Clínica Verde

Abigail Dy

MSEP Summer Internship 2015

Boaco, Nicaragua

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and

richer experiences.”

Nicaragua

• Largest country in Central America, BUT… • Poorest country in Central America

• Spanish-speaking, with indigenous influences • Agriculture-based economy

• “En Dios confiamos” – religious freedom

“The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”

• Growing tourism

– Second largest industry in Nicaragua

– Eco-tourism destination

• 2 seasons:

– Dry: November-April

– Rainy: May-October

Healthcare in Nicaragua

• Socialized medicine – free to everyone

• Crowded Centros de Salud – provision of primary healthcare services

– 0.9 physicians/1,000 population

• Limited hospitals: 32 public hospitals – internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology,

surgery, orthopedics

– one hospital per 212,800 people (in 2011)

• Private hospitals – less wait, but much more expensive

Initiatives of MINSA (Ministerio de Salud – Ministry of Health)

• Reduction of: – Maternal mortality – Infant mortality

• currently, approximately 20 deaths/1000 live births

– High fertility and birth rates – Cancer mortality

• Newest initiative: extermination plan against Chikungunya • destruction of mosquito

breeding grounds • promotion of bug spray use

Clínica Verde: “A New Model of Care for Families in Need”

• Located in the rural outskirts of Boaco

• American non-governmental organization (NGO)

• Outpatient community clinic

• Focus on quality medical care, as well as health education for the underserved

Clínica Verde Missions

• Preventative health care – Cervical cancer screenings

• PAP smears for early detection

– Club de Adolescentes • Youth counseling program

students can be involved in after school

• Provision of education on adolescent sexual and reproductive health

• Proper nutrition – Healthy living habits

• Self-sustainability

“A global prototype of a sustainably designed health clinic”

• Eco-friendly building design • Resource conscious • “Celebration of the

human spirit

• Organic garden • Teaching tool for

growing and cultivating produce

Casa Materna

• Government-run home for pregnant women living in rural communities

• Located adjacent to healthcare facilities, the lack of which often leads to death in rural areas

• Improvement of infant and mother mortality

• Charlas (talks) provided on prenatal and postpartum nutrition

• Small rural community with only one nurse as a healthcare provider

• Community outreach by Clínica Verde • set-up in community’s library • free consultations and vitamins • medications at reduced costs

Community Outreach: Las Lagunas

Typical Clinic Day

6:30 am Get up, get ready, make breakfast

7:30/7:45 am Get a taxi

7:45/8:00 am Arrive at clinic

8:00-12 noon Time with general practitioner, gynecologist,

nurses, or in the lab 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch at clinic, homemade by one of workers

1:00-3:00 pm Lecture from one of the doctors or nurses

3:00-4:30 pm Fulfill any remaining tasks OR return back to

Boaco

Typical Afternoon

• Walks around the market

• Banana splits/ice cream by the park

• Dulce de leche raspado

– Shaved ice

Evenings

• Dinner with walks around Boaco • Hangout time with Dra. Reyes • Listening to the sounds of the

nighttime fairs – relaxing at home

• Really great and kind host mom (and family)

• Some chances to practice Spanish

• Private bedroom and bathroom for a fraction of hotel costs

• Chance to “live like a local” with independence

Homestay

Noms…that weren’t

sold in restaurants

• Nacatamal

– the traditional Nicaraguan tamale made only on the weekends

• Güirila con cajada • a fresh, white

corn tortilla with a white cheese curd

• Enchiladitas • traditional

snack of Boaco

Aka: Our Favorite Food

• Cerdo (o pollo) con tajadas verdes

– Pork (or chicken) with fried plantain chips

– Food from our favorite fritanga

– All less than $4.00

Weekend in Granada • Catch-up time with friends

• Experience in Clínica Alabama-Granada – different from

Clínica Verde

Expenses (rough estimation)

Flight (roundtrip) $760

Clínica Verde Internship Fee $1000 ($250/week)

Homestay for 4 weeks (+ $10 “gift”)

$100

Food $500

Transportation in Nicaragua $90

Excursions (hostel, activities) $220

Gifts and Souvenirs $200

Miscellaneous (fan, mosquito net, daily essentials)

$85

Total $2955

Tips

• Learn as much Spanish beforehand as possible • Continue to learn and practice Spanish

while abroad

• Bring small bills for daily use: more $1’s and $5’s • Bring large bills for “emergency/backup” money

• Boaco ATMs not always stocked with US dollars

• Bring a fan…or invest in one while there!

• Meet Peace Corps volunteers to help you navigate the area

• Have an open mind…and an open heart!

Make connections…

…they’re the lasting

memories.

“…The journey changes you – it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your

heart, and on your body. You take

something with you… Hopefully, you leave

something good behind.”