SERVICE LEARNING TRIPS

Service Learning Trips (SLTs) give you hands-on experience in the healthcare and educational systems of low-income communities in South America. They give you the unique opportunity to make a significant impact by traveling to remote communities and helping local healthcare professionals in treating patients. You will truly make a difference, as well as see some breath-taking views. This year we will be going to Riobamba, Ecuador from May 3 to May 11, 2025!

REALITY TOUR

On the second day of the SLT, you take a Reality Tour of the communities you'll be working in that week. During the tour, you will learn about the daily realities facing these communities and the unique ways that MEDLIFE works to support each community. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the challenges of living in these areas. You will be exposed to the healthcare and educational systems in the community.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The Development Projects provide much-needed sustainable development for impoverished communities. A wide variety of projects—from building staircases to establishing water reservoirs—could be completed during your trip, all depending on what the community needs. All projects are completed hand in hand with the local community.

MOBILE CLINICS

At the mobile clinics, there are several stations that you will be assigned to. They include triage, education, general medicine, dentist, pharmacy, OB-GYN, and toothbrushing. You will get to shadow physicians and assist where necessary.

Triage

Every patient that enters the clinic must have their height, weight, body temperature, and blood pressure taken. At this station, you the student lead the collection of this data alongside local healthcare professionals.

Education

Directly after triage, patients are directed to a waiting room where they are informed about good health practices and public health tips. Here, you direct patients to their appointments and aid the nurses in handing out pamphlets and brochures.

General Medicine

You are given the opportunity sit in on consultations between a local doctor and patients to learn about common health issues in the community and how to treat them. You also help escorting patients to the pharmacy, dentist, and other stations.

Dentistry

This is very hands-on station where you will be assigned various roles such as working as a dental assistant, handling paperwork, and cleaning instruments.

Pharmacy

After the patients visit with a physician or dentist, they are directed to the pharmacy station where you dispense medications with a local health professional. This is an opportunity to learn about medications and common conditions in rural areas.

OB-GYN

Due to cultural sensitivity, this station is for only female-identifying students to assist with. With the help of the local doctor, you are able to help with breast exams and PAP smears while also learning about common health conditions that women face in rural areas.

Toothbrushing

At this popular student-led station, you teach local kids how to brush their teeth and practice good hygiene, including how to wash their hands. This is a good opportunity to practice the local language and interact with the kids.