From Ray Chu, volunteer

I am a volunteer, I have no medical or professional training, yet Monday comes and my team and I jump right into delivering fluoride treatments to schoolchildren's' teeth and teaching them about proper personal hygiene. Tuesday comes and we've helped over 1500 children. But Thursday rolls by and I'm right in the OR for a minor surgery. I may just be a volunteer but we are all here to do the same thing, help those who cannot afford healthcare; and that is what makes us all the same. Never have I experienced a program that brings us all together as such a collective force of good; it is what broght me back this year and what will bring me again next year.

From Magdala LaFontant, podiatry resident

I enjoyed every minute of this trip. It was my first mission and i am definitely going next year. I will share more of my experience later but it was soooooooooooooo fun, educational, and life changing for my self and the people of Ayacucho.

From Carolina Menjivar, family medicine physician

[Google translation into English below]

La paciente venía de Santa Ana, una mujer quechua de 66 años. “Se me baja la matriz” dijo. Me enseñó y confirmó lo que temia- un prolapso uterino total. Una condición que que nunca veré en los Estados Unidos ya que es prevenida y operada immediatamente. La paciente prosigió a enseñarme como se acomodaba su utero y lo retornaba en su abdomen cuando subia los pradios y montañas que caminaba todos los días. El prolapso uterino total es muy incómodo y doloroso. La valentía de esta paciente, y su actitud hacia su condición es una de las muchas historias que me llevo de la Mision USA Ayacuho. Fue una semana de muchas experiencias pero tambien de mucha esperanza al ver la dignidad de pacientes con pocos recursos y acceso a tratamientos medicos.

The patient came from Santa Ana, a Quechua woman of 66 years. "My uterus is falling" she said.  She showed me and confirmed what I feared, a total uterine prolapse, a condition that I'll never see in the United States because it is prevented and operated immediately. The patient showed me how she placed her uterus in her abdominal cavity when she would walk through the mountains every day. The total uterine prolapse is very uncomfortable and painful. The courage of this patient and her attitude toward her condition is one of the many stories that I took  from the Ayacucho Mission. It was a week of many experiences but also of great hope to see the dignity of patients with few resources and access to medical treatment.

From Jamie Judge, registered nurse

I really don't even know where to start. I knew this trip would be amazing, but words really can't even begin to describe what I have experienced. I never thought I could feel so much all at once. From being overwhelmed and frustrated in the OR, to seeing a smile on a child's face when I gave him a toy, to having to hold back tears when speaking with a grieving family. I'm pretty sure in the past few days I have felt every emotion possible. I really couldn´t be more thankful for this experience. Not only have I learned a lot about myself, but I have also learned a lot about people. I am leaving with new friends, a new appreciation for medical care in America, and a spot in my heart for Ayacucho and its people. I am so grateful and could not imagine ever feeling more blessed than I do in this moment.

From Romel Hinostroza, volunteer from Ayacucho

I hope you come to Perù one more time.  You have a new friend here!

From Tiff Tam, medical student

Today was definitely the icing on the cake of this entire experience. I was able to view many different surgeries, but on top of that, was able to remind myself of what I learned this previous semester at school. But, what made this entire mission worthwhile is the fact that we can leave feeling like nothing can compare to the compassion a human being can give to another, being it a hug or saving a life. I can't help but remember holding this child with down syndrome and just making him smile. That was a moment I'll remember.

From Emily Chen, Medical Student

I have to keep this brief because there is a line to use the internet. This whole week has been extremely well rounded in terms of experiences; from extremely moving cases that bring you to tears to being able to scrub in for the first time ever... I will never forget my time here.

From Judith Polanco, translator

Arrived from Peru 2 days ago. Time flew. The whole group was just the best.  We all worked hard and we didn't mind it. Leadership team was excellent. I would like to thank Loretta, John, and Cesar for all your help and for letting us share in this great cause.

An anonymous entry from a volunteer

This was emailed by a volunteer who wanted to share this anonymously.


Anonymous post from a volunteer:

The experiences I have had here have been nothing short of incredible. My first day in Peru consisted of a 9 hour bus ride from Lima to Ayacucho through the Andes Moutains. The sights were breathtaking. Our second day allowed us some time to rest and adjust to the altitude and our new surroundings. I enjoyed some of the delicious food in the city and bought some beautiful souvenirs for friends and family back home. Our third day in Peru was our first in the clinic. I worked side by side with Dr. Wayne Wells as he saw probably 40-50 patients over 10 hours in our family medicine tent outside the hospital. Patients had a broad variety of complaints ranging from scabies to weakness to abdominal pain. A surprising number of our patients broke down in tears in the clinic, describing to us their struggles with depression, family, or work. Luckily, we have a Psychiatrist on our mission that we were able to refer our patients to. Dr. Wells became my impromptu teacher, showing me how to listen to patients' lung sounds, diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or explaining to me how to observe subtle nuances in patients' behavior and study their body language as he made often difficult diagnoses.

Our fourth day, we traveled for about an hour along windy roads through the Andes until we reached the quaint village of Quinua. We started off the day with a "song and a prayer" by Raquel and the rest of her staff at the hospital there. I assisted Petra and Nicole in the Diabetes clinic as we tested patients' blood glucose levels. Later, I switched over to Pharmacy, where I helped Ashley fill prescriptions. Adrian and Nicole were given the opportunity to interview patients, collecting a review of systems and history of present illness, under the supervision of Dr. Hougen. Later, we explored the beautiful city of Quinua. On our way home, we stopped to hike up a steep hill to visit "El Salvador" and take photos of the breathtaking view.

Our fifth day, today, I shadowed Dr. Khan in surgery. Dr. Khan performed three complicated hernia repairs and two cholecystectomies. I was struck by his confidence and poise in the OR as he showed me and another volunteer some of the tricks he had learned over the years. We were allowed to scrub in on two cases, retracting wounds and assisting him as much as we could.

I have been struck by the Peruvians here in Ayacucho. They are incredibly resourceful, honest, polite, and grateful people. It has been an honor and a privelege visiting their country and doing what I can to help. Though my Spanish is limited, I've learned that at times, a simple smile and a gentle touch can communicate far more than words ever could. Though we have often worked 10-12 hour days, it's easy to forget how tired you are or how much your feet hurt when you realize how much the people here need our help. At times, I have done little more than carry messages from one end of the hospital to the other or fetch patients or supplies, but I know that every little bit helps. I could care less about what I am doing, as long as I am helping to keep things running smoothly with the rest of the PAMS team to help the Peruvians. The camaraderie and teamwork evinced by the rest of the team has been incredibly inspiring in itself and I look forward to my last 2 days here.

I'd like to end this post with these final words--this has been one of my favorite quotes since high school, but I can't say I really quite understood it's meaning until this summer, when I traveled to Ayacucho to volunteer with the PAMS medical mission: 


"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable." -Joseph Addison

From Pete Rippey, medical resident

This was my first mission to Ayacucho. I had no idea what to expect, but what an amazing and rewarding experience! I have made so many new friends on the mission and in the town as well. The second day of the mission was especially busy and I kept seeing patients while another patient was waiting for test to be resulted. She was gesturing and said something I didn´t understand. I asked the interpreter what she said and he told me that she was giving me a blessing because I had so many patients to see. I think that moment really captured the heart of the Ayacuchan people and why this trip was so rewarding for me. I hope that I will be able to come again next year!

From Lauren French, medical student

This week has been incredible! As a medical student I got the opportunity to see so many clinical cases that are really rare back home and I really appreciate the opportunity to improve my clinical skills by working with an amazing group of physicians. I have met so many incredible people this week and I am just so grateful for the experience.

From Adrienne Innofuentes, volunteer

Pharmacy is always a fun place to work at. Too bad sujal wasnt there to dance the electric slide or the ymca with us during our break!  The hospital setting is more comfortable than i thopught thanks to coming along on this mission. i love it here ;)

From Toshie Ahluwalia, volunteer

So far, this trip has been an extremely rewarding experience. I couldn´t have imagined that I would have an opportunity to be so involved in a medical mission in an amazing location like Ayacucho, Peru. From working in the clinic in Huanta, to the GYN clinic, to dispensing more than 400 prescriptions, these past three days have been extremely rewarding. The extent to which the patients are grateful for any help is a daily reminder of the value of this mission. Also, the comraderie amongst all the volunteers has been an experience I believe to be unique to a mission like this. I am very grateful to have been able to join this mission, and look forward to future visits.

From Nicole Shirvani, medical student

Going to Quinua yesterday was something else. Raquel, founder of the Salud Comunitaria Clinic, welcomed us with open arms. She has with her an amazing team that bring much needed care to this little town. It was a privilege to help out. Patients ranged from tiny tots to those who were probably great great grandparents by now. A 16 year old girl with headaches just needed an eye exam and reading glasses, so glad that was made possible for her...just one story among many.

From Traci Fortney, Registered Nurse

This trip has been one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Yeah, we´ve been working our butts off (Dr. Farooqi especially, lol) in the OR, but what a rewarding experience overall. I love walking through the halls in the morning and seeing all the grateful faces of the people here in Ayacucho. So far, in the 3 days we have been operating we have done over 30 surgeries. Trust me, that is a ton with only 2 rooms available to use, 2 OR nurses and only 1 general surgeon, 1 colo-rectal, 1 gyne, and 1 urologist. The patients keep coming and despite the fact we haven´t stopped to eat, we keep going and doing the cases. I am definitely looking forward to coming back next year.

From Adrian Tripp, volunteer

This is the third time I have been to Ayacucho, and I feel that I get more out of each week every time I come down here.

This is my first year going to Quinua.. This has to be one of my most memorable experiences yet. The drive up to the town was beautiful, and the people there were so humble and appreciative of the help the mission provided. On our way back to Ayacucho, our bus managed to stop (not without some negotiations and some back-tracking) at the "Salvador"- a giant statue of Christ in the middle of a mountain. We all braved the climb and got a magnificent 360 view.

The great thing about the PAMS mission is that every little job contributes significantly to the greater cause. As much as I feel and see the positive changes in the lives of the patients, what we learn - about ourselves, about another culture, about medicine, and about humanity- is as much a reward as the smiles, thanks, handshakes, and blessings from our patients.

From John Billimek, Director of Volunteer Services

On Sunday, I visited the small town of Quinua with our medical director, a pediatrician and a translator.  We went out there to meet with some of the leaders of the surrounding communities to introduce what the mission does and, more importantly, to listen to the issues they want the most help with.


We went in expecting 8 to 10 people to join us, but instead found an auditorium full of over fifty members of the community--motivated, energetic people who have a rich history of working together to improve the town.  Well, actually, the auditorium was pretty much empty until 10:00am when someone from outside called for us to watch the raising of the Peruvian flag in the square.  A color guard of 5 police officers presented and raised the flag, and played the national anthem which the small crowd sang exuberantly with hands on their hearts.  And then we headed into the auditorium, which grew full with engaged citizens.

They told us what they were most concerned about--poor water quality, inadequate nutrition for their kids, even small practical things like a lack of emergency first aid supplies to treat injuries from accidents.  But they aren't looking for charity; they are looking for a partner.

The night before the conference I lost sleep for two reasons:  One is that I couldn't shake the excitement from the thought that our long standing goal to expand the mission to the countryside was just hours away from being realized.  But the second is that I was nervous that we would not be able to deliver everything we would like to promise.  By the end of the meeting, however, I realized that the people of Quinua are not interested in riding along--they want to push the cart.  They want Ayacucho Mission to be a resource for them, providing treatment, helping study the causes and solutions to health problems, and supporting their efforts.  We are only a few steps into this partnership, but as the community leaders applauded with contagious pride that made my eyes well up a little, I can see we have lots to look forward to working together.

Stories from the Field

The hard work of our team of 87 volunteers is surrounded by stories, connections and experiences that deserve to be preserved and shared.

This blog is dedicated to posts as short as 4 words ("I love lomo saltado!") or as long as 500 that reflect those moments that would just rush by if we let them.  Here are stories from the field, as lived by the volunteers of Ayacucho Mission.