Andrea DeMarsh ’16Chemistry

ELI Abroad; Unidad de Municipal Centro; Quito, Ecuador r

My goal of this internship was to experience the health care culture in Ecuador. With an interest in nutrition, and

public health in general, I was able to compare our system of health care to that of a rapidly changing third world country. I found that general cleanliness lacked, most

likely due to a loose structure in the hospital and enormous amount of patients served on a daily basis.

As a personal goal, I looked forward to making a final decision about what kind of medicine, if any, I would

pursue. I wanted the hands-on experience and patient interaction that would be obtainable in this hospital.

• Nutrition serves as a mode of self empowerment, especially for culture in Ecuador where food takes on a large roll in family life

• Culture and diversity have always been a large part of the Wooster education, but this volunteer opportunity helped to put that in perspective, which I hope to bring back and share with others

THANK YOUAmber Larson and Nicholas Shaw for writing recommendations. My APEX Advisor, Professor Mariola for his insightful guidance. And the APEX staff who helped me through the entire process.

ABOUT ELI ABROAD AND UNIDAD DE MUNICIPAL CENTRO

ELI is a nonprofit organization that places students with internships in countries around the world. ELI partners

with small humanitarian and environmental organizations that do not have the means to recruit their own volunteers. My organization specifically, was with a

small government run hospital in Quito, Ecuador. All services at this hospital are free of charge to the

patients, including any medicine from the pharmacy. This clinic serves to reach patients of the community in

need of non-emergency medical assistance. The departments in this hospital include Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Gynecology, Psychology, Dentistry, Physical

Therapy, and Acupuncture.

PURPOSE OF MY FELLOWSHIP

FELLOW

WHAT I LEARNED

WHAT I DIDI performed various duties including taking vitals, temperature, weight and height in preconsult. I worked along side doctors in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology. I observed gynecological biopsies, and several small surgeries. I learned how to run EKGs and assisted with patients . I also learned how to perform hearing tests, and helped with several patients in this exam and the write up that followed.

For information on applying for 2016 fellowships, speak with staff in APEX and like us on : APEXatCOW