Medical Service Learning in
La Paz, Bolivia
Child Family Health International
Brittany Irey, MSII
PSUCOM
Child Family Health International
• CFHI is a “global
family of committed
professionals and
students that work at
the grass roots level
to promote the health
of the world
community”
• www.cfhi.org
CFHI--Volunteers
CFHI
• Gain insight into the unique
socioeconomic and cultural
constructs that shape illness,
healthcare delivery, public health,
and the wide disparities in
medical care
• Work side by side with
community providers in diverse
health care settings
• Gain a better appreciation of
creative problem solving with
limited resources, and medical
supply conservation
Pediatric Health in La Paz, Bolivia
• Bolivia’s population is
very young: 60% is under
25, only 7% over 65
(WHO, 2005)
• The poorest nation in
South America
• The principle causes of
death in children:
– malnutrition, vaccinepreventable infections,
diarrheal illnesses, and
pneumonia
Pediatric Health Program
• 4 diverse clinical experiences
• Daily Medical Spanish classes-Centro Boliviano Language
School
• Weekly seminars and case discussions-public health issues,
common medical problems, health insurance, disparities in
health care
• Direct language and cultural immersion through the home
stay experience with a local Bolivian family
• Recover program-medical supply collection and donation
Medical supply donation
Education and Medical Care for
Homeless Teens
The Clinic
Villa San Antonio
The Importance of Physical Dx
El Alto
Hospital Los Andes
Promotion of Women’s Health
Labor and Delivery
Natural Wonders
Successful vaginal breech delivery
Cesarean Section
Neonatal and newborn care
Hospital del Niño
Full of life and full of Hope
General Pediatric Surgery
Pediatric Burn Unit
• Biking Death
Road from La Paz
down to the jungle,
Las Yungas
Thank You