In March, I invested my first spring break in medical school in the Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip through GHO. It was both my first time on a medical mission trip and my first time out of the country, so I truly did not know what to expect.

              This trip allowed me to experience so much more than I expected. I spent five days in a clinic working with approximately 39 other doctors, nurses, health professionals, and students providing medical care to about 1,000 patients. During these five days, I got to shadow a neonatologist, nurse practitioner, physical therapist and pharmacist. Shadowing these very special health professionals was incredible because they took the time to teach me and the other medical students on the trip. I was so grateful for this because usually doctors do not have enough time to actively teach the students who are shadowing them.

              In addition to gaining medical knowledge, I was also able to grow spiritually during this trip. All of the health professionals made it a point to ask the patients about their faith, which opened up spiritual conversations. In addition, the providers routinely took the time to pray with the patients. This was special to me because I have never witnessed a doctor talk about spiritual issues or pray with patients before. I knew that I would like to do it with my own patients someday but I did not fully have the courage or knowledge about where to begin or what to do. Sitting side-by-side with doctors talking openly with patients and praying with them allowed me to see that it is possible to live out my faith in my career with the patients I will be treating.

              The Lord also allowed me to witness a few Christian married couples working together at the clinic and serving God. This was special to me specifically because I do not have many examples of godly, Christian couples who both strive to serve the Lord in my life, especially those that draw closer through hardships. These couples were examples to me how married life is supposed to be and the type of relationship I should strive for.


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