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MIZZOU GMT

Global Medical Training Chapter at the University of Missouri - Columbia

Ecuador Summer Trip 2022

Packing meeting

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Ecuador? General tips?

  • Weather:
    • Average high temperatures around mid 60F, lows around high 40s.
  • Download Spanish google translate ☺
    • (this does not need data once it’s been downloaded)
  • Wi-fi?
    • The hotel will have wi-fi!
    • You absolutely do not need a data plan but there are some cheap options to stay in touch!
  • Check the flight doc to see who all is on your flight!
    • Travelling with others is a lot more fun and easier if you don’t know what to expect. Make friends!
    • LInk to this doc will be sent out in an email

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Packing List

  • Try to bring ONE SUITCASE

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Essentials:

  • Passport
  • Copies of Passport (FOUR OF THEM)
    • Parents, yourself, two for us
  • Phone & Charger (plus an extra)
  • Medications/Sunscreen/Bug Spray
  • Money (Cash & Card)
    • Entry fee/tourist card fee is included in the flight price
    • Cash for airport to hotel transportation (around $15 (?))
  • DONATIONS
    • We are dividing up donations so save some space!

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Packing List (clinic)

  • Scrubs (3-5 pairs)
  • Clinic supplies
    • stethoscope, bp cuff, & penlight
      • NOT required but very useful to have
    • Notebook, writing utensils
    • HEADLAMP- DENTISTRY (not required)
    • watches (with SECONDS HAND for taking pulse)
  • Backpack (for clinic)
  • Water Bottle (screw on *)
  • GMT papers

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Packing List (clothing)

  • Clothing for a week (summerish)
  • GMT t-shirt
  • Swimsuit
  • PJs
  • Jacket/Sweatshirt & leggings/pants for travel and cooler nights
  • Outerwear/night clothes for downtown
    • NOT BAR WEAR, FIRST DATE WEAR
  • Rain jacket
  • Socks
  • Tennis Shoes (will get dusty/dirty)- clinic
  • Other shoes (sandals, nice shoes)

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Packing List (toiletries, etc.)

  • Contacts AND GLASSES
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Hairbrush
  • Face wash
  • Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
  • Razor
  • Lotion
  • Plastic bags
  • Headphones
  • Snacks

Many of these items (i.e. shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, snacks, etc.) can be bought ON THE TRIP. This will save you a lot of room while packing for donations and taking back souvenirs you may purchase)

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What NOT to bring…

  • Flashy jewelry/watches
  • Nice cameras (especially to clinic)
  • Laptops
  • Apple watches
  • NO Go Pros at clinic
  • NO PHONES AT CLINIC (leave in bag)

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  • The hotels usually have small safes to store valuables such as your passport.
  • Expensive items could get stolen!

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Health Concerns

  • According to the CDC, MMR & Flu shot vaccinations are recommended before travel. (You need MMR to go to school here :) )
  • Yellow Fever vaccinations are not recommended for travel limited to Lima, Cusco, or Machu Picchu
  • Malaria is not common in Lima, Ica or Cusco. You can be put on preventative medication for a fairly cheap cost
  • Speak to your doctor to decide your plan if you are concerned about any of these asap!
  • More Info: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru

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Voluntourism…

  • We ARE NOT here to:
    • Take pictures for Instagram
      • selfies, captions, “white savior complex”
    • Pity the people we see/meet
    • Treat others like we are superior to them
    • Make our resumes look good
    • “save” people

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  • We ARE here to:
    • Empower the communities with our skills and resources
    • Educate the communities so that they can help themselves
    • Experience & learn about a new culture
    • Make new friends!!!!

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  • How???
    • Speak TO THE PATIENT (not the translator)
    • Always ask permission before doing any physical exam
    • Think about the photos you are taking- what messages do they convey? Permission?
    • Put your phone away during clinics
    • Do not ask for certain patient

Keep in mind throughout the trip what our goal is. Why are we here? What purpose do we hope to serve?

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Write down your answer to this question!

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Other Rules to Follow

  • Be respectful of the culture and the people

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  • If you choose to drink (or not to drink) then that is totally fine!
    • We treat you all as adults and allow you to make your own choices.
    • It’s totally fine to relax, have a drink with dinner, etc.
    • HOWEVER, if you get sick, are unable to function in clinic, or get too crazy, we will not be happy. And we want to have fun! So be responsible.

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  • NO SEX. YOU WILL GET PREGNANT. AND DIE.

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QUESTIONS?

C

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Think of more questions later???

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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We are so excited to be sharing this experience with all of you!!!

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Get ready for the best experience :)