(also posted on my LinkedIn) 

I wanted to take the time to appreciate my summer experience in Lima Peru as my Leadership-in-Action for the Laidlaw Foundation.

Through International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), I was working with an indigenous organization called Tarpuy Sonqo as an international medical outreach volunteer in San Miguel and Pachacutec within the Lima district.
Not only was I able to practice my medical Spanish, but also immerse myself into situations where cultural competency was imperative. Our team focused on bridging the gap in healthcare resources for patients from ages 5 to 85 in schools, markets, and elderly centers. In these positions I was able to help clarify the healthcare system and dismantle medical mistrust day by day while providing vital services from a preventative medicine approach.

From this experience, I learned more of how I want to impact the medical field and grew in my communication skills in both Spanish and English. I also took this opportunity to explore Peruvian culture through the food, music, and unique traveling experiences. This was the perfect way to spend my summer, and I feel blessed to have grown in so many different avenues.