Equador
Welcome to Project HEAL
Project HEAL is an interdisciplinary team of healthcare students and professionals that integrates the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, public health, and nursing. HEAL is an acronym for Health, Education, and Learning which embodies the philosophy of our mission: to provide care to rural and indigenous Ecuadorian villages,
About Us
Project HEAL is an interdisciplinary team of healthcare students and professionals that integrates the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, public health, and nursing. HEAL is an acronym for Health, Education, and Learning which embodies the philosophy of our mission: to provide care to rural and indigenous Ecuadorian villages, to identify public health concerns, and to educate the people in preventative practices. HEAL recognizes that a lasting impact can only be achieved by placing an emphasis on public health; we stress education in the areas of nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation through non-formal, participatory education and by taking the time to teach our patients.
During our six days of clinic, we provide care to hundreds of patients, most of whom have no other accessible source of medical aid. Our trip is comprised of approximately 20 students, five physicians, a dentist and a pharmacist to the Andes and Amazonia regions of Ecuador. We also work with local doctors who provide a cultural perspective that enriches our approach to healthcare. HEAL offers a rewarding professional experience as well as an opportunity to engage an inquisitive and compassionate spirit while working to make a difference in these Ecuadorian communities.
Ecuador At A Glance
Straddling the equator, the Ecuadorian coast rushes up to snow-capped volcanoes then falls away to hot Amazon jungle–all in a country the size of the State of Colorado! It shares a long-contested border with Peru to the south and east, and is bounded by Colombia to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
There are many prevalent diseases in Ecuador, mainly due to environmental conditions, geographical location, and lack of health care. Specific health problems that are common in Ecuador: infant mortality, acute respiratory infection, diarrhetic diseases, dengue fever, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, health problems due to smoking, malnutrition
How to Help
Your donations will enable us to deliver desperately needed care to this region as well as to educate a generation of future healthcare professionals in the importance of caring for our world’s neediest citizens.
Meet Our Team
Our team consists of Faculty, 4th, 2nd, and 1st Year Medical students, Pharmacy students, PA students and nurses. We are all looking forward to serving in Ecuador.
Outreach Partner
Our team works closely with an “in country” physician and family who coordinates site visits with the assistance of community leaders.
Testimonials
“Project HEAL was not only an amazingly fun way to see Ecuador but it was a major eye opener to the country’s healthcare. Being from the US, it was challenging to treat the Ecuadorians with very limited resources but it was also humbling to see their enormous appreciation for our help. They may only see a doctor once or twice a year and it’s wonderful to be able provide them health care during those few times.” – Laura Pabalan, College of Medicine Class of 2011, Project HEAL 2009 and 2010
