Archibald, a 2014 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate and 2018 Iowa State University grad, just finished her three-year, eight semester, program at Creighton University of Pharmacy and Health Professions.

While finishing up her degree, Archibald traveled with a group to the Dominican Republic as part of Creighton’s ILAC (Institute for Latin American Concern) program.

According to Archibald, some of ILAC’s objectives include “To improve the health and quality of life for the Dominican impoverished population” and “to educate and promote integral health through the prevention of diseases and practical solutions of sanitation and health maintenance.”

Archibald, who graduated from Creighton in May with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, was in the Dominican Republic from March 27 until April 26.

-Submitted photo
The group of Creighton University physical therapy students, staff, and alumni as well as one of the local program coordinators.

“Our main purpose was to provide physical therapy services to various communities in the Dominican Republic as well as to promote health and healing,” Archibald said. “In addition to the physical therapy that we did, we gave several presentations on pain management, taking care of our bodies, exercise options and much more.

“We also provided countless informal education to all of our patients, encouraging better body mechanics and healthier lifestyles to promote health in the future.”

While in the Dominican Republic Archibald felt that a kind heart and a loving nature could break through any differences.

“Compassion and love break through any language barrier,” Archibald said. “I wanted to provide the best physical therapy services that I could while I was there, but even more so, and even more importantly, I wanted the people I was working with to feel loved and cared for.”

The group provided clinics such as an ILAC clinic, where community members of Santiago could come and receive physical therapy evaluation and treatment.

-Submitted photo
These community members who attended Creighton’s interactive presentation on pain management and exercise suggestions for pain in different areas of the body.

There were also Batey clinics where the group provided PT services to patients of all ages and at one of the Batey clinics, they distributed parasite medications to the children in the community. This was held in Hatian communities within the Domincan Republic.

The Campo clinic was held for four days in a rural mountain village. The group also got to spend two weeks in traditional Dominican physical therapy clinics. There they had the opportunity to work with Dominican physical therapists, to teach them about what “we know” and to learn from them as well, according to Archibald.

“In small groups, we provided assistance to the workers and physical therapy services to girls and boys with disabilities in an orphanage,” Archibald said. “We also held two additional clinics specifically for children with disabilities.

“In total we saw around 200 patients.”

It wasn’t all business for the former Dodger, as she was also able to visit the country.

“In addition to all the physical therapy, we also had the chance to explore different areas of the country,” Archibald said. “We lived in Santiago. We took a weekend trip to Santo Domingo and explored the city.

“We visited the monument in Santiago and we went on a museum tour to learn more about the history of the country and the time where the country was ruled by a dictator.”

The trip was essentially to help the people of the Dominican Republic learn more about physical therapy and how to take care of themselves. But while living away from the United State for a month, Archibald felt at home.

“All the people we met in the Dominican Republic were lovely,” Archibald said. “We were welcomed with open arms by everyone we encountered, and we immediately felt like we were among close friends and family.”