Vida Volunteer

assisting/shadowing physicians

July - August 2017 • Managua, Managua Department

What I liked

Hands-on clinical experience that would be impossible to obtain in the United States. Took vitals of all patients coming into the clinic and assisted in the work up of the patients. Saw first hand the common and uncommon illnesses, as well as the occasional injuries, that the residents of these rural communities often dealt with. The locals were extremely friendly and thankful for our presence there and made for an extremely rewarding experience.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have practiced my Spanish more before arriving. Although we had translators with us, I believe I would have taken a lot more from the experience had I been conversationally fluent.

Advice

You may certainly be out of your comfort zone at times but that should be all the more reason to go for it! We gain the most from life when we take risks and push our limits, so if you are interested in growing as a person as well as a future healthcare provider this is the program for you.

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