We made it back to the US after a long couple days of traveling! I already miss Team Bolivia and the people we were able to meet. The trip was very well organized and I think we truly maximized our time in Bolivia. We all can agree that the Bolivian people were extremely welcoming and genuine towards us. We were blown away by their compassion and overall niceness. People were overly grateful that we were helping the best we could.
Overall, I recognize that I have gained a greater sense of independence and self-confidence as a result of this service trip. I was able to evaluate and treat complex neurologic pediatric patients autonomously in Bolivia. I could not have learned these skills in the classroom setting. We hear all the time about how some countries lack resources, but it is completely different seeing it in person. I had to be resourceful because Bolivian's cannot afford extravagant equipment or treatment. Thinking outside the box only sharpened my clinical skills and helped prepare me to become a more confident PT in the future. I can confidently say that my problem solving and critical thinking skills have improved.
I also learned not to take anything for granted again. I realize now that it is so easy to refer patients out to other healthcare professionals when needed in the US. This is generally not done in Bolivia and the PTs are tasked with maintaining their patients quality of life as best they can. This was disheartening to see knowing we have ample resources at our fingertips in America. I highly admire the PTs in Bolivia for utilizing what resources they have available and always striving to help others. It was refreshing to see true compassion and it motivated me to carry the same traits forward into my career as a PT.
I was able to advance my cultural competency skills. I was able to gain so much knowledge about how different cultures practice world views, especially related to healthcare. I recognize that I am now more receptive to different ideas and ways of seeing the world. I was nervous about the language barrier and my lack of Spanish speaking skills. I did the best I could and was able to get by, but I want to keep practicing my Spanish and become better.
As a result of this incredible experience I hope to stay in contact with Dr. Dettmann and help her with her travels to Bolivia in any way. This could mean fundraising, making more posters for the hospital, or even gathering more supplies. I do not want to forget about the people we met and the connections we made. The culture, food, and atmosphere of Bolivia were all amazing. This trip has proven to help me improve in more ways than one. I was sad to leave, but know this is not goodbye! I want to advocate for the importance of a service learning trip for DPT students. I was able to grow and gain so much from this trip and think other students each year should be offered similar opportunities.
Overall, I recognize that I have gained a greater sense of independence and self-confidence as a result of this service trip. I was able to evaluate and treat complex neurologic pediatric patients autonomously in Bolivia. I could not have learned these skills in the classroom setting. We hear all the time about how some countries lack resources, but it is completely different seeing it in person. I had to be resourceful because Bolivian's cannot afford extravagant equipment or treatment. Thinking outside the box only sharpened my clinical skills and helped prepare me to become a more confident PT in the future. I can confidently say that my problem solving and critical thinking skills have improved.
I also learned not to take anything for granted again. I realize now that it is so easy to refer patients out to other healthcare professionals when needed in the US. This is generally not done in Bolivia and the PTs are tasked with maintaining their patients quality of life as best they can. This was disheartening to see knowing we have ample resources at our fingertips in America. I highly admire the PTs in Bolivia for utilizing what resources they have available and always striving to help others. It was refreshing to see true compassion and it motivated me to carry the same traits forward into my career as a PT.
I was able to advance my cultural competency skills. I was able to gain so much knowledge about how different cultures practice world views, especially related to healthcare. I recognize that I am now more receptive to different ideas and ways of seeing the world. I was nervous about the language barrier and my lack of Spanish speaking skills. I did the best I could and was able to get by, but I want to keep practicing my Spanish and become better.
As a result of this incredible experience I hope to stay in contact with Dr. Dettmann and help her with her travels to Bolivia in any way. This could mean fundraising, making more posters for the hospital, or even gathering more supplies. I do not want to forget about the people we met and the connections we made. The culture, food, and atmosphere of Bolivia were all amazing. This trip has proven to help me improve in more ways than one. I was sad to leave, but know this is not goodbye! I want to advocate for the importance of a service learning trip for DPT students. I was able to grow and gain so much from this trip and think other students each year should be offered similar opportunities.