Graham Caulk Reflection – Surgery on wheels: A financial study of Cinterandes and its global implications

Graham Caulk, a MUSC College of Medicine student, was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant in early 2025 to pursue a global health project in Cuenca, Ecuador. View more photos of her time in country in this Flickr photo gallery.

Reflecting on my journey to Ecuador, I am reminded of how profoundly travel can expand our perspective, deepen our understanding of global health, and reinforce our shared humanity. Participating in a global health project with the Cinterandes Foundation was not only professionally rewarding but personally transformative.

My project focused on evaluating the financial impacts of mobile surgical care provided by Cinterandes, aiming to highlight the benefits of the foundation's innovative approach to reducing catastrophic healthcare expenditures. Being on the ground allowed me to witness firsthand how surgical interventions can drastically change patients' lives, providing dignity, relief, and new opportunities to individuals who otherwise would not have access to such care.

One moment that stands out vividly was meeting a patient whose only other option would have been to travel for six hours had the van not been able to directly deliver care to their neighborhood. This patient arrived with a spark of hope driven by trust in a system striving for equity and accessibility. Observing the dedication of local healthcare providers, their resourcefulness, and compassion in the face of challenging circumstances was deeply inspiring.

Experiencing the warmth of Ecuadorian culture, engaging directly with patients and healthcare providers, and confronting the realities of health disparities has deepened my commitment to advancing global health equity. It was a profound reminder of why I entered the field of medicine: to serve, to advocate, and to innovate.

I return home with renewed purpose and immense gratitude, carrying these experiences forward into my future practice.