Fourth-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student William Temple (left) makes a house call to visit Felix Hernandez in Nicaragua last December.
(Courtesy of Poorva Vaidya)
Correction: The original version of this article misidentified the capital of Nicaragua.
A group of UCLA students spent last winter setting up makeshift medical clinics in rural areas of Nicaragua.
After speaking to patients, many of whom had walked for miles to come to the clinic for the day, these students made a house call to a patient who required special medical attention.
The three students, accompanied by Nicaraguan doctor Angelica Torrentes, met the patient in his home, a one-room shack with chickens roaming around the entrance. There were no doors and no flooring, only dirt.
The patient, 23-year-old Felix Hernandez, was having trouble seeing.
“It was immediately apparent that there was something wrong with his sight; when we shook his hand, we had to grab and guide his arm,” said William Temple, a fourth-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student.
The visit was part of a trip a group of UCLA Global Medical Training students took to Nicaragua last December. UCLA GMT is part of an international, nonprofit organization that provides free medical care to communities in Central America.
Temple, along with second-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student Poorva Vaidya and third-year psychobiology student Michael Thornton, spent weeks setting up one-day clinics in villages all over Nicaragua. That day they were assigned to a community called Quebrada Honda, a sparsely populated area located three hours away from the city of Matagalpa.
Torrentes translated for the three students as she interviewed Hernandez about his condition. Hernandez told Torrentes he had always had trouble seeing objects from far away, but he lost nearly all of his vision at age 19, when he was hit in the head with a cue ball while being mugged on his way to a store.
Torrentes ran a few basic tests, first noticing that Hernandez’s pupils did not constrict when exposed to light, which indicated a neurological or optical problem, she said.
Normally, at the clinics they can provide temporary care for patients by offering a few weeks worth of medicine and preventive tips for various illnesses.
After these tests, however, Torrentes realized Hernandez would need more than a few tips ““ he needed an MRI scan.
Hernandez, who currently cannot work, told her his family did not have enough money for the scans.
“What struck us the most was how close to us he was in age. We all couldn’t imagine going through what he goes through on a daily basis, that sense of helplessness,” Vaidya said.
Temple said he was bothered by Hernandez’s case for the rest of the trip and said he felt there must be something they could do for him.
“He has so much more life ahead of him. It’s just sad to see him unable to do the things a typical 23-year-old should be able to do,” Temple said.
A few days later, Temple met with Vaidya and Thornton and decided to start a project called “Funds for Felix,” collecting money through a fundraiser with Rubio’s Mexican Grill in Ackerman Union.
“We thought, why not use our relative privilege as Americans? We’re so lucky to be here at UCLA and have so many resources at our disposal,” Temple said.
By March, they had raised around $400 to $500, enough to get Hernandez an MRI scan in Nicaragua.
The preliminary diagnosis of the MRI scan revealed that Hernandez has a genetic eye condition that was later exacerbated by the head trauma he experienced after the mugging. Although the sight is almost gone in his right eye, his left eye may be salvageable, Torres said.
The students are still searching for a doctor to give a second opinion on the diagnosis.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, they hope to raise enough money to send Hernandez and one family member to the U.S. for an operation to fix his left eye.
Temple estimated the operation will cost at least $1,000. They still have $300 left from previous fundraising, and they are currently taking more donations through an email account.
“Usually after the trip, students will spread the word to family and friends. But it is unusual to develop into a project that shows ongoing care for a patient’s situation,” said Wil Johnson, founder and director of GMT. “It shows that they will be strong advocates for patients in their future medical careers.”
Torrentes emphasized how thankful Hernandez said he is for all the care the students have shown and how he believes their efforts are the answer to his prayers.
The students said they felt empowered and honored that they could make such a difference in the life of another so early on in their medical careers.
“Most of the help we provide at the clinics is transient,” Temple said. “To help improve the quality of life for such a young man ““ to make that lasting impact ““ that’s the kind of meaning I find in medicine.”
To donate, email fundsforfelix@gmail.com.