​During these clinic days, I assisted with patient intake, prescription filling, tooth extractions, pap smears, and eye exams. While it was exciting for me to gain these medical experiences, I was also aware of the makeshift yet necessary nature of the clinic. For some of these women, this was their only chance to receive a pap smear and they were performed in a tool shed with one gown to be shared with each patient. At the pharmacy station, children who were prescribed daily vitamins got about a month’s worth of medication.

 

While the need for comprehensive change in the healthcare system is evident, I am glad to be part of an organization that works to spread medical access. For many of the patients, the annual medical brigades are their only access to healthcare which is why another core tenant of the program is sustainability.

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Throughout the school year leading up to the trip, our group fundraised and gathered basic supplies such as toothbrushes and feminine hygiene products. We passed out these care packages to children in a station called “Charla” which focuses on providing health information such as how to brush your teeth. It was also a great time to play and connect with the local children and we even learned a line dance or two!

 

This was such an impactful experience for me and I could not have asked for a better introduction to the medical field. Being able to not only learn from doctors about their practices and local healthcare systems but actually work in the service of others made this trip the highlight of my summer. 

 

With a renewed dedication to service, I want to thank the Karen Dale Foundation for investing in my academic career. Their acknowledgment of my past achievements and endorsement of my future success was a massive support for me during my first year at UNC. With their mission to expand healthcare access and improve medical systems, I am honored that they saw something in me that aligned with their mission. And as I pursue a career in the medical field, I am committed to placing service at the core of my professional journey.

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