Tatianna’s Medical Brigade Trip 2019

My name is Tatianna Quezada and I am a first year student at the University of San Diego.  Here at the university they offer many clubs and programs to join! Throughout the year I have been trying to find where I fit in and what I would love to be apart of. I knew that I wanted to be in something medical related because in the future, I aspire a career in pediatrics. I found out about Medical Brigades, which is a program that allows students to go abroad to third world countries and assist with health care for those less fortunate. This year they are going to Panama and I knew I had to apply because of my experience in Panama. My junior year of high school, I traveled to Panama and completely fell in love. I was nervous for the trip at first because I knew I was going to be in an unfamiliar environment, but at the same time excited to explore a new country. On our third day of the trip, we stayed in the Mogue Village with the indigenous people of Emberá located in the Darién Province, Panama. I met many mothers, children, sisters, brothers and they all had a story. Everyone there was so generous and appreciative that I fell in love with their culture and traditions. I promised I would go back because after the trip, I gained an even bigger sense of appreciation and learned a lot about myself. I will forever remember that trip because it was a humbling and life changing experience.

Now I am able to go back to Panama again and I wish not to miss this great opportunity. I immediately applied, interviewed and hoped to be selected. When I found out I was selected, I was beyond excited to be part of this service and educational experience.  We are asked to devote every Sunday to learn about the different types of medications that will be prescribed and how to conduct basic triage.  The Medical Brigade is a student led group, meaning we have no financial assistance from the University. Students, volunteer physicians and translators have to pay for their trip and for the supplies that we'll need to bring with us. It has been estimated that the trip will cost around $1600, which includes housing, food and transportation (does not include supplies). I have created this page to relieve a bit of that financial burden off my mother and me, so that I can volunteer my time to provide health care services for those in need abroad. If I reach my goal or beyond, I will submit the extra to the medical supplies fund we are also personally funding. The Medical Brigades is a very special program for me because they always aspire to make a change in the world and I hope to a part of that change. I am reaching out to the community for any financial assistance; a little goes a long way. Thank you for listening to my story and seeing how much this trip means to me.