For the 4th
consecutive year, students from CCLCM and Case SOM traveled to the Sacred
Valley area in Peru for a month, to provide medical services to the indigenous
population. This was organized through Peruvian Hearts (NGO) in collaboration
with the local authorities and medical officers. Support for this elective was
provided by CCLCM, Medwish, fundraising events, and private donations.
Additionally, for the first time this year, PHOP collaborated with the Peruvian
American Medical Society (PAMS), serving an additional 800 patients at the PAMS
clinic in Chincha Ica, Peru.
Total # of patients
seen: ~3300
Participants : 60,
including 20 medical students (CCLCM, CaseSOM), 4 residents, 2 Fellows,
13 volunteer Staff members (Cleveland Clinic, University and Metro Hospitals)
including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Family Medicine and
Infectious Diseases, 5 Nurses, 2 Physical therapists and 6 non-medical
volunteers.
The group traveled to
remote villages, orphanages, schools, and homes for the disabled to provide
primary care to the indigenous population.
Additionally, the group was able to distribute basic medications like antibiotics,
analgesics, and multivitamins and screen for vision problems, fitting patients
with eyeglasses as needed. Health education for patients and health care
workers was provided on many topics including back pain, metabolic syndrome,
and CPR. A two day educational symposium targeting health care workers was held
to disseminate knowledge about common childhood illnesses, emergencies, and
nutrition. A physical therapy department was established in Chincha utilizing
local carpenters and resources.
In addition to learning
about culturally sensitive and sustainable care in resource limited areas, the
elective also provided unique networking, administrative and leadership
opportunities for the medical students .With each passing year, we continue to
humbly learn more about the people in these regions of Peru, allowing us to
focus on sustainable interventions. We are thrilled that our outreach
continues to expand, and are looking forward to beginning planning for next
year's trip.
