1. Andrea DeMarsh ’16
Chemistry
ELI Abroad; Unidad de Municipal Centro; Quito, Ecuador r
My goal of this internship was to experience the health care culture
in Ecuador. With an interest in nutrition, and public health in
general, I was able to compare our system of health care to that of
a rapidly changing third world country. I found that general
cleanliness lacked, most likely due to a loose structure in the
hospital and enormous amount of patients served on a daily basis.
As a personal goal, I looked forward to making a final decision
about what kind of medicine, if any, I would pursue. I wanted the
hands-on experience and patient interaction that would be
obtainable in this hospital.
• Nutrition serves as a mode of self empowerment, especially for
culture in Ecuador where food takes on a large roll in family life
• Culture and diversity have always been a large part of the
Wooster education, but this volunteer opportunity helped to put
that in perspective, which I hope to bring back and share with
others
THANK YOU
Amber Larson and Nicholas Shaw for writing
recommendations. My APEX Advisor, Professor Mariola
for his insightful guidance. And the APEX staff who
helped me through the entire process.
ABOUT ELI ABROAD AND UNIDAD DE
MUNICIPAL CENTRO
ELI is a nonprofit organization that places students with
internships in countries around the world. ELI partners with small
humanitarian and environmental organizations that do not have
the means to recruit their own volunteers. My organization
specifically, was with a small government run hospital in Quito,
Ecuador. All services at this hospital are free of charge to the
patients, including any medicine from the pharmacy. This clinic
serves to reach patients of the community in need of non-
emergency medical assistance. The departments in this hospital
include Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Gynecology, Psychology,
Dentistry, Physical Therapy, and Acupuncture.
PURPOSE OF MY FELLOWSHIP
FELLOW
WHAT I LEARNED
WHAT I DID
I performed various duties including taking vitals, temperature,
weight and height in preconsult. I worked along side doctors in
Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology. I observed
gynecological biopsies, and several small surgeries. I learned how
to run EKGs and assisted with patients . I also learned how to
perform hearing tests, and helped with several patients in this
exam and the write up that followed.
For information on applying for
2016 fellowships, speak with staff
in APEX and like us on
: APEXatCOW