I wanted to go above and beyond serving locally and in the city. International experience and knowledge of Spanish led me to search for a mission to either Central or South America. I found a lot of interesting trips, but most of them were out of reach for me. I eventually found CMDA and GHO. After reading on the trip led by Dr. Lamb, I was hooked and requested permission to join the medical team, citing my experience as an EMT. I was accepted, and my parents signed over temporary custody to Dr. Lamb. I spent days working manual labor jobs to raise money. I used candy bars to fund raise, and I used every cent of birthday money to pay for the trip. It was worth it.

An undeniably unique experience for a teenager, my trip to San Miguel, El Salvador was immersive and full of new, often extreme experiences. I injected steroids, diagnosed patients, learned about rare and common diseases from doctors who mentored me, led triage, taught students how to take vitals, made friends with translators who were incredibly supportive of me and always were happy to help me with Spanish whenever I asked. I interacted with hundreds of patients, and I got to see them feel the joy of being loved and cared for.

An especially surreal experience on the trip took place mid-week when most of the team fell to heat sickness and heat stroke. The medical team was cut in half as some succumbed and others joined the ill to take care of them at the hotel. We still had scores of people left to treat that day. The clinic director asked me if I could fill in for an ER doctor for whom I had incredible respect and who had undeniable talent and experience. I told her I was hardly suited to take on the patients. We had no choice, she told me; something had to be done. I suggested that she give me patients with specific symptoms. I knew that many Salvadorans struggled with gastrits and Acid reflux, and I had seen the treatment dozens of times that week. I then teamed up with Dr. Lamb and set up next to his booth. I took the patients, gave diagnoses, suggested treatment, and then took a moment to review and confirm my findings with Dr. Lamb. I was able to see multiple patients, and we finally made it through that day.

This was just one of many moments where I was challenged by the need of the people and our team's own limitations. I left the trip having grown more familiar with working under limitation and pressure, and the lessons I took away have been applicable both as a medical professional and as a student. I can't wait to go back next year.

Here are a few pictures of the trip.