MU students to work in health clinics in Mexico with international group

The trip is open to all students, not just those studying medicine.

By Amber Wade

Published Aug. 29, 2008

MU students have many opportunities to help serve their community, but in January some could have the chance to help on an international level.

Trip coordinator Danielle Huff, a junior, is teaming up with International Service Learning to offer a mission trip to Mexico for MU students. Participants would work at health clinics in North Central Mexico.

"The students will provide clinical care for those that don't have access," Huff said. "We will be providing physical exams, intake, treatment plans and will also prescribe proper medications."

According to the group's Web site, ISL is a Kansas City-based agency that offers educational opportunities to students by sending them to places with medical needs, such as Central and South America, Mexico and Africa.

Huff said she decided to create her own trip through ISL when a friend organized one this summer. ISL offers many locations, and though Tanzania was her first choice, she decided Mexico would be the most economically realistic.

Although the trip would revolve around providing medical care to those in need, Huff said, it's not exclusive to pre-medicine students.

"Everyone will go through some training before working with patients, and we all will be supervised by a medical professional from Mexico," she said.

Even though the trip wouldn't happen until until January, finances require advanced planning. Huff said the trip would cost roughly $1,500 per person. She said she hopes to receive sponsorship through various offices to help defray the cost.

Huff said ISL would provide some financial aid, but the group's fundraising will cover the rest of the costs.

"We're planning on doing some fundraising by writing letters to family members asking for donations," Huff said. "We will also ask businesses and health profession offices if they would be willing to sponsor one of the students."

Junior Desire Buckley said this trip would benefit her future medical career.

"I'm pre-med, so I think it would be a great way to gain more experience," Buckley said. "Also, Spanish is my minor so I'm excited to utilize my minor and provide for people who wouldn't have health care otherwise."

Buckley said she's been on mission trips before and has found them very fulfilling, which is why she continues to be involved.

"Mission trips are a great way to not only change your life but another's life in just a matter of minutes," Buckley said. "You're reaching out to those who have no one to say 'I care' and that we are willing to help."

Junior Patrice Cox said this trip would help her learn more about the health profession and Mexico.

"I think it will be a good opportunity to learn more about the health profession through hands-on experience instead of through books," Cox said. "I want to learn more about the natives and how their health care system varies from ours."

The trip would be from Jan. 4 through 12, and the group needs at least 10 students to participate.