Welcome to my website! My name is Anamaria Pedraza Orjuela, and I am a current junior at Florida International University. I am pursuing my B.A in both Psychology and Health Applied Sciences on a Pre-PA track. Upon completing my B.A. I plan to apply and attend PA (Physician Assistant) school to pursue my master's in physician Associate studies.  

 

Aside from being a full-time student, I have worked as a medical Scribe for Baptist Health Hospital in the emergency department for the past year and am an active member of both the AED and APPA chapters at Florida International University. My passion for the medical field sprouted from an early age and upon moving to the United States I became aware of the many opportunities that were available in the medical field. Working in the Emergency Department this past year has allowed me to not only gain field experience but also learn about leadership, teamwork, humility, and how to build and harvest patient-provider relationships throughout their plan of care. I have always been extremely interested in Maternal Health and Child development as they are co-dependent on each other to ensure a healthy lifestyle from the pre-natal stages into adolescence and beyond. Unfortunately, some countries lack access to basic healthcare for mothers and children, leading to higher mortality rates throughout the pregnancy, during childbirth, and initial stages of infancy.  

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I am thrilled about visiting Mysuru, India, as part of the Global Health Study Abroad program. While traveling, I strive to gain insight into matters that would be constructive to my field of interest. I am confident this program will enable me to advance academically and personally.

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While on my study abroad journey, I aspire to learn more about the public healthcare system in India specifically relating to maternal and infant health and how this contributes to the high mortality rates reported in previous years. Are there any additional factors such as socioeconomic level, NICU advancement or maternal care during pregnancy that could contribute to these statistics?  

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