Medical Campaign


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South America » Peru » La Libertad » Trujillo
September 30th 2012
Published: October 1st 2012
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I had my first medical campaign yesterday. It was organized by a local health clinic with both doctor and nurse participants. We packed up the medical supplies and medicine and set off to a remote area of La Moche, a town outside of Trujillo. Our arrival was immediately ensued by a line formation outside of our worksite. The worksite was a one-room schoolhouse.<span><span> For the children, we recorded their names, age, weight, and height. We conducted hemoglobin testing and documented these results as well. There was a table devoted to listening to their hearts and lungs and another devoted to administering medications. For the adults, we also recorded their blood pressure. I was able to circulate amongst the tables providing help where I could.<span>I also managed a dental hygiene station. Here, I brushed their teeth, instructed them on proper technique, and gave them toothbrushes and toothpaste.



I was surprised to see the condition of their teeth. Even children, as young as 3 or 4, had more cavities than I could count with teeth completely succumb to rot and decay. Their hemoglobin test results, on the other hand, were quite impressive, ranging from normal to only slightly anemic. The children were incredibly excited to receive medical care, especially their free toothbrushes and dental cleaning.



We arrived at 7:30am to La Moche and we left at 1:30pm. We helped many people, young and old. It was very fun and incredibly rewarding. It was a definite personal confirmation for me that I am pursuing the right path in my life. I love working with the Peruvian youth, through these medical campaigns and through El Progreso. I can really see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I am even more excited than ever to hit the ground running when I start medical school, hopefully in August.



Another day has passed and my fondness for Trujillo and Peru has grown even deeper. Especially as I begin to feel more and more that this is my city and this city is my home... and not just somewhere that I am visiting. The people here continue to surprise me with their raw kindness and I’m proud of the connections I am developing, within and outside of VivePeru. <span> And, as if it is possible, I am learning more and more about myself because of it.
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