Category: Mili

As my fulfilling journey in the field of Public Health and Nutrition practicum comes to a close, I reflect on the remarkable experiences that have shaped my path. Throughout my practicum, I witnessed the seamless integration of clinical expertise, field trips, and community engagement, forging strong bridges between them. This holistic approach has revealed the transformative power of nutrition and public health in promoting well-being.

And let’s not forget the luck I have in enjoying fresh avocados every day from my friend’s garden, reminding me of the abundance of healthy food options available to us.

Clinical Expertise: Nurturing Health from the Inside Out

Within clinical settings, under the guidance of Dr. Caro Roman, we had the privilege of assessing and addressing the nutritional needs of diverse patient populations. Together, we developed algorithms for managing conditions such as dysphagia, gastrostomy/jejunostomy, and created personalized artisanal diets for patients at Clinica de la Merced. These innovative approaches ensured that patients with specific nutritional requirements received optimal care.

These experiences reinforced the importance of evidence-based practices in delivering optimal nutritional care and highlighted the vital role nutrition plays in patients’ recovery and overall well-being. Our collaboration and innovative approaches have contributed to improved patient outcomes and enhanced the quality of care provided.

Medical Brigades: Empowering Communities through Nutrition

Participating in medical brigades provided a platform to directly engage with communities in need and make a tangible impact on their well-being. From assessing the nutritional status of individuals of all ages to delivering personalized nutritional counseling, I witnessed the transformative power of education and support. These brigades, conducted in vulnerable areas, such as Lloa and Pifo, Pichincha, offered communities their first exposure to formal nutrition education and invaluable access to professional guidance.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been the appreciation I have received from individuals who have never had the opportunity to connect with a nutritionist or a professional in this field. Being able to offer them guidance and support and witnessing the positive impact it has on their health fills my heart with gratitude. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of bridging the gap between clinical expertise and the community, ensuring that nutrition is accessible to all.

Water Quality and Public Health: Safeguarding Communities’ Well-being

Immersive field trips to breathtaking locations like Lago San Pablo and the Río Machángara unveiled a profound correlation between water quality and public health. Through hands-on water quality testing and assessments, I witnessed the impact of contaminated water sources on the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated risks. Studies conducted in Ecuador’s Lake and River areas have specifically highlighted the heightened vulnerability of indigenous communities and their children living near these bodies of water. Addressing water contamination becomes an imperative step in preventing malnutrition and improving the overall health of the community.

These eye-opening experiences deepened my understanding of the environmental factors that shape nutritional outcomes and underscored the need for comprehensive interventions that consider both nutrition and water quality. We observed a profound correlation between contaminated water sources and the prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations living near the Lago San Pablo and the Río Machángara. Notably, the Río Machángara exhibited higher levels of pollution compared to other water sources. These findings emphasize the critical importance of addressing water quality issues and their detrimental impact on community health, particularly in areas like the Río Machángara.

I am immensely grateful for the invaluable opportunity to work with La Universidad San Francisco de Quito and learn from the expertise of Ma. Belén Ocampo and Daniela Chiquito. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my learning journey and has contributed significantly to my growth in the field.

– Mili

Please note: All pictures shown in this blog have obtained permission for posting.

Join me on a heartfelt journey in Ecuador as I share one of the most impactful experiences from this summer. I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a medical and nutrition brigade in Canoa, where I actively engaged in initiatives that uplifted and empowered those in need. I will share the heartwarming and eye-opening experience of being part of a dedicated team of nutritionists and doctors who seek to improve the nutrition status of vulnerable populations. Our mission went beyond improving health; we aimed to address social determinants of health, provide culturally adapted nutrition education, and build trust within the community for future interactions.

Assessing Nutrition Status

Working alongside a team of passionate nutritionists, we assessed the nutritional status of approximately 240 individuals, including infants, children, teenagers, adults, and pregnant women in Canoa. Through the collection of anthropometric measurements and interactions with children and families, we gained valuable insights into the nutritional challenges faced by the community. We identified key factors such as economic inequalities, poverty, domestic abuse, lack of access to clean water, and other social determinants of health that were impacting the community’s well-being.

Empowering the Community through Education and Trust

In Canoa, we prioritized empowering the community through culturally adapted nutrition education and building trust. Through evidence-based strategies, workshops, counseling sessions, and community outreach programs, individuals in Canoa gained the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and nutrition, while respecting their cultural beliefs.

This experience reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making and the transformative power of education and trust in empowering communities. It deepened my understanding of the impact targeted interventions can have on promoting positive health outcomes!

By empowering the community and building trust, we laid the foundation for sustainable change and a healthier future in Canoa.

Lessons Learned and Future Initiatives 

My role involved evaluating and analyzing the data collected. Based on the findings, we identified challenges such as malnutrition, stunted growth, and obesity in the community, particularly among teenagers. To address these issues effectively, I evaluated potential initiatives for implementation. One important strategy we considered was the involvement of promotoras de salud, or community health workers. Their cultural knowledge and trusted position within the community make them valuable in providing culturally adapted nutrition education, monitoring progress, and facilitating access to healthcare services. By incorporating promotoras de salud, we empower the community and create lasting change!

I feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with La Universidad San Francisco de Quito and learn alongside Caro Román and Mónica Villar this summer.

 

– Mili