MS4BCI

In the medical world here in Cochabamba (and many other such places on the globe), the standard of medical excellence is determined by the American medical system, beginning with medical education and continuing all the way to the superior technology, knowledge, and abilities so many American doctors possess.  Most of the time spent by American doctors in a place such as Cochabamba is devoted to teaching the native doctors how to do more efficient, safe, sterile, and successful procedures.  It is rare for representatives of the American medical system (including students) to come to a place like this, put our practices and beliefs aside and instead learn from them. This simple but significant fact is taking us a very long way and helping us gain unprecedented exposure and experience.  Not only are they allowing us to participate in the operations but they are also inviting us to lunch, joking with us, and getting to know us on a very personal level.  In short, we are developing a very personal and professional relationship with these folks.  Cindy Jackson, the woman from SC who organized this trip for us, said that she has never seen Americans so well received in the ten plus years she has worked with the burn center.  We feel incredibly lucky to have been accepted in such a way.