Volunteers assisted with various tasks in field clinics

Costa Rica and Nicaragua 2009

Location: Field Clinics, Costa Rica and Nicaragua

"It’s been over three months since I went on my VIDA trip, and I’m still raving about the experience! VIDA offers volunteers an incredible hands-on opportunity to tackle real health problems in a way that is impossible to accomplish in a classroom. Under the guidance of clinical professionals and with the support of the friendly VIDA staff, students interact directly with patients in underserved communities to help meet the local healthcare needs." - Colette Inaba, VIDA volunteer

During the summer of 2009, nearly 15 members of MML traveled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua to volunteer in local field clinics. These general medicine clinics support needy communities and remote villages in providing basic health care. Volunteers conducted patient interviews, performed basic physical exams and assessments, provided vaccines to children, assisted in providing Pap smears, pre-natal wellness check ups on expectant mothers, and wound care. Furthermore, volunteers presented patient information to Medical staff along with differential diagnosis and proposed treatment plan recommendations, as well as performing public health screenings and community education discussions to help promote public awareness.