Jan. 3-23, 2001

 NASC 210

Manchester College

Mission El Hormiguero: "The Anthill"

Travel Experiences:
*International Flight
* Managuan Excursions
* Managua-Mulukuku
* Mulukuku-El Hormiguero

Clinical Rotations
Intake
General Practice
Pediatrics
OB-GYN
Pharmacy
Dental

Excursions/Sightseeing
Managua
Masaya
The Rainforest
Pochomil

Trip Highlights                 News Conference      
Rainforest Hike
Village Celebrations
Student Highlights

Welcome to the 2001 Medical Practicum Website!  This site is intended to inform the public about the Medical Practicum course.  Medical Practicum is an annual January-term class that travels to Nicaragua for three weeks.  In Nicaragua, enrolled students have the opportunity to practice healthcare alongside licensed doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, etc.  The January 2001 trip was the 9th trip to Nicaragua and the 19th Medical Practicum trip to Central America.

The clinic was divided into individual rotations.  Each day, the students would work with a different doctor or nurse.  One student was assigned to one physician daily (with the exception of the dentist, who worked in El Hormiguero for one week).  The students worked in a new station each day.

The teams work in conjunction with the Maria Luisa Ortiz Clinic stationed in Mulukuku.  Dorothea Granada is the Coordinator of the Mulukuku clinic. 

Unfortunately, a fierce political battle prevented the 2001 Medical Practicum group from providing healthcare to the Mulukuku community.  Dorothea Granada was accused by the Nicaraguan president Arnoldo Aleman of performing abortions at the clinic.  This false accusation was used to close the clinic in Mulukuku.  

However, the medical brigade successfully entered Nicaraguan territory.  The group travelled to El Hormiguero, a small village isolated in northeastern Nicaragua.  This was a unique opportunity since no other brigade has ever served the El Hormiguero area.  The Medical Practicum group treated 1700 patients over nine days.  Furthermore, Grenada was recently cleared of all legal charges.

The trip was an incredible experience!  Medical Practicum is a breathtaking adventure worthy of any student who loves to help other people, is adventurous, and has the ability to adapt for survival.  The course will change your perceptions of healthcare, politics, and humanity.  If you have the courage and drive to serve others, then join the ranks of our Medical Practicum team!

Created by:   Andrew Hodges

Using Microsoft FrontPage

Dr. Terrie Salupo-Bryant, Department of Chemistry, TSalupo@manchester.edu

Photographs Courtesy: Mary Schwartzentruber, Andrew Hodges