Well, the group made it happen. With lots of planning, more modes of transportation in 3 days than I have ever used and the most incredible sight I have seen in my life, we visited Machu Picchu this weekend with a little foreign weekend getaway! With of course lil hiccups and funny situations along the way as usual. Note: I had been REALLY REALLY sick all week, and it was questionable for me to even go—up until about an hour before. My sister and I’s quote to each other was the defining factor “You have no sense of adventure.” Kind of a reverse psychology that gets us to buck up and GO! :) It worked, and I am forever going to thank her for that! We began our adventure from La Paz on Thursday evening with ... read more

Second week rotation I was placed on my own with Doctora Tejerina in the Neumologia unit (respiratory/lung) What an AWESOME week!!!!! The energetic and friendly Dcta with black patent leather stilettos and Fireflies by Owl City as her ringtone, lead me down to her office talking a million words per minute in Spanish we get to her office and she looks at me and smiles. I just kind of nervously laugh, and ever since then, we have been the perfect pair. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were “consultados” in her office. Similar to what I had last week. This lady brought a chair behind her desk, right next to her chair, and asked “do you write in Spanish?” Through the consults, I would take an assessment on the patient; listen to their lungs and heart, and then ... read more

I began my month of pediatric rotations in Hospital Del Nino on a general pediatric medical floor, following a Nephrologist (kidney doctor) Doctora Bocangel. A very typical, bubbly pediatric doctor who was an awesome educator and communicator! This state-run hospital treats patients from all over the country and is one of the largest and oldest in the area. We were told, because of the altitude, and the higher pressure (not necessarily that lack of oxygen) this is a beneficial hospital to stop many infections and diseases from progressing. This hospital has an incredible team of doctors! EVERY single day, a team of at least 10 would visit and give report on each patient. The team included: 2-3 attendings (some of the most intelligent people I have ever met) 2 residents (who would present each case, and ... read more

The South American Adventure begins! After getting, in my opinion, more than enough sleep Friday night, I hit the streets to explore! As I left, I made sure to clear the places on the map I intended to go with Jorge (host brother) and he assured me a safe expedition. I wandered down Sanchez Lima to the first plaza on my agenda-Plaza Avaroa. This has turned into a very popular meeting spot and is a very busy place. Like Spain, many vendors and stray dogs-but still could be a place for a peacefull afternoon of "cultural observation" From there, I headed up to "Mirador el Monticulo" and it literally was UP. Extremely steeeeep cobblestone streets brought me to a beautiful lookout of the city! Just my luck, I happened to stumble upon a wedding!!! I remember ... read more

It was really hard to believe my summer study abroad finished so soon-not without one more hoorah filled with new towns, new sights, and a new experience all together. I finished my finals on Friday, July 31st and the very next day flew from Granada to Madrid. That was THE WORST goodbye I have ever had. It was not easy boarding that plane-but knowing I had some special people on the other side of that flight helped me through. I had an interesting flight to Madrid. In the middle of the trip I heard a sound similar to a lawnmower backfire-and the flight attendants all ran to the back of the plane. I am hear to tell the tale-meaning we DID land safely, however the heart rate was increased. When we did land, the whole cabin ... read more