By Hannah Roppo
Our APhA–ASP Chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy is connected with an organization, Casa de Salud Peru, founded by a fellow pharmacist, Kerrylyn Rodriguez. Each summer, she takes a group of individuals, most but not all of whom are health professionals, to Iquitos, Peru, to provide basic health care services to the locals. The clinics provide consults with a Peruvian doctor, “pharmacy” services, reading glasses, fluoride treatment, dental care, and health screenings such as blood pressure and glucose.
When I committed to go on last summer’s trip, I figured that I was planning an experience that would push me outside my comfort zone and let me learn about another health system, but what I found was much more. I discovered a deeper connection to humanity, an immense level of gratitude for everyday life, and ultimately, this trip reignited my original inspiration to pursue a career in pharmacy.
A hard lesson learned
Throughout the week in Iquitos, I was consistently shocked and profoundly impacted by the lack of basic health care in the poor neighborhoods. The most unforgettable example came from our “odontología,” or the dentistry station, which consisted of a large garbage bag, plastic yard chair, and the dentist’s supplies. I assumed in providing basic care that the volunteer Peruvian dentists would be performing cleanings, but what I saw reverberated throughout my entire system.
After witnessing a few horrifying extractions, I ended up working alongside the dentists. In this role, I cradled the head of the patient between my palms while the dentist performed the necessary procedure. One of the patient’s I assisted was a girl around 7 years old. As I held the child’s head steady, the dentist yanked and I suddenly felt the tooth crack, first through my fingertips and then quickly up my arms and directly into my heart. I am not an individual who gets upset at blood or gore, but this invoked a guttural reaction within me. Yet the little girl did not flinch, though I could see discomfort in her eyes.
This is of course a dramatic representation of the differences in our health care systems, but it is also representative of the strength and resilience of the Peruvian people. This experience was moving, but equally scary to think of the life they live that has forced them to be this strong. It reminded me to allow space for others, because while we can physically see another individual, we don’t know what they have emotionally and mentally experienced.
Reflecting on the big picture
When I find myself frustrated with the stressors of day-to-day life, I am reminded to reflect on the big picture. I wholly believe that taking a trip like this allows you to open your eyes and heart to the world. You create a greater, more meaningful life. You find fulfillment and joy in the small acts of kindness. You find gratitude for the luxurious lives we live. My hotel barely had running water and when it did, it was never warm. The villages had “traffic circles” that were built around massive piles of trash. We saw children joyfully playing in a “creek” formed by the run-off from their “toilets.” When you see this through your own eyes, it changes you. You realize that what is truly important, in both your personal and professional life, are relationships, connections, and taking care of one another.
After coming home from this trip, I was motivated to converse with my patients who speak Spanish. It drove me to reach out and connect on a deeper level, even if I don’t have all the words to describe it. Being fully present and caring for someone is a meaningful act and can impact the lives of patients. Whether it’s a full conversation or simply taking the time to ask how someone is doing, it matters.
When you are ready to challenge yourself
It is incredibly easy (and of course, important) to go through your pharmacy career with professional goals. “I want good grades.” “I want to be the President of X organization.” “I want to proactively network.” These are all important to our livelihood, but what I rediscovered in Peru was the reason that most people pursue health care in the first place: to connect and positively influence the lives of others.
When you are ready to challenge yourself and make an impact that will hit you deep within your soul, take that step to travel somewhere new. I encourage anyone who feels called to serve on a volunteer trip to do so, and to do it with an open heart and mind.