Volunteer in Medicine in Peru - Lima

It was an eye opening experience for me. Discovering that basic health care, screening or even basic health workshops is a luxury it was utterly shocking. But I learned about the health disparities the population faces. Types of health care facilities government provide and had a chance to visit health and prevent centre. I would recommend anyone to want to start their journey in health care or medical care. It also deepened my culture humility. One of the best experience i had in 2025. I also had chance to provide infographic that i had for the population such as what is balance diet, how to wash hands, how to brush teeth, wonderful opportunity to grow professional and personally as well. Apart from professional experience i met amazing people over the span of 2 weeks, great people form different part of the world. We atleast had one meal together, before going to bed watch Netflix most of the days and go for walk. It was one of the best time i had.

IVHQ offered excellent pre-departure support, highlighting travel safety throughout the online modules. The preparation checklist was easy to follow, as well as the instructions for the airport pick up once you arrive in Lima. Everything felt organized and well-coordinated with the local team, who were also very kind, responsive and supportive throughout my stay. Will be returning for another project.

Lima is a big city and has a lot large community that lacks proper healthcare and resources. Working in the medical placement was getting in closer touch with the patients, their stories and struggles. The volunteer experience was basically two sides, one in a health post in a district called Callao- Carmen de la Lengua in with many habitants live in poverty. The work there was basically assist the doctor with physical exams and participate in health campaigns like Diabetes prevention, the most impact I felt was meeting patients with uncontrolled blood glucose and initial signs of vision and sensory lost that had no money to buy insulin or others depressed due the lack of money and problems at home like home violence and drug abuse. To break the language and culture barrier was difficult, but I felt that some could translate and help even for a little bit. The second part was working in a orphanage for children with special needs. That part was the most sensible and difficult personally, knowing that most of then were abandoned in hospital or in the street for their disabilities made me feel very impotent. The medical part of the service helped then for some moments of the day, but the attention given was also an important factor that made the experience so unique. Part of the medical profession is to give your best for the patients and try to improve their lives and , but unfortunately is also accepting that are limits to how much you can do or change. In this case is leaving back to medical school in Brasil knowing that those children probably will stay parentless and eventually succumb to their very serious condition, I hope that the many volunteers working can attenuate these horrible circumstances and maybe give then some happy moments. The organisation from IVHQ in Lima was very good, airport pick up, delicious food, warm shower and clean house. The local responsible is very kind and concern about the volunteers. Besides the lack of sunshine that was Lima in July, I could still travel to MachuPicchu and get to know the city. Social live was very good living in the volunteer house, where I met many truly good people. The experience is a must do for any medical student that wishes to know more about heath care, the human resilience and more importantly about himself and what means to care for another person.