UNK college students journey to Peru to supply care—and acquire a brand new perspective

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) – Cusco, Peru blends historical Inca historical past with fashionable life, excessive within the Andes. But outdoors town, many rural communities nonetheless face main boundaries to healthcare—lengthy journey instances, restricted assets, and fewer choices for follow-up care.

That’s why a gaggle of 23 University of Nebraska at Kearney college students, plus one pupil from UNMC, traveled greater than 4,000 miles for a two-week medical outreach journey by way of VAW Global Health Alliances.

UNK junior Alivia Pike known as it “one like no other,” saying college students obtained hands-on expertise working straight with sufferers and medical professionals whereas studying a few completely different tradition. Even after some journey delays getting there, she mentioned it was value it.

Working alongside native physicians and pharmacists, the group helped function cell clinics in Cusco and surrounding communities, offering free care and drugs to greater than 600 sufferers—from infants to older adults. Students rotated by way of stations taking vitals, gathering affected person info, observing consultations, and aiding with drugs.

UNK sophomore Brody Eberle, the group’s scientific chair, mentioned the journey additionally highlighted the healthcare hole between cities and smaller communities the place individuals might not be capable to return for follow-up care.

Beyond the clinics, college students stayed with host households, practiced Spanish, and skilled native traditions throughout a vibrant time of yr, together with celebrations related to Peru’s Festival of the Sun. Several additionally visited websites like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

Both Pike and Eberle mentioned the journey bolstered the worth of empathy, communication, and cultural understanding—classes they’ll carry into their future healthcare careers.

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