I will be delivering primary reproductive healthcare to an underserved population in Mexico City. While family planning and abortion services are legally available throughout Mexico, many individuals face significant barriers to access, such as affordability and systemic inequities. During this rotation, I will help bridge this gap by offering free, essential services to this vulnerable community. These services will include contraception counseling and provision, abortion care, and prenatal care, addressing critical needs and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
As a first-generation Latina family medicine doctor, giving back to my community is a deeply personal and meaningful priority. I chose to work in this area because, as a Latina who speaks Spanish, I can connect with the patient population on a cultural and linguistic level, fostering trust and providing compassionate, culturally competent care. As a woman, I understand the profound importance of accessible reproductive healthcare. At a time when these services are increasingly restricted in the United States, gaining additional experience in reproductive health care feels both urgent and impactful, allowing me to further advocate for and support those in need.
Participating in an out-of-country rotation in reproductive health would provide invaluable insights into diverse healthcare systems, cultural practices, and barriers to care. Immersing myself in a different setting would enhance my clinical skills by exposing me to unique patient presentations and resource-limited environments, fostering adaptability and creative problem-solving. This experience would deepen my understanding of global reproductive health challenges, such as access to contraception, safe abortion care, and maternal health disparities, and inspire innovative approaches to address these issues in my practice. As a family medicine physician, this rotation would enrich my ability to provide culturally competent care, advocate for equitable healthcare policies, and serve a broader spectrum of patients with compassion and expertise.
During my away rotation, I had the opportunity to assist hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds and locations in accessing abortion and contraception care.I performed MVA procedures and placed numerous IUDs and implants, providing patients with essential reproductive care and helping to prevent unintended pregnancies.
