Caribbean Excursion

Left to Right: Steph, Barb, Becca, & Fran

Hello Blog World!! Welcome to our means of communication about our upcoming Caribbean excursion to St Lucia!  We are 3 PT students from SRU traveling with 1 of our PT professors (Barb Billek) to serve a developing nation with Physical Therapy.  Now you might be thinking "Wait a minute, ya'll are going to the Caribbean..."  This is true.  While often known for it's luxurious beaches, gorgeous weather, crystal clear waters, and remote relaxation spots, what is less known is that about 40% of the population lives at or below the poverty line.  It is a nation that depends on tourism and, although a dream vacation location, there are many people in need behind the scenes.

Training of Local Hospital Staff

We will be volunteering for 2 weeks at St Jude Hospital in the southern city of Vieux Fort.  We are serving through an organization called Health Volunteers Overseas (www.hvousa.org) dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through the training and education of local health care providers.  Dr Billek will be providing lectures and training sessions on a variety of topics to help train local PT's with less access to higher and continuing education.  The students (Steph, Fran, & Becca) will be treating patients with physical therapy at the hospital during this time.  We may even have the opportunity to help out with the part time prosthetic clinic that is associated with the PT department there!

The remains of St Jude Hospital

St Jude's has suffered alot in the past few years.  In 2009 the hospital caught fire and such significant damage was done that they are now (and still) operating out of a nearby sports stadium. 

Although there will be time for traditional Caribbean style beach-time and touristy things while the PT clinic is closed (supporting tourism of course ;-), we will be spending 2 weeks serving at St Jude Hospital.  As we embark on this excursion, we covet your thoughts and prayers for the people we will be serving, for our safety on the trip, and that God would use us to make a lasting difference both physically & spiritually in the lives of those we meet in St Lucia. 

We fly out this coming Friday (4th) and will be there until the 17th so stay tuned!! :-)