Nica Round Three: We Need YOU to help Georgia State DPT!

OUR PROJECT:

The Georgia State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is sending 17 passionate students and 2 faculty members on an intensive study abroad experience to Nicaragua to implement health education and provide physical therapy for the Los Robles clinic and community. For one week, students will visit a local and regional health clinic to gain a better understanding of the level of care provided. As the least developed country in Central America, Nicaraguans do not have access to affordable, high quality health care services including physical therapy as well as assistance for individuals with disabilities.

During the trip, we will spend most of our time in this small rural village helping under-served women, children, and older adults. Additionally, we will set up a physical therapy clinic to address the musculoskeletal needs of the local coffee farmers, and we will also work with local healthcare providers to educate them on basic health tips as well as increasing their awareness on sustainable healthcare and ways in which that can be achieved.

Finally, we will participate in service projects in the community and work with families in their homes to solve mobility issues faced by locals. The trip will also be an opportunity for collaboration, where the people of Nicaragua will introduce us to their culture while allowing us to utilize our clinical reasoning and hands on skills we have developed in the classroom. We are eager to immerse ourselves in the Nicaraguan culture while serving both the general community and individual healthcare needs to a population so deserving of the services we are able to provide.

THE IMPACT:

This study abroad trip will cost approximately $1,400 per student, which includes program fees, medical supplies, meals, interpreter costs, lodging, transportation, and airfare. Our goal of $13,000 is to offset these costs in order to reduce the financial burden on each of us. Any gifts that exceed our goal will continue to help offset the total cost per student. Your support will not only benefit us as students, but also the community needs of Los Robles. Please help GSU DPT students make a momentous impact in Nicaragua.

WHO WE ARE:

Georgia State University is home to the oldest accredited Physical Therapy program in the state of Georgia. After completing their Bachelor's degree, students spend three intensive years of graduate study in didactic work and clinical internships in addition to being on a research team and graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The class of 2018 is excited for the opportunity to continue the annual tradition of taking their knowledge base and practical skills to Nicaragua to serve the people of Los Robles while learning more about themselves through cultural immersion.

SHARE OUR MESSAGE:

Please share this Crowdfunding project with your family, friends and colleagues to help get us one step closer to reaching our goal! You can also spread the word by sharing the link on social media or email it to as many people as possible. The more people that see our Crowdfunding page the better our chances are of reaching our goal to get to Nicaragua.

Thank you so much for your continued support and the Class of 2018 cannot wait to put our hands-on skills to work very soon. We know this experience would not be possible without you! With your help we can make a lasting impact on the community of Los Robles. We will keep you updated on the progress of our project in January when we return but until then...THANK YOU FROM GSU DPT!