Why did you decide to volunteer with Help, Learn, Discover in Ecuador?
Jackie: Because it truly is a one of a kind program. I have never come across a program that brings together the 3 things I love most. First they really want to help the people of Ecuador in a tangible and extremely necessary way. They really care about the people they are serving.
The opportunity to spend time in the hospitals and the up close learning experiences are incomparable to any similar experience one might have in Canada. Being able to fully take in the hospital atmosphere and be right in the surgical room, maternity ward, ER and diagnostic imaging center really gives the participant an idea of how much is involved in the world of medicine and can help them decide one way of the other if this is something they want to do with their life. Then the cherry on top of the already amazing experience is the discovery of the amazing and beautiful country of Ecuador. The sites and amazing, the people are amazing and the adventure is just waiting to be chased.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Jackie: It is difficult to describe a normal day because not one day is alike with the next. But an average day would consist of waking up anytime between 6 and 9, having breakfast in the hotel or whatever accommodation you are staying at and then getting ready for the day. You may be heading to the hospital for a shift in the ER or rappelling down waterfalls among other amazing possibilities. Lunch is always provided and they are very accommodating to special diets if needed and if they know well enough ahead of time. After lunch you may take in a session on head trauma or stitches or tour the capital, Quito, and see the amazing architecture. For supper they will take you to an amazing restaurant where you can get amazing food at a great price. After supper you will take in another shift of session and you may even have a night shift on one of the wards.
Not all days are this packed full but there is always something going on. When touring the days are full of adventure and amazing views, and the food choices are sometimes less, but they always take great care of you.
What made this experience unique and special?
Jackie: What made this unique. As I have already stated, the medical aspect of this trip really sets it apart. You could not do what they do if you tried to in Canada or the states. You are right there with the patients in the delivery room of the surgical room. You can ask the very knowledgeable tutors any questions you have at the time and you learn so much.
It is so get to get a real medical experience like this so you can be aware of what goes on behind the scene and how things really are in real life, it’s nothing like TV.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Jackie: This trip had a huge impact on me. Although I already knew I wanted to become a doctor and after working in a hospital in Calgary I had a pretty good idea, but seeing the different sides of medicine and experiencing some of the specialties has me considering obstetrics and gynecology. I have always wanted to be a doctor in a developing country, and go to places that few doctors can or are willing to go and this trip only affirmed me in that. What changed though was where I was thinking of going. I had never considered South America before this trip, but now I feel a very strong pull to return someday and practice there. I have even started taking Spanish classes with these plans in mind.