The Art of Rehabilitation in Underserved Communities in Guatemala
By April Venzon
As I was browsing through my ATI email, I saw the notice for the final week to apply to the upcoming ATI MissionWorks’ trip to Guatemala. Ever since moving to Chicago and treating such a diverse patient population I have been curious about medical care and accessibility not only in other parts of America, but in the world. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for; the opportunity to travel and treat patients. I didn’t hesitate to apply. Upon acceptance the nerves and uncertainty kicked in, but this was just too good to pass up. So I traveled to Guatemala with four other ATI employees who were an absolute blast to be around and had such an amazing week.
During the trip, we able to choose from a variety of settings and pop-up clinics in which to treat. During treatment, we usually teamed up with three other physical therapy students. We took turns doing the evaluation, documentation, translation (or demonstration) and the education. It was very challenging and busy, but extremely rewarding.
The ATI MissionWorks’ trip to Guatemala opened my eyes to the power of physical therapy and the art of rehabilitation in underserved communities. I was challenged to be creative with our resources and treatments – like using Nalgene water bottles as foam rollers! It was incredible to see how an old, worn and donated ankle foot orthosis (AFO), a heel lift and pair of gym shoes, and an appropriately fitted assistive device completely changed a patient’s way of life.
I was so impressed by the organization and carry over that Hearts in Motion provided to families in need. When word spread that the Hearts in Motion pop-up clinic was coming to town, people would travel miles by foot just to get any type of treatment. From pediatrics to spinal cord injuries to amputees to neuro and ortho patients, we saw it all! We treated patients of all diagnoses, ages and abilities. There were even patients we treated who had been suffering from cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), nonunion fractures, spinal cord injuries, and falls who, until our treatment, never had the appropriate surgery, follow-up care, or basic medical treatment to treat their conditions and injuries.
The love and support of family members to help each other was so inspiring as well. At every single home visit or clinic at which we treated, the family was always there to support, assist and learn how to better care for their loved one.
ATI MissionWorks and Heart in Motion taught me how to be grateful for every resource, every space and every moment, while living in the present. I learned the power of listening and engaging with people who have stories to share, which can often be more effective than a treatment itself. It was touching to meet Guatemalans much less fortunate than us who still greeted and left us with a smile, hug and kiss.
Nancy and the entire Hearts in Motion staff were spectacular. They are experienced, organized, energetic and inspiring. Everything was organized and extremely safe! I would recommend this trip to any clinician who is looking to step outside of their comfort zone, meet people from a different culture and make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate.