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Meet the Staff: Luis Cartagena

luis-cartagena-mtsHere at MEDLIFE we are proud to introduce Luis Cartagena, who has been working with MEDLIFE Ecuador for many years. Read more about Luis’ story below:

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Riobamba.  I have always lived here, I love it.

How did you get involved with MEDLIFE?

I had been working as a bus driver for many years before I found out about MEDLIFE. Then, when MEDLIFE first started working in Riobamba I began volunteering as a bus driver for the organization. I knew my way around everywhere, so I offered MEDLIFE my bus and drove the staff and the volunteers wherever they needed to go.  After 3 years MEDLIFE had grown big enough that the position ‘Project Coordinator of Riobamba’ was created to ensure continuous and efficient development of the organization. I was offered the role- as I know the poor communities around the Chimborazo Province I was the ideal candidate for the job.

What is it that you like most about working with MEDLIFE?

I love to work on the Mobile Clinics because this is when we inaugurate most of the projects.  I find it very rewarding when a community is so grateful for what we do for them.  During the Mobile Clinics I enjoy being able to work on the different stations, for example the pharmacy station. I am very versatile and try to help with everything I can.

Can you name a particular patient that has had a strong impact on you?

When we go to the Mobile Clinics we see just about everything, the old patients really impress me.  They walk long distances and work very hard on a daily basis; regardless of their health conditions they always continue smiling.  I want to be like that when I grow up!

What do you do in your free time?

I still love my bus so in my free time I take pleasure in going on trips and driving very long distances.  I like to drive up to Colombia or down to Perú for the “Romerías” –a procession in honor of the Virgin Mary. I am very fond of the religious parade and the spectacular views on the drive there.

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Hear it From MEDLIFErs

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Reya Seby
Western University

This trip motivated me more to pursue a career in the healthcare field so that I can use my resources to help those who need it the most, similar to MEDLIFE’s mission.

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Victoria DiCanio
University of Connecticut

It was most enjoyable to finish the hard work and see how big a difference a group of individuals can make. It was such an amazing experience.

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Anita Woo
University of Toronto

I enjoyed the mobile clinics the most, especially the dental and triage portions. I would definitely recommend a MEDLIFE trip, it was a great experience.

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David Saff
Maclay High School

The most enjoyable part of my trip was hanging out with the amazing group of kids I was with. I would highly recommend a MEDLIFE volunteer trip to others.

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Sydney Sansone
Nova Southeastern University

This trip made everything that I was learning in my public health courses come to life and immersed me in a new culture while also learning about medicine.

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Abygail Youmans
College of Charleston

Being involved with MEDLIFE is not like joining another club - its bigger than that. It is about joining a movement that seeks to help change people’s quality of life for forever.

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Emi Hofmann
University of Central Florida

Not only was I able to participate in a week long Mobile Clinic, shadowing doctors of all types of specialties including pharmacy, dentistry, gynecology, and more, but I was also able to learn about the culture and visit incredible places.

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Julian Takagi-Stewart
University of Toronto

One thing that I really loved about this trip was that MEDLIFE made sure that the volunteers got an understanding of the complexity of issues that lead to underprivileged people in communities outside of the main city

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Hannah Van Hofwegen
University of Ottawa

Whether it was basketball with the local kids, assisting the doctors, talking with families, building washrooms, holding babies, or spending time with the people who were on the SLT with me, this was an amazing opportunity that I would do over and over again.

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Isabelle Holt
Cornell University

I loved learning about the patients MEDLIFE has followed and how they offer real help to people with chronic/urgent conditions. It is amazing how the organization formed real connections with the communities.

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Valerie Lindeborg
Parent

Our family had the privilege of participating in multiple trips with Nick [founder] and his amazing staff. Their expertise made the trips unforgettable while instilling in my boys the fundamentals of good character: selflessness, compassion, and empathy.

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Harry Vildibill
University of Georgia

As an aspiring physician, MEDLIFE motivated me to further continue my goal of becoming a doctor. In fact, I enjoyed the Tanzania Service Learning Trip so much that I decided to go on another trip to Cusco, Peru.