Yampu-sponsored MEDLIFE student, Ian, studying at the University of Vermont is studying Biology and Community & International Development. He is also a UVM Medical Center volunteer and veteran MEDLIFE volunteer and is headed to  Lima, Peru for the summer. With the help of Yampu Tours’ Give Back initiative, he will pursue his dream of working in community development and apply his community and international development and medical volunteer skills to help those in need in the outskirts of Lima. Learn more about Ian in his account of his first week in Lima below!

 Week 1

This week I received training on my position as a Volunteer Affairs Intern. Through training I have learned how MEDLIFE differs from other NGO’s. The current Mobile Clinic Model that has been used by several other NGOs doing volunteer brigades is one that MEDLIFE developed. MEDLIFE hires local doctors, nurses, and staff. The majority of MEDLIFE employees are from the host countries in which MEDLIFE works. By working hand in hand with local communities and by filling their ranks with people from those very same communities, MEDLIFE continues to ensure understanding of the patients in order to guarantee that the work they do is exactly what they need. MEDLIFE has patient follow-up care. MEDLIFE makes sure to educate their patients that they are and will be there for them to see them through their treatment until their ailments are resolved.

This week I have been responsible as a clinic leader in the community Pachacutec Ventanilla to engage the volunteers in meaningful conversation, teach them, answer their questions, explain structural issues that impact poverty in the given location, and explain how MEDLIFE get to the point of the mobile clinic with a community. I also helped with translating for those who don’t know what patients are saying or for doctors that are not bilingual.

I’ve explored lima City and Miraflores with a few other interns. We explored the city center and then hung out at the beach in Miraflores for a while and then went to Barranca to go to The Burrito Bar. Totally the best burrito I’ve had. I have also been able to experience “Menu” which is like a super cheap lunch that has multiple courses. I had fried fish with papa fritas (french fries) rice and a salad. We also have found an amazing shop that sells churros for one sole and they are so good. So far my time here is great and I cant wait to explore more.

Thank you,
Ian

Continue follow Ian’s adventures on Instagram: @ianmchale or Follow him on Facebook

About Ian
Hometown: Hamilton, NJ
School: University of Vermont
Major: Biology
Minor: Community & International Development

Ian is a mentor for two awesome mentees Keshon and Kiki, a volunteer at the University of Vermont Medical Center on the pediatric floor, the president of MEDVIDA, his local chapter of MEDLIFE, and a member of the UVM Triathlon club. He loves being outdoors hiking, snowboarding, and camping.

Ian first got involved with MEDLIFE at the University of Vermont by joining his local chapter during Freshman year. He went on his first brigade that summer to Cusco, Peru and it changed his life. During his Sophomore year he became Vice President and Brigades Officer for his chapter. That summer he went on my second brigade to Esmeraldas, Ecuador where he first learned about his current internship in Lima, Peru. In his Junior year he became the President of his chapter at UVM and he is now a MEDLIFE Volunteer Affairs Intern.

His goal for this internship is to connect his Biology major and Community and International Development minor through helping with the planning and implementation of sustainable community development projects that help bring medical access to vulnerable communities.

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