Doctor of Physical Therapy International Elective Sections Return to U.S. After Successful Trips to Jamaica and Guatemala

Two sections of the DPT International Elective recently concluded in September, encompassing a total of 15 students, 2 faculty mentors, and 5 clinician mentors who all safely returned and reported a great experience! Check out the stories below from each elective.

Friends of the Redeemer United, St. Elizabeth Jamaica

While it was initially unclear whether Hurricane Beryl's impact on the local area would prevent safe travel, repairs to the clinic were completed, and another group of students were able to participate in AUDPT's International Service Learning elective!

Five soon-to-be graduates Sydney Eppehimer, Emily Hegyi, Katelyn McCann, Grace Miller, and Clark Simons recently returned from Top Hill in St. Elizabeth Jamaica with Friends of the Redeemer United (ForU). ForU was founded by Arcadia alumnus Brooke Riley, who has lived in Jamaica and run outpatient, home health, and day-rehab PT programs for over 15 years. 'Stroke Camp' is a model that focuses on high-intensity and high-volume therapies for select individuals over a week and a half, often resulting in significant clinical gains in this short period of time.

"My favorite part was watching the patients meet their goals! The feeling you get when the patient looks at you and says they didn't think they would be able to walk again or get on their hands and knees again is something I'll never forget." - Dr. Grace Miller, DPT

When not in the clinic, students enjoyed the local area with hiking, swimming, church services, and (friendly?) games of pickleball! Big Ups for the amazing work, team!

Hearts in Motion, Zacapa Guatemala

In partnership with SPTs and faculty from Drexel University, ten soon-to-be graduates from AU's residential and hybrid pathways recently completed a two-week collaboration with international partner Corazones en Movimiento (Hearts in Motion) in Guatemala. AUDPT has been in partnership with Hearts in Motion for 17 years - this trip focused on the support of local physiotherapists in established clinics, and mobile wellness / PT screening clinics in communities without access to therapy services across southern Guatemala. When the students were not treating patients, they supported a manual therapy continuing education course and immersed themselves in the local culture including Independence Day festivities and a visit to Antigua, the historical seat of the capital.

"Going to Guatemala with Hearts in Motion was a very impactful learning experience. I got to connect with patients and therapists from Guatemala, while also forming a closer bond with my classmates and professors. This trip helped me feel more prepared to enter the workforce while also providing necessary services to our global community." - Dr. Alyssa Kell, DPT

Prior to any international travel, every student and mentor also completes a curriculum focused on the ethics of short-term global health engagements, the host culture, and Spanish language training. Thank you for all of your work and shared reflections team - we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and learn with you!