HPD Perspectives Magazine Summer/Fall 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 11 During the first trip in November, we did a lot of networking and attended meetings with community leaders in Puerto Rico. Based on everyone’s feedback, and with help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, we were able to narrow down, to four cities, the places that had the greatest needs. When we returned in April, we were able to cover all the locations: Bayamon, Utuado, Humacao, and Anasco. The people of Puerto Rico were in most need of physical therapy services, physician assistants, psychology, women’s health care, physicians, and a dietitian. As a student, I had participated in the Jamaica medi- cal outreach trip. The work in Puerto Rico was different. As an alumna and PT faculty member, I helped, taught, and guided the students during this adventure, allowing them to be the best version of themselves and explore their creative sides. Q: Describe your interactions with both the local organizers in Puerto Rico and the people you served. Does any experience stand out? Ortiz: Interacting with local organizers was a blast. The NSU director in San Juan is a wonderful individual who truly has a passion for helping her communities. Her connections are some of the most helpful people I’ve ever met. They truly stepped up to the plate and helped us find lodging and meals throughout our time there. My interaction with the people I served was very humbling. It didn’t matter how long our treatment session was; the people just wanted someone to listen to them. And that’s exactly what we did. The people were all so thankful and showed their gratitude with smiles and hugs. One patient told me that, after the hurricane, they painted angels on the walls; but, we were the real angels. Estrada: Both the local organizers and the people we served were all very welcoming and extremely grateful for our services. The ones that stood out the most were the women in Humacao, who made us breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and tidied up our room while we were in the clinic working. They took time to show us around the island on their personal boat and provided us with all kinds of snacks, water, towels, and snorkeling gear. Q: : How did participating in this outreach impact you personally and professionally? Ortiz: Personally, I’ve always wanted to help create opportunity or something that would impact others. This outreach has allowed me this experience. It also reminded me to serve others unselfishly, because these were the times I’ve learned the most. Professionally, this outreach has motivated me to continue working hard in school so that someday I can instruct future students on the trip or volunteer my time as a licensed medical professional. Estrada: There is no “I” in team. This was definitely a team effort between the people in Puerto Rico and the faculty members and students. I am grateful to be able to be a part of such a wonderful and caring team. I am honored to be able to provide my services and make a difference in someone’s life. I also had the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with students and help them gain the most from this experience. Treating patients in Puerto Rico definitely brings out your creative side and forces you to think outside the box when it comes to evaluation and treatments. o Mary T. Blackinton is the program director and a professor in the Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program—Tampa Bay. From left, Jessica Estrada, D.P.T., PT (wearing cap) with NSU D.P.T. students J.T. Briggs, left, and Casey Costello Tampa Bay D.P.T. students Nick Vultaggio (standing) and Taylane Mitchel (foreground) with USF student translator John Martinez Soto, right The April 2019 medical outreach trip participants pose with local children, who received NSU goody bags.