POCO a POCO, SE ANDA LEJOS...

My favorite Castellano expression, which roughly means “One step at a time.” Life is definitely slower here. Patience is key. For those of you who know me well, patience and a slow lifestyle are not exactly my strengths. (I can’t help but wonder if part of the reason I am here is for self-improvement in this area!) Well, I hope it works, because my patience is tested on a daily basis!

I have so many ideas for how I want to influence the healthcare system/physical therapy practice here, but it seems like there’s a mountain of obstacles. To do what I envision would involve some serious shifting of cultural norms and standards. So, I will have to learn how to be more patient and accept small successes/changes. Also, it’s important to go about everything humbly- the last thing I want to do is to come off as condescending about the standards of practice here when compared to the US.

This whole experience reminds me constantly of how lucky I am to have been born in the US and to grow up comfortably in the “land of opportunities.” I feel so fortunate to have the PT educational background that I do (not to mention all of the other luxuries I grew up with). Here, PT’s aren’t really respected- the ones in this area go to a technical school but the courses are very basic and their roles seem to be more like a PT tech than anything else. Today I was informed that they are actually mocked here and my profession is considered a job for idiots. Wow, good to know! Apparently the ones in Lima are more highly regarded.

I’ve also learned that there is an organization in Lima that has a yearly conference for PT’s, but it’s really expensive (we are talking several hundred USD per person) which could be a months pay for some! Another obstacle- this time in the form of lack of continuing education, and lack of specialists in the Trujillo area.

But- on a more positive note- I spent my morning working at Chocope Hospital (about 40 minutes north of La Esperanza). It was great to get a glimpse into a hospital setting. The care revolved almost completely around modalities, but the PT’s were fantastic- all very friendly and with a huge hunger to learn. We practiced various joint mobilizations and shared management ideas and fracture management tips. (Fractures are not generally immobilized or operated on here, so there are a lot of ugly long-term consequences.)

The PT’s requested that I organize a monthly course on outpatient conditions- and in return, they’re going to spread the word to other PT’s in this area. Our first course, in a few weeks, is on postural analysis/scoliosis exam and treatment and will be followed with light refreshments and an excursion to hear mariachi music. ☺ I’m really excited for this new development and can see it opening a lot of doors for El Proyecto this year!