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ALBUM: 2011 Mission Huancavelica, Peru-shared pics
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Medical Mission to Peru August 2011
Dear friends, Two weeks ago I returned from a 7 day medical mission to Huancavelica Peru. The mission was organized by the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS). There were 7 other doctors and numerous nurses and students. The doctors who participated were from all over the US. The city of Huancavelica is in the poorest city of Peru. It is located high up in the Andes mountains.
After landing in Lima we took a 12 hour bus ride into the Andes mountains 13000 ft up into the city. It took a couple of days to acclimate to the altitude. It was winter and the coldness was sometimes piercing. We worked along side the local hospital. A Peruvian medical school sent a couple of med students to help. The local government helped in spreading the word and in transporting people into town. I brought a Synthes pneumatic drill as well as countless of AO plates, screws, and exfx devices. IAll of this equipment was donated to the hospital. I was able to see hundreds of patient, operate on some serious fractures, and refer patients to Lima who had serious conditions.
The trip was a great experience. I was able to put my General Orthopaedic surgery skills to work. The Peruvian people were kind and appreciative. Some of these folks traveled hours or days to see us. Some of them brought there children or elderly parents to be seen. The poverty and destitute was profound. Many of the people I saw lived on pennies a day. Most of them were not looking for miracles but just reassurance that they were going to be all right.
The experience now seems surreal and distant. I have gone through my pictures; some of which are heartwarming and others heartbreaking. We touched a lot of lives and in turn a lot of lives touched us.
The mission to Huancavelica, Peru happens every year in August. You can find the info on line (search PAMS Huancavelica). I attached a few pics. I hope you enjoy them.
Sincerely,
Steve A. Mora, MD |
