This rotation is for trainees who want to participate in “last mile health.”
Last-mile health refers to efforts that take place in the most rural or difficult to reach places (which can also be urban). In this case, students hike into the Ecuadorian Amazon to witness primary healthcare delivery to the Kichwa and Shuar tribes.
The Kichwa people, like many indigenous groups in the Amazon, emphasize the importance of nature in health and healing practices. Traditional remedies often include the use of medicinal plants, with health viewed holistically, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects. The Shuar perspective of health and illness focus on a balance between 4 bodies: the physical, spiritual, social and mental bodies. There is centrality of good diet and balanced/harmony to achieve ideal health. Students should be ready for strenuous trekking and rural conditions – with limited electricity, running water, heat/cooling devices, internet, and access to infrastructure.
Participants will shadow healthcare providers in rural clinics, observing the complexities of delivering primary care in remote, resource-limited settings. This rotation emphasizes the value of intercultural competence in healthcare and fosters a deeper understanding of how culture, community, and health are interwoven in the Amazonian region.
This rotation requires an Advanced Level of Spanish, see our self-assessment guide here.
Start your application today!
To apply, select “Global Health in Puyo (Ecuador).” Once you complete the application forms and receive confirmation of acceptance from the CFHI team, you’ll be prompted to schedule a call with the local team to review program requirements.