This post was authored by Ashley Watts, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at ATI Women’s Health in Naperville, IL, who participated in an ATI MissionWorks trip in Spring 2013.
Earlier this year I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Ayacucho, Peru on a mission with Medical Ministry International (MMI). MMI focuses on providing sustainable healthcare in conjunction with spreading the Christian word. While I have participated in international service learning prior, this experience marked my first time traveling with a faith-based organization.
Immediately upon arriving to Ayacucho, after a night of sleepless travel, I was welcomed by the beauty and spiritual presence of the area. Situated 9000 feet above sea level, the mountainous Ayacucho is surrounded by clouds, evoking a celestial feeling. Arriving on the weekend gave me the opportunity me to explore nearby villages, scour the markets, visit the square, attend church, and communicate with the locals. The majority of Ayacucho’s population speaks Spanish or a local dialect, Quechua, which allowed me to become more immersed within the culture.
700 Patients
During the week, I would awaken before daybreak to jog through town. I enjoyed this time in solace as I reflected on the prior day’s patients. I served as a member of a multidisciplinary team alongside dentists, physicians, nurses and an optometrist. Due to the amount of patients to be seen, each therapist worked independently; however, two days I had the opportunity to guide a physical therapy student in the evaluative process. One of my passions is teaching; thus I enjoyed imparting my knowledge.
Although I specialize in women’s health, I was able to expand my repertoire by treating orthopedics conditions, fitting for prosthetic devices, and sizing wheelchairs and crutches. Over the course of the week, our medical team treated 700 patients, 230 seen by physical therapists. One of my most prideful moments was treating a 98-year-old man and his 102-year-old wife!
Amazing Gratitude
The greatest impression upon leaving Peru was the gratitude exhibited by the people. Often, patients closed each evaluative session with an embrace and “kiss”, an affectionate gesture of only cheek to cheek contact. The people expressed their appreciation for the hours volunteered, the treatment provided and the supplies donated. Most importantly, patients were reminded of the power of healing through prayer and God. Despite diverse backgrounds, the members of the medical team united to provide “physical healing for a lifetime and spiritual healing for eternity.”
Before embarking to South America, I fundraised in order to cover my travel costs and program fees. Initially, I felt uncomfortable requesting for financial assistance but was overwhelmed by the love and support exhibited by my co-workers, teammates, friends, and family who helped me reach my goal. To each of you, I express my sincerest gratitude for heightening the meaning of my mission. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
About ATI Mission Works
ATI MissionWorks is an ATI Physical Therapy initiative that takes our practice and values beyond our communities and borders in order to provide high quality care and other services to those in need in developing countries. Staff from ATI Physical Therapy have participated in five ATI MissionWorks’ trips in 2012 and 2013.