UNK students provide care, gain perspective during medical outreach trip to Peru

In Cusco, Peru, ancient history and modern amenities exist side by side.

The former capital of the Inca Empire is known for its archaeological treasures, Spanish colonial architecture and bustling tourism industry, all set high in the Andes Mountains at roughly 11,000 feet above sea level.

Venture beyond the city limits, though, and life can look much different.

In rural communities scattered throughout the surrounding valleys, many residents continue to face significant barriers to healthcare access. Long travel times and limited resources can make even routine medical care difficult to obtain.

A group of University of Nebraska at Kearney students recently traveled more than 4,000 miles to this region of South America for a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity. They helped care for hundreds of patients while gaining valuable experience for their future careers and learning about life in another part of the world.

“This experience is one like no other,” said UNK junior Alivia Pike, an exercise science major from Ashland on the pre-physical therapy track. “It is a hands-on opportunity engaging directly with patients and doctors while immersing yourself in another culture. If you love to travel, embrace new culture and learn more about healthcare, this opportunity is perfect for you.”

The two-week outreach trip was organized through the UNK chapter of VAW Global Health Alliances, a nonprofit that brings medical, dental and veterinary care, health education and nutritional support to underserved communities around the world.

Pike previously participated in a VAW trip to Guatemala and returned this year in a team leader role, helping recruit students and prepare them for the experience through Spanish lessons, cultural information sessions and team-building activities. She also coordinated with VAW staff.

A total of 23 students from UNK and one from the University of Nebraska Medical Center were part of this year’s group.

“The overall experience was very memorable,” Pike said. “It was a little rough getting there because of canceled flights, but once we arrived, I knew it was worth it.”

Great Resource

Working alongside local physicians and pharmacists, the students helped operate mobile medical clinics in Cusco and surrounding communities, providing free care and medication to more than 600 patients ranging in age from infants to older adults.

Rotating through a variety of stations, they gathered demographic information, measured vital signs, observed physician consultations and assisted with medications.

UNK sophomore Brody Eberle, a psychobiology major and pre-medical student from Doniphan, served as the group’s clinical chair. His responsibilities included helping students learn clinical skills such as taking blood pressure readings and measuring glucose levels before leaving for Peru.

In addition to the hands-on experience, the clinics provided students with an up-close look at the healthcare challenges facing rural communities in many parts of the world.

“In Cusco, healthcare was easily available because they have both the hospitals and government facilities that are free, as well as private clinics that offer faster care,” Eberle explained. “In the smaller communities, residents have to travel to the closest city for care, but they often don’t go back to follow up on things such as physical therapy or to check whether a wound or surgery is healing properly.”

Many patients sought treatment for seasonal illnesses, anemia and chronic pain associated with agricultural work.

“The locals receiving the care we provided were beyond grateful,” Pike said. “The people in these locations have difficulty receiving healthcare due to long travel times, insufficient funds or lack of knowledge. Because of this, our services were a great resource to them, and they were overjoyed to receive care.”

Priceless Experiences

While the clinical experience was a major part of the trip, the educational value extended well beyond patient care.

The group stayed with host families in Cusco, providing opportunities to practice Spanish and experience daily life in the city. They arrived during one of the region’s most vibrant times of the year.

“June is a special month for them because of their Inca traditions, so almost every day there were colorful parades and music in the plaza,” Pike said. “The main square was filled with large temples and lots of cobblestone. It was a very beautiful city with a lot of color and culture.”

Students attended celebrations connected to the Festival of the Sun – one of Peru’s most significant cultural events – explored local churches and markets and sampled authentic Peruvian cuisine. They also visited iconic destinations such as Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain – an “extraordinary experience” that Pike believes should be on everyone’s bucket list.

“Traveling abroad and experiencing another culture helps me see the world from a different perspective,” she said. “It teaches me to appreciate different traditions, ways of life and ideas while becoming more open-minded and understanding.”

Eberle echoed that sentiment.

“I believe these experiences are priceless as they open the mind to new ideas and cultures. Plus, you get to meet amazing people and see new places,” he said.

Valuable Lessons

For students pursuing careers in medicine and allied health professions, the outreach trip offered a unique opportunity to interact directly with patients while observing physicians and pharmacists in action.

It also reinforced the importance of empathy, communication and cultural understanding in healthcare settings.

“This outreach trip has benefited me in more than one way,” Pike said. “I have gained so many skills by being team leader, such as communication, planning and leadership, which I can positively express in the future with patients. I have also gained skills from working with patients in underserved communities, like humility and empathy.”

Eberle believes those lessons will remain valuable long after graduation.

“The experience I have gained from this trip will allow me to better understand and connect with different groups of people and understand the differences in culture to allow for a better visit or consultation with patients in the future,” he said.

Ultimately, the trip offered exactly what VAW Global Health Alliances promises – an opportunity to serve others while learning from them at the same time.

“The past two VAW experiences I have been part of have allowed me to grow in many ways,” Pike said. “I have gained many valuable skills both personally and professionally while being able to see a new part of the world. I will forever be grateful for my experience.”