UNK students offer care and gain expertise during Peru outreach trip

KEARNEY, Neb. (KLKN) — University of Kearney at Nebraska (UNK) students embarked on a medical outreach trip to Cusco, Peru. 24 students provided care and learned from patients and doctors.

A student said the trip helped them learn about healthcare.

“This experience is one like no other,” Alivia Pike, a UNK junior from Ashland, said. “It is a hands-on opportunity engaging directly with patients and doctors while immersing yourself in another culture. If you love to travel, embrace new culture and learn more about healthcare, this opportunity is perfect for you.”

The trip was organized through the UNK chapter of VAW Global Health Alliances. VAW Global is a nonprofit that offers healthcare and education around the world.

Many students with different majors were involved in the trip including psychobiology, pre-medical and exercise science.

Students were able to attend celebrations, provide free care and medications to more than 600 patients, research, visit local establishments and observe professionals.

“The locals receiving the care we provided were beyond grateful,” Pike said. “The people in these locations have difficulty receiving healthcare due to long travel times, insufficient funds or lack of knowledge. Because of this, our services were a great resource to them, and they were overjoyed to receive care.”

The students were also able to gain valuable life lessons.

“The experience I have gained from this trip will allow me to better understand and connect with different groups of people and understand the differences in culture to allow for a better visit or consultation with patients in the future,” Brody Eberle, a UNK sophomore from Doniphan who served as the group’s clinical share, said.