Brigade 50
In July 2015, 14 first-year students from Boucher joined 3 students from NCNM to form NDI Brigade #50. Although we were filled with anticipation to travel to Ometepe and volunteer at NDI’s clinic there, circumstances would have it that we would be part of NDI’s first traveling brigade.
This unique opportunity saw us travel first to the community of Ciudad Sandino, just outside of Managua, one of the poorest areas in Nicaragua where temporary homes set up after Hurricane Mitch became permanent residences. There, we volunteered with the Clinica Nueva Vida (New Life Clinic), a project of the Jubilee House Community. We worked alongside the doctors, nurses, translators and staff at the clinic to gain a deeper understanding of the mission and functioning of the clinic in light of the challenges faced by the community. From community visits to pregnant and new mothers, to patient visits including ultrasounds, pap smears, and injections, to lab work and pharmacy dispensing, and evening courses, our days were busy from sunrise until sunset. We came to appreciate the incredible work of the clinic and gained valuable experience in physical examination, as well as performed our first B12 injections and acupuncture needling.
We then traveled to Nagarote, where we stayed with host families and worked with NicaPhoto, a community outreach program for children of the nearby barrios (community) as well as Centro Agroecológico Biointensivo, a biointensive farming practice. The focus changed from medical to cultural exchange. The warmth with which we were received was indescribable – we were moved by the community into which we were welcomed.
This experience changed us and challenged us to carry in our hearts what we witnessed in Nicaragua, to let it shape us and invite growth and reflection. This experience will certainly influence us as future doctors!
This unique opportunity saw us travel first to the community of Ciudad Sandino, just outside of Managua, one of the poorest areas in Nicaragua where temporary homes set up after Hurricane Mitch became permanent residences. There, we volunteered with the Clinica Nueva Vida (New Life Clinic), a project of the Jubilee House Community. We worked alongside the doctors, nurses, translators and staff at the clinic to gain a deeper understanding of the mission and functioning of the clinic in light of the challenges faced by the community. From community visits to pregnant and new mothers, to patient visits including ultrasounds, pap smears, and injections, to lab work and pharmacy dispensing, and evening courses, our days were busy from sunrise until sunset. We came to appreciate the incredible work of the clinic and gained valuable experience in physical examination, as well as performed our first B12 injections and acupuncture needling.
We then traveled to Nagarote, where we stayed with host families and worked with NicaPhoto, a community outreach program for children of the nearby barrios (community) as well as Centro Agroecológico Biointensivo, a biointensive farming practice. The focus changed from medical to cultural exchange. The warmth with which we were received was indescribable – we were moved by the community into which we were welcomed.
This experience changed us and challenged us to carry in our hearts what we witnessed in Nicaragua, to let it shape us and invite growth and reflection. This experience will certainly influence us as future doctors!
Brigade 44
"I would have never thought that my life would have changed in just 10 days. People were so receptive to you and thanked you continuously for your presence. What an amazingly beautiful place to reconnect with your passion for medicine."
-Natasha R.
"My experience with NDI was like nothing I have ever experienced. I have come away from it a changed person. Not only have my medical skills improved, but I have gained a whole new appreciation for the life I lead. I am forever grateful for this opportunity."
-Amelia W.
"Going to Ometepe, Nicaragua was a life changing experience. The work we did there was amazing, and the love and appreciation we received in return was even greater. Each of the patients that were helped left the clinic happy and cared for. I am more empowered and motivated than ever to continue my studies as a Naturopath, and it is now one of my TOP priorities to continue offering community work for the years to come. NDI is a truly amazing organization that helps SO many people that live in poverty, and struggle to have the means to cover basic necessities. I feel so grateful to have been able to contribute to such a meaningful cause. The stories and people I met have made me reflect and redefine my goals in life. Living and experiencing the lifestyle that people in Ometepe have, has given me a whole new perspective and has redirected many of my viewpoints. It was amazing to have met people from different parts of the world to join and work together with the goal of helping the patients in Nicaragua. It is quite a contrast to be back in the society I live in. This has reminded me of how fortunate I am, and my goal to help those that need it the most is clearer than ever."
-Carolina L.
-Natasha R.
"My experience with NDI was like nothing I have ever experienced. I have come away from it a changed person. Not only have my medical skills improved, but I have gained a whole new appreciation for the life I lead. I am forever grateful for this opportunity."
-Amelia W.
"Going to Ometepe, Nicaragua was a life changing experience. The work we did there was amazing, and the love and appreciation we received in return was even greater. Each of the patients that were helped left the clinic happy and cared for. I am more empowered and motivated than ever to continue my studies as a Naturopath, and it is now one of my TOP priorities to continue offering community work for the years to come. NDI is a truly amazing organization that helps SO many people that live in poverty, and struggle to have the means to cover basic necessities. I feel so grateful to have been able to contribute to such a meaningful cause. The stories and people I met have made me reflect and redefine my goals in life. Living and experiencing the lifestyle that people in Ometepe have, has given me a whole new perspective and has redirected many of my viewpoints. It was amazing to have met people from different parts of the world to join and work together with the goal of helping the patients in Nicaragua. It is quite a contrast to be back in the society I live in. This has reminded me of how fortunate I am, and my goal to help those that need it the most is clearer than ever."
-Carolina L.
Brigade 43
Fresh out of first year in July 2014, nineteen Boucher students from the ND17A cohort packed their bags and headed to Nicaragua to volunteer with Natural Doctors International. Filled with anticipation and excitement, the group brought down about 180 lbs of supplements (approx. $20,000) that was very generously donated by various nutraceutical companies. After a very rainy and rocky boat ride to the island of Ometepe, Brigade 43 arrived and was introduced to their host families. These families graciously took the members into their homes and quickly made them a part of their family despite the fact for most communication skills were rusty at best.
Like Brigades before early mornings and late nights were daily occurrences. Despite this crazy schedule, the excitement of all the new experiences kept everyone going. Although there was a worry in our skills and how useful we could be in a real clinic setting, everything from first year came rushing back and our brigade jumped in with both feet. Other than the physical exams, our brigade had the opportunity to gain many valuable hands on clinical experiences. From administering a B12 shot, performing massage, inserting acupuncture needles, applying special physical tests, observing gynecological exams to assisting the doctors in the diagnosis and treatment protocols of patients, we were kept very busy. Outside of the clinic, connections were made with the community and host families that are hard to describe in words. It is an indescribable feeling to be taken in by a family that has so little and to see them try and give you so much. Every small gesture means so much more.
There was not only a gain in clinical experience and knowledge from this trip, but also personal growth of indescribable value felt by each Brigade member. NDI is an experience that will not soon be forgotten by Brigade 43.
Like Brigades before early mornings and late nights were daily occurrences. Despite this crazy schedule, the excitement of all the new experiences kept everyone going. Although there was a worry in our skills and how useful we could be in a real clinic setting, everything from first year came rushing back and our brigade jumped in with both feet. Other than the physical exams, our brigade had the opportunity to gain many valuable hands on clinical experiences. From administering a B12 shot, performing massage, inserting acupuncture needles, applying special physical tests, observing gynecological exams to assisting the doctors in the diagnosis and treatment protocols of patients, we were kept very busy. Outside of the clinic, connections were made with the community and host families that are hard to describe in words. It is an indescribable feeling to be taken in by a family that has so little and to see them try and give you so much. Every small gesture means so much more.
There was not only a gain in clinical experience and knowledge from this trip, but also personal growth of indescribable value felt by each Brigade member. NDI is an experience that will not soon be forgotten by Brigade 43.
Brigade 36
In July of 2013, eighteen first year Boucher students from the ND16A cohort trekked down to Ometepe, Nicaragua for the 10 day Global Health Course and to volunteer at the Natural Doctors International clinic in the small village of Los Angeles. With 10 hockey bags full of supplements and equipment in tow, generously donated by neutraceutical companies from across North America, Brigade #36 was gratefully received by the resident Naturopathic Doctors, the physical therapist and the clinical psychologist currently volunteering their time and expertise at the non-profit clinic. Their excitement for our arrival was out shadowed only by the local community and our homestay families that hosted us for our 10 day stay.
It was an incredible experience for all of us that participated in this volunteer experience. Our days began with an early morning wake up call from the roosters and a home cooked breakfast from our house ‘moms’. The families that hosted us were all absolutely wonderful and patient with our (sometimes suspect) Spanish abilities. From the young children in the homes, to the chickens and cows in the yard, to the moms who cooked for us and taught us how to do our own laundry on the scrub board, being welcomed into the community was certainly one of the top highlights of the trip.
Breakfast was followed by 2 shifts in the NDI clinic, wherein we would shadow the resident Naturopathic Doctors, perform physical exams on patients while they waited for the doctor outside beside the mango tree, and help brainstorm and prepare treatment plans for the patients. This hands-on introduction to providing care was an invaluable experience for each and every one of us medical students; we all gained skills, knowledge and experience that will surely shape our futures as student clinicians and doctors.
It was an incredible experience for all of us that participated in this volunteer experience. Our days began with an early morning wake up call from the roosters and a home cooked breakfast from our house ‘moms’. The families that hosted us were all absolutely wonderful and patient with our (sometimes suspect) Spanish abilities. From the young children in the homes, to the chickens and cows in the yard, to the moms who cooked for us and taught us how to do our own laundry on the scrub board, being welcomed into the community was certainly one of the top highlights of the trip.
Breakfast was followed by 2 shifts in the NDI clinic, wherein we would shadow the resident Naturopathic Doctors, perform physical exams on patients while they waited for the doctor outside beside the mango tree, and help brainstorm and prepare treatment plans for the patients. This hands-on introduction to providing care was an invaluable experience for each and every one of us medical students; we all gained skills, knowledge and experience that will surely shape our futures as student clinicians and doctors.
Brigade 31
On July 7th, 2012 eleven students who had just completed their first year at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine ventured to Nicaragua to volunteer with Natural Doctors International and learn about global health. In 2005, Natural Doctors International established a Naturopathic Clinic on the Island of Omatepe, Nicaragua and since has provided over 15,000 patients free naturopathic medical care by volunteer naturopathic physicians and nearly $500,000 USD of medicines. The students from Boucher each brought with them 50 pounds of medicines, which were all donated in kind to this worthy cause. The students were also required to cover the cost of their flights as well as $1,300 donation to NDI for the global health course. Throughout the year the Boucher brigade fundraised and planned diligently, but they had no idea what a wonderful life changing experience they were in for.
The students lived with local families, learned what it was like to work on a sustenance farm and felt the constraints of the Nica people who are challenged with feeding their family on just $2.00 per day in addition to putting in a weeks worth of shifts at the clinic. The power, the running water and the torrential down pour would come and go, hot water was hard to come by and the heat was unforgiving but nobody complained. Every night after dinner the students came together to learn about the history of Nicaragua, fare trade vs free trade, global politics and the World Health Organization.
The students lived with local families, learned what it was like to work on a sustenance farm and felt the constraints of the Nica people who are challenged with feeding their family on just $2.00 per day in addition to putting in a weeks worth of shifts at the clinic. The power, the running water and the torrential down pour would come and go, hot water was hard to come by and the heat was unforgiving but nobody complained. Every night after dinner the students came together to learn about the history of Nicaragua, fare trade vs free trade, global politics and the World Health Organization.