Nine  College students traveled to Lima, Peru as part of a medical brigade over spring break.  The trip was organized through Medicine, Education and Development for Low Income Families Everywhere (MEDLIFE) organization was founded on the idea that college students are capable of fighting against poverty and have a responsibility to do so. On MEDLIFE’s website, the organization emphasizes that “it’s not about waiting until you’re a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer- j you can make a difference in the lives of the poor right now.”

Along with the students from the College,a total of 24 students helped provide medical care during the week.  The brigade lasted from Monday until Friday.  The students took Saturday to explore Lima and to familiarize themselves with the city.

The students shadowed Peruvian doctors and dentists over the course of the week in Lima.  Three primary care physicians along with one gynecologist and one dentist made up with the staff.  There was also a nurse who was in charge of the “pharmacy” and helped administer prescriptions to the patients.  Meghan Tedoldi ’13 enjoyed her time spent assisting the gynecologist. “It was a challenge to understand what she was saying at times because of the language barrier, but at the same time, I felt like I learned so much about how to use non-verbal communication skills to get my point across,” Tedoldi said.

In addition to shadowing doctors, the students helped build a concrete staircase for one of the hill communities in Pamplona.  The members of the community were very grateful for the staircase, especially the pregnant women who will now have an easier time walking up and down the hill.  The students had a very positive experience in the community. Siya Hegde ’13 said, “My favorite moment was when one of the villagers expressed her gratitude and thanks for our stair project and how it had been her dream for years for the project to be completed.”

The week was exhilarating and extremely inspiring. “The experience was great and really eye opening,” Josie Bazemore ’13 said. “I had been to developing countries before, but mainly on vacations, so I had seen poverty before, but I didn’t really get to experience it in this way. I liked seeing what the present health care concerns were and how the doctors were addressing them.”
The communities were thankful for the work that was being done to provide free healthcare for the community members.  When the students pulled into the first site, many were shocked with how many of the women from the community were already waiting in line to be seen by the doctors. 
The volunteer work is perfect for anyone who is Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, or interested in Public Health.
When asked what left the biggest impression on her, Tedoldi remarked, “I was surprised [by] how gracious and understanding the people were and how important it was that we were there to help.  Even if we were just directing them to the weighing station, they were eager and so thankful for our presence.”

Colby’s MEDLIFE chapter was started this fall on campus and has been nominated as one of the best new start up chapters.  The group had a successful fundraising campaign and three group members will travel to Dartmouth College next weekend to attend a conference and hopefully accept an award.