Vai Ra'a Betsabe Palma Araki

During this year I studied fundamental branches for my training, highlighting family medicine, geriatrics and neurology, which were crucial for my development as a future general practitioner. Family medicine was particularly important because it taught me to approach patients from an integral perspective, considering their social and cultural determinants. This is essential in contexts where primary care is the first point of contact, as in the “Hanga Roa” hospital in Rapa Nui. I learned to see beyond the diseases, understanding the context that surrounds each person, which allows for more accurate diagnoses and more humane care.

Geriatrics, on the other hand, stood out for its focus on the quality of life of older adults, a group in constant growth. This field taught me to implement strategies to prevent common complications, such as falls and cognitive impairment, and to manage chronic diseases while respecting patients' dignity. Finally, neurology was key because of its focus on progressive neurocognitive diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and major cognitive impairment. This knowledge is essential in older populations, where these pathologies are highly prevalent, and strengthens my ability to address them in a comprehensive manner. These learnings will benefit the people of Rapa Nui by allowing me to offer personalized, people-centered care that is respectful of their cultural identity. I will be able to work in the prevention, diagnosis and comprehensive management of diseases, improving the quality of life of the community and adapting to their unique needs.