Independent Study: Hands On Peru Mckenzie Baker

Background: Trujillo, Peru The third largest city in Peru located eight hours bus ride up the coast from Lima. This city is well known for the Chan Chan ruins.

The most profound cultural experience from this trip was living with a host family for four weeks. During this time, I was able to learn a different way of life, and gain a new view of the world.

Classes were held in one of the host families houses, where we learned basic health care skills such as vital signs, assessment, and medical Spanish.

We worked in a variety of facilities from new private hospitals, public clinics, and house visits.

My topic of interest is our medical campaign My topic of interest is our medical campaign. I choose this event because it most profoundly promoted my professional growth. Our program initiated our own medical campaign in Otuzco, Peru, where we gave free health care to over 200 citizens. This city is isolated within the Andes mountain range; therefore these people aren’t able to get proper medical care in times of need. I was able to work independently with a small team of volunteers triaging and assessing patients in Spanish. This event increased my confidence in general assessment, triage, and in my Spanish speaking abilities.

In addition to work in health care facilities, we volunteered out time working with cerebral palsy children through music and physical therapy.

My trek to Machu Picchu 

Adventures.