What Makes a MEDLIFE Mobile Clinic Unique?
There are hundreds of organizations which offer medical mission trips to undergraduate students. Why should you choose a MEDLIFE Mobile Clinic?
Because we do more.
More for our patients, and more for our participants. Here’s how:
For our patients
-We bring more than just a doctor and some medication. All Mobile Clinics are staffed by dentists, gynecologists, and a nurse, in addition to primary care doctors. We equip these professionals with the tools and supplies they need so that we can offer more than just a consult.
-We hire local doctors and specialists. Local doctors — who have essential knowledge of the language, culture, existing healthcare system, and common ailments, symptoms, and treatments — provide our patients with a higher degree of care than would a foreign professional.
-Follow-up care. MEDLIFE has a full-time staff of employees in Ecuador and Peru who dedicate themselves to following up with patients year-round. When we see a patient during a Mobile Clinic who requires additional services, they can rest assured that we will be back to help them get the care they need.
-MEDLIFE Fund projects. Our Mobile Clinics serve as the first point of contact between our organization and an impoverished community, an introduction that may lead to further collaboration through MEDLIFE Fund projects. Through the MEDLIFE Fund, we can bring long-term aid in the form of new schools, clinics, and a variety of other developmental projects. In this way, Mobile Clinics are an essential part in our plan to bring sustainable forms of aid to the communities and families we seek to serve.
For our participants
-The opportunity to work closely with and learn from our medical professionals. All doctors we work with are instructed to give our students an educational, hands-on experience while they’re volunteering their time at our clinic.
-Community Development workshop and stations. MEDLIFE brings in local speakers — village leaders, teachers, doctors, and former patients — to talk with the group following each clinic day. Additionally, at some Mobile Clinics sites, participants work alongside community members on a Community Development project. Working hand-in-hand with locals provides a fantastic way for participants to forge relationships outside of the clinic setting.
-MEDLIFE Student Chapters. MEDLIFE is an organization that relies heavily upon the contributions of student chapters. A university’s MEDLIFE Student Chapter provides a forum for which students who share the common goal of helping the poor can meet to discuss global health topics, socialize, and plan for Mobile Clinics and fundraising events.
-Opportunity for further involvement. MEDLIFE places a great degree of responsibility on motivated undergraduate student leaders. Dedicated MEDLIFE members can apply to sit on our Student Advisory Board (a board of students that oversee MEDLIFE’s operation on the national level) or to a local Chapter Officer position. MEDLIFE also offers a range of Summer and year-round internships that allow students to make a direct contribution to our efforts in Latin America.
-To make a difference in the lives of the poor. MEDLIFE Mobile Clinics have saved lives. MEDLIFE Fund projects have a long-term positive affect on entire communities. We’re making a real difference. Join us.
