Before arriving in Ecuador, I had worked in various types of healthcare buildings across California, including clinics, nursing facilities, memory care units, and hospitals. I became strongly acquainted with the US healthcare system's downfalls, but also its advantages compared to other countries (especially after volunteering for a clinic in Honduras). Providing quality care to patients is one of my passions in life. Observing healthcare practices in this new country has been very interesting.
When I applied to the Peace Corps as a health volunteer, I knew that I would not be providing direct patient care, besides, perhaps, intaking histories and vitals. Health volunteers in Ecuador are restricted to government offices, schools, international organizations and health centers. Patients might enter where we volunteer but our tasks are restricted to education or grunt work (I have made a lot of cotton balls!). However, to work respectfully and mindfully alongside our communities, it is essential that volunteers understand the health resources available to the people and culture with whom we are living.
Additionally, the nature of being a resident here is also needing healthcare at some point.
