Corissa Abel

Global learning: I volunteered at Hospital Guastavo Fricke, a public hospital in Vina del Mar, Chile I was treated more as a clinical student, and had direct patient contact. In the morning, I worked with outpatients who were either post-stroke or had traumatic brain injury. I participated in presentations and case studies, and took patient notes.

Memorable patient: One patient, Melissa, stands out. She had lost her baby due to pre-eclampsia. The trauma of the birth and less than optimal medical care left Melissa with hemiplegia and a permanent endotracheal tube. I followed her throughout her treatment. It was amazing to work with her and to actually see what physical therapy could do to help.

Horizons broadened: I wasn’t fluent in Spanish when I went to Chile. I learned to be creative in picking up the language. I went to church and spoke to the people there in Spanish. Another physical therapist took me under her wing, helping me experience and understand the culture.

Life lesson: Being on my own in another country taught me to be more organized. It forced me to be prepared, to take more initiative for myself.

Expectations vs. reality: I was surprised by how humble, grateful, and polite the patients were with me, even though I was only a student and didn’t speak Spanish well. I compare that to the attitude in this country toward immigrants, and it’s made me rethink my own attitudes.

Career effect: My work in Chile has led me to consider a career in neurological rehab, an area I hadn’t considered before.