever we had free time.
The accommodation also provided us with local meals, which I enjoyed as it allowed me to embrace the culture a bit more.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
You are going to want to stay longer! Plan on having a difficult goodbye and frequently reminiscing on the impacts that this experience is going to have on you.
I often remember certain patients, cases, and individuals. Some of the memories are hopeful, while others bring a sensation of concern.
I would encourage future participants to be as involved as possible and to allow themselves to feel those feelings of joy, concern, excitement, and hope.
Would you recommend IMA to others? Why?
I would recommend this program in a heartbeat (and have!). The reason why I am so passionate about IMA is because of the prioritization of cultural awareness and integrating interns into local rural communities.
This awareness is what makes IMA so unique. They prioritize and are prepared to educate interns on what international medicine SHOULD be and encourage us to be the change.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Interacting with people who have different perspectives is by far the most beneficial thing about traveling internationally.
When interacting with people who have been raised differently and have differing perspectives encourages me to challenge my perspectives.
By challenging, questioning, and confronting my own biases, values, and options, I am able to become a more well-rounded individual and physician.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Since returning from my internship, I have experienced the insatiable desire to get back into the field and aid local and international communities.
I have joined a club on my college campus that focuses on providing accessible healthcare to ALL and have taken steps towards applying to medical school.
I look forward to embracing the path in front of me, knowing that there is a world full of people who need a listening ear.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel should be focused on giving more back to the local communities and land than you take from it. It ensures that you leave no trace of negativity and only the trace of joyful and impactful moments/memories for people and the planet.
Meaningful travel is putting on someone else's shoes, leaving yours at the door, and walking in their lifestyle, culture, and values to understand better and embrace the beautiful places and people that this world has.
