Trip Recap

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.