INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE REPORT

Activities available:

Patient care

Opportunities appropriate for:

pre-clinical students
clinical students

1. Please describe your activities while abroad (eg, seeing patients, clinical research, public health project, etc.):
   The purpose of SMI is to train Christian physicians and medical students how to integrate their faith with medicine. We were stationed in Harlingen, TX which is about 30 minutes from the Mexican border. Two days a weeks we went to Mexico and set up free health clinics at area churches. Another 2 days we went door-to-door in Texas and offered diabetes and hypertension screenings, and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with community members.
   
   
2. Please describe the range of activities available, in addition to yours:
   We all had the same responsibilities.
   
   
3. Would you recommend this institution to other Penn medical students? Why?
   Yes! It's a wonderful way to see how your faith can really be integral in patient care. It's a great opportunity to meet Christian physicans and medical students, grow in your relationship with God, and also tangibly help others through patient care. It was nice to
   acquire a few new clinical skills.
   
   
4. What did you not like?
   
   
   
5. Is there an application process for this institution? How does one arrange a visit? Are there important dates to know about?
   Yes, there is an application process.
   You can go to http://www.thesmi.org/ for more information.
   
   
6. What costs were associated with the trip, other than transportation. Please include institutional fees, housing costs, food, etc.:
   You have to raise money for the missions trip- $2000. However, if you do not raise that amount, you are still permitted to go. There was no cost for airfare to Texas. Once you are there food is generally provided for, but we do go out 1-2 times a week, so you need to bring money. Pretty much you just need spending money. Housing is free.
   
   
7. Did you receive funding for this trip? If so, from whom and for how much? Please provide important information, such as contacts, application procedure, and due dates:
   No, I had to raise donations. There's no summer stipend or anything.
   
   
   
   
8. Would you agree to be contacted by other students interested in this site? If so, please give your name and contact information:
   Clem Pollydore
   Email: aloysha@mail.med.upenn.edu
   Phone: 215-382-3331

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