2017 Pre-Med Medical Mission Trip
“Seek always to do some good, somewhere... even if it's a little thing, do something for those that need help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”
- Albert Schweitzer
Each summer, the George E. Schreiner '43 M.D. Pre-Medical Center at Canisius College hosts a medical mission trip to Central America. Students spend two weeks in impoverished communities in Nicaragua and Costa Rica assisting local physicians and dentists in running free medical clinics. Students also help in broader community health efforts.
Through this experience, Canisius students gain valuable experience in the healthcare field while also learning about the history, culture, and socio-political-economic reality of the countries in which they serve, where they also assist in public health work and local efforts in disease prevention.
After a tumultuous history, Nicaraguans continue to face poor health outcomes and free clinics make a positive impact in rural communities. In Costa Rica, clinics are conducted in communities of Nicaraguan refugees and immigrants where access to the Costa Rican healthcare system is limited and the need is greatest.
The program requires a high degree of personal maturity, responsibility, and a firm commitment to compassion and team building. Students participate in group reflections on the cross-cultural experience and each student's sense of vocation as a healer. Students also live with local families in each country to build solidarity and gain a better understanding of family dynamics and social relationships within Central American communities.
Note: All gifts are tax-deductible and non-refundable. In order for a contribution to be considered a charitable deduction, all donations must be made to Canisius College, not to an individual student. Any donations made that exceed the trip costs will be applied toward the general mission trips program and used to assist future projects.
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