One of my closest colleagues, Jennifer Carter and I were
able to join VCOM (Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine) on a medical
mission journey in El Salvador. We were
invited to go to offer pharmacy services, consulting, and general assistance,
but it turned into much more. This
particular medical trip centered around children and their families. While dispensing drugs and counseling
patients was our primary responsibility during this trip our responsibilities
quickly expanded. It was very apparent
the orphanages and villages we visited were in need of medical attention, but
this was not all these folks needed.
Love and affection was something intangible we could offer and easily
provide that did not require a prescription.
One day in particular resonates in my mind, the visit to the
children’s HIV home and special needs home.
It was heart wrenching to see children abandoned simply due to a genetic
condition or infected by such a horrible disease. The
smiles on the children’s faces and the unconditional love they offered to all
of us made me realize that life is much more than materialistic things. Children possess such resilience which is
infectious in the most positive way and is totally indescribable. A touch or a hug from one of the children was
just as much therapy for me as it was for them.
The language barrier was non-existent, love and affection is truly universal.
While on this trip, I learned a lot not only from the
patients, but the other health professionals involved. The local physicians and medical students
were truly passionate about helping their people. I was amazed at the love, attention, and
compassion the physicians provided to the patients. I was lucky enough to assist in counseling patients
with a pharmacist from El Salvador. He
taught me to listen with patience and take time to learn the culture as this
could play a very important role when properly treating a patient. This type of experience doesn’t come by very
often and I thank God every day I had the opportunity to join in on this
medical trip with VCOM.
I will forever be touched by the relationships I made with
other health professionals and the patients I had the opportunity to help
heal. A medical mission trip is a must for those
with big hearts, unconditional love, and the desire to make a positive impact
on the world.
Written by Kimberly, P3 student 
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