From California to Huancayo: A Journey of Health and Heart

Andrew Barrett is a Biological Sciences major at the University of California, Irvine, with aspirations of entering the medical profession. Driven by a desire to help those in need and connect with others pursuing similar goals, he joined FIMRC to gain hands-on experience in global health.

By: Andrew Barrett

“The city of Huancayo, Peru, is equal parts sprawling metropolis and agricultural farmtown. Whether one is in the bustling city center of Plaza Constitución, or out in the rural district of Sapallanga, one can feel culture and life bursting out of every corner. Restaurants advertising the flavorful local cuisine, bands blasting music, and the Peruvian bicolor blowing proudly in the chilling wind on every rooftop; it is truly a sight to see.

While a breathtaking experience and an interesting change of pace from the little Southern Californian suburb that I come from, there are other differences in Peru that are not so glamorous. The Peruvian healthcare system is one of improving quality, yet still in a transitional stage. With overcrowding, low availability, and reluctance of many citizens to receive treatment in favor of traditional medicine, the medical state of Peru is one that could be far better. Throughout my week in Huancayo, I attempted to aid in said betterment.

My journey started by visiting different medical facilities throughout the city's many neighborhoods, such as the Health Center of Cacharcas, which does not even have a doctor most of the time. Patients come and have their weight and height taken, and state their symptoms (or their infants’) to a nurse; after which they are often given guidance, a prescription, or both, and leave to continue with their day. While the nurses are no doubt skilled in their craft, when patients require something more than guidance or medication, it can be rather difficult for them to receive.

On the opposite spectrum stands Daniel A. Carrión Hospital, Huancayo’s premier medical institution. If the signs adorning the facility were not in Spanish, I would not have been able to tell the difference between it and my hospital back home. Carrión is full of state-of-the-art technology, sterile wards, and knowledgeable physicians. While I was impressed, I later found out that to even begin the process of seeing a physician there, one must arrive at around four in the morning, joining an already formed line; and that the hospital, for the most part, lacks specialists.

These facilities, while filled with intelligent and capable medical professionals, require all the help that they can get, which is where myself and FIMRC came in. After training from Pablo, my immensely well-informed guide (and translator, as unfortunately my Spanish needs much improvement), and Mary, an excellent nurse, it was time for the health campaign. With my teachers and a group of medical students from the Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, I went to the neighborhood of Huancán to aid the public. We took the weight, blood pressure, and glucose of residents, all the while witnessing a beautiful celebration of Peruvian culture during the Festival de Santiago; in which citizens dress in traditional regalia, parading, dancing, and celebrating for weeks. I mainly took glucose that day and discovered a man with 197 blood sugar, which is quite high and possibly pre-diabetic. Together with Abby, a medical student, we advised him on what he should do (primarily to eat less sugar and schedule a physician’s appointment as soon as possible). It felt good to know that we may have helped someone mitigate a dangerous situation, and the campaign, overall, was a success.

Another act I was lucky enough to perform was in a more urban area of Huancayo, helping out at an orphanage. We gave a presentation on good hygiene to a group of small children that do not often receive such knowledge. After this presentation, we got to play with them, partaking in games of catch, baseball, and volleyball. These children were sweet, well-mannered, and adorable, and I hope that we made them a little happier, and that our presentation will aid them in a healthy lifestyle.

My next and final act of service was in San Martín, in the rural district of Sapallanga, in collaboration with their local health center. With a box of influenza vaccines and a pleasant look on our masked faces, we headed out on foot into farm country and began our crusade. Throughout the day we asked everyone we encountered if they had yet been vaccinated, and if they had not, offered them the vaccine. While many were reluctant, saying they were scared of the pain or preferred traditional medicine, many were willing and wished to avoid the flu. I got to vaccinate multiple people, and found it immensely satisfying to know that I had kept someone safe from a potentially deadly ailment. This was an extremely valuable experience for me, as in my home country, this type of activity is not allowed without extensive formal training.

I began my studies in the premedical field in the hopes that I would someday help people in an actual clinical setting, but I had no idea that time would arrive so soon, and I could not be more grateful to FIMRC for giving me the opportunity. There was not a single “bad” experience on this trip, besides getting altitude sickness on the first day, and I truly believe that the country of Peru is home to the kindest people and one of the most vibrant and interesting cultures on Earth. Throughout my week in Huancayo, I got to experience this culture firsthand, even living with a Peruvian family and having a home-cooked meal every morning, noon, and night. Aside from my cultural and medical experience, I have made what I hope to be longtime friends on this journey, whether they be the good people at FIMRC, the students at UNCP, or the family I lived with, and hope to one day return to see them and help out again.”

If Andrew’s story inspired you to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference, the Global Health Volunteer Program (GHVP) is your gateway to that experience. Whether you’re a student exploring a career in healthcare or simply passionate about serving others, GHVP offers hands-on opportunities in Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Uganda. Join us to learn, contribute, and grow while working side by side with local professionals to bring care to underserved communities. For more information or to start your journey, contact us at [email protected].