04/24/2026
Global Health in Action: Physical Therapy in Bolivia 🇧🇴
Arcadia University Department of Physical Therapy students Bridget Hegarty, SPT, and Michael Totino, SPT, recently returned from a two-week program in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia, alongside faculty mentor Dr. Ann Harrington, PT, DPT, PCS, PhD. This Custom Program was offered under the leadership of Dr. Cecilia Uribe, Medical Director - CFHI La Paz, Bolivia, and Gonzalo Claure, Local Coordinator - CFHI La Paz, through a longstanding academic partnership with CFHI.
During their time in-country, students engaged in observational rotations across outpatient and inpatient settings, working with pediatric populations presenting a range of conditions, including hip dysplasia, spina bifida, autism, and flat feet. Morning clinical experiences included collaboration with local physical therapy students from Universidad Central, Universidad Católica Boliviana, and Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, fostering meaningful peer-to-peer exchange. Afternoons were dedicated to Spanish language learning and didactic sessions exploring local culture and broader global health considerations. Cultural immersion activities throughout the program further enriched their understanding of the Bolivian context.
CFHI is grateful for this continued partnership with Arcadia University Department of Physical Therapy and the opportunity to support ethically grounded, community-based global health education!
*Images featured do not include patients.