MedLife Ecuador: Clinic Days
On Wednesday and Thursday, we got an early start to complete our Clinic Days. After almost two hours on the bus, we arrived to remote, mostly indigenous communities within the Tena municipality of the Napo Province. Alongside local health officials, our group of MedLife volunteers set up and hosted two health clinics which served over 250 people. Here, families and individuals could receive a range of medical services - including primary medical care, OBGYN care, dentistry, pscychology, and nutrition services. Stations for health education, toothbrushing for children, and a pharmacy were set up as well. Our students assisted medical professionals in each area (with the exception of OBGYN). At these clinics, patients received care that is otherwise difficult to access and MedLife staff were able to identify patients who needed follow-up care and support. MedLife local staff members then will facilitate their care and accompany these patients through their medical journey.
On both days, our students worked hard and treated patients of all ages with respect, solidarity, care, and empathy. During the day and later on during our group meetings, our MedLife leaders, Alejo, Lorena, Marta, and María continuously guided and pushed students to reflect, evaluate, and consider ways that they could continue this work in their daily life and community. Students explored themes or privilege, access, dignity, and was to address the obstacles to health care. Our students demonstrated critical thinking and insight as they reflectors to their experiences during the two clinic days.
Many of our students also greatly enjoyed entertaining and playing with the young children who were waiting for their parents in their appointments. These moments, while brief, reminded me of the joy can be found in even brief moments of human connection.
Learn more about MedLife here and follow the SESO MedLife chapter's Instagram account for more videos, photos, and information about upcoming service projects and initiatives.
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