In August, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) students and faculty went on a service trip to Guatemala to volunteer help in both local and mobile medical clinics.
Led by Dr. Mike Nelson, Director of the MPAS program, Travis Layne, MPAS faculty member, six students devoted five days to patients in the Los Robles region of the Myanmar Highland area of Guatemala. The RMUoHP team joined twelve other team members that were traveling with Utah’s Humanitize Expeditions, to provide clinic service and training to the local fire departments in basic life support skills including CPR, utilization of IVs, and trauma treatment.
During their trip, students and faculty treated more than 500 patients in different villages who sought help with a wide range of health challenges including diabetes, parasites, headaches, respiratory infections, rashes, and ear impactions.
Physician Assistant student Jennica Van Blerkom said of the experience, “Almost all the patients left giving us hugs and expressed how grateful they were for [our help]. It was absolutely humbling to be there. I think I speak for everyone when I say it was a once in a lifetime experience – we are beyond grateful we could go.”
This trip successfully assisted with the widespread health needs of the community, and the local firefighters asked if the team could return next year to teach labor and delivery techniques and best practices. Hopefully, this will just be the first of many RMUoHP service trips to Guatemala.
