My name is Alesandra Rau and I am a junior at the University of Southern California, pursing a major in biological sciences with a pre-med emphasis. Next month, I will be spending my spring break in Riobamba, Ecuador, as a volunteer with MedLife. I have wanted to volunteer on a medical brigade since my freshman year, and the timing of this opportunity is all the more meaningful as I prepare for the MCAT and start my medical school applications.

We will be setting up a free medical clinic for this underserved community. Without this program, these people would not have access to much needed health services including preventative gynecological services, access to medications to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, and dental hygiene services. I will have the opportunity to work alongside medical professionals to observe and learn from their work by assisting with patient intake, triage, pharmacy, and educational programs.

This trip builds upon the experience I had this past summer as a volunteer at the Samaritan House Free Clinic which provides preventative health services to the working poor in Redwood City, CA. Shadowing the doctors and the impact on their patients has been one of the most profound in my pursuit of a medical career.

One of the program’s requirements is that we cover all of our expenses (program and airfare) which is why I am asking friends and family for support. Any and every donation is greatly appreciated. I will be in Ecuador from March 11th to 19th and will be updating this page with pictures and stories throughout the trip. I am excited to share my experiences with you!

If you are interested in learning more about this amazing program and the Ecuadorian community I’ll be working in, please visit MedLife’s website:  https://www.medlifeweb.org/where-we-work/riobamba.html