Two fourth year medical students from Johns Hopkins were accompanied by Dr. Zuroweste and a translator for a two week stay in Santa Lucia. During their time here they saw 173 patients during daily paquete basicos and made ten house calls. They also met with 37 patients with hypertension or diabetes during three separate Hypertension and Diabetes Clubs. This new brigade activity is designed to educate patients about these chronic illnesses in addition to checking on their condition. The medical students took call a couple of nights and delivered a baby. During the weekend they swam at the Concepcion waterfall, visited the Magdalena market, entered El Salvador by crossing the Rio Torola, and did the traditional sunrise hike. In the evenings the group got together for a lecture on a tropical disease, a slideshow, or to talk about the local culture and Shoulder to Shoulder. They had a very productive and fun visit and the staff enjoyed getting to know this group.
A few comments from brigade participants:
“Very rewarding experience! My Spanish history taking improved. I learned about health care sustainability and improve in clinical and primary care skills”
“Brigade assistants made sure of directions everyday and supplies. Translator Carolina was AWESOME”
Serving the communities of "La Frontera" in Southern Intibuca, Honduras – part of Central America's Dry Corridor
