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Chicago State University - College of Pharmacy
My First Medial Mission: An Unforgettable Experience

College Connection

by Florence Garza, SSHP Member—Class of 2018

During the spring semester of my P-4 year, I had the opportunity of a lifetime! I volunteered to assist with DOCARE International, a global health outreach organization that provides acute and chronic medical services to under resourced areas. It is primarily funded and managed by a group of osteopathic physicians; however, all healthcare providers are welcomed to volunteer.  In fact, a pharmacist currently sits on their executive board. Participants provide care to inhabitants throughout the Caribbean and to several countries in Africa and Asia.

Chicago State University--College of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the Midwestern University--College of Pharmacy campuses in Chicago and Arizona has developed a global health outreach program where students can complete an advanced pharmacy practice experience with DOCARE International. Recently, I had the privilege to participate in a medical mission trip to Antigua, Guatemala. Our team consisted of multiple disciplines including pharmacy, dermatology, dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, podiatry, general medicine, and pediatrics.

Our day usually began at 7:15 am by loading the bus with medications and supplies.  It took anywhere from 1-2 hours to reach our destination. My workday included triaging patients, interpreting Spanish for other healthcare professionals, and then working in the pharmacy. If a patient was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis for instance, I would direct that person to the pharmacy, supply him/her with their medication, and provide medication counseling. Other common issues included stomachaches, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, toothaches, vision impairments, and dermatologic conditions. Additionally, we saw patients for diabetes and hypertension management.

I was given the opportunity to learn how other disciplines conducted their patient visits by listening to the questions that they would frequently ask. This allowed me to ask similar types of questions as I triaged patients and gave me greater confidence in my interactions with them. Pharmacy students were given the opportunity to provide therapeutic recommendations (after verification with our preceptors) based upon our pharmacy’s inventory. Fortunately, many of the medications we carried were adequate for treating our patients’ most common complaints. There were instances where we did not have the medication(s) needed for a specific ailment and those patients were referred to other DOCARE clinics.

This experience was challenging yet rewarding. Witnessing the lack of resources and the urgent need for critical medical services was overwhelming. Having the ability to provide pharmaceutical care to those in a developing country was a blessing. I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I spent with the amazing group of people that made up our team. The skills that I acquired over this 2-week experience will last a lifetime. I highly encourage other students to do something “outside of the box” and volunteer their time and services in an underdeveloped country. You definitely gain a new perspective on healthcare and it provides you with a well-rounded patient care experience.