To use their clinical skills learned during the past two years of schooling, nine physician assistant (PA) students, along with three PA program faculty members, embarked on a Students for International Mission Service (SIMS) trip to Ensenada, Mexico, May 1 and 2, 2004.

As the first SIMS trip taken by the PA department, the weekend was an exciting adventure for students and faculty. “Nobody realized what a memorable and special experience it would turn out to be,” said Yasmin Bracho, a certified physicians assistant (PAC) and PA faculty member.

The group crossed the border at Chula Vista and enjoyed a scenic highway drive to Ensenada, Mexico. With warm weather and blue skies accompanying them, they stopped at a Seventh-day Adventist church to meet community members and receive their mission assignment.

They were to set up a clinic at a small school surrounded by Las Flores, a rural community of about 200 homes. They began by handing out flyers advertising the free medical clinic to the community.

“The villagers were welcoming and pleased to know that LLU students were there to help them with their health problems,” said Heather Freiler, PA student.

Living conditions are noticeably different than American life. Las Flores is a rustic community with limited amenities and resources. Multiple family members live in small homes without plumbing, televisions or appliances.

On Sunday, May 2, the LLU group transformed Las Flores’ school into a clinic and set up their pharmacy. Patients began lining up promptly at 8 a.m. to receive medical care.

The PA students and faculty members saw a variety of medical cases and examined infants, children, adults and elderly patients.

“We worked hard as a team to meet the health care needs of the community members,” said Bracho. “Some had never received any type of health care services before. Our patients were kind and appreciative of us helping them.”

At the end of the day, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch at the home of a local family.

“We all sat and ate together as a group and reflected on our successful mission experience,” Freiler says.

Bracho and Freiler reflect together on the experience: “Visiting Mexico was one of the most spiritual and memorable events we had ever experienced. The people there were kind and welcoming.

“We were able to touch the lives of so many caring and compassionate people. It was fulfilling to see these people so appreciative and happy to receive health care. The people of Ensenada taught us all so much and allowed us to take a deeper look into our own lives.

“It was a humbling experience and we all realized that we have so much in life for which to be thankful. It was truly a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful and spiritual experience.

“We are fortunate that God has given us the opportunity to receive an education and fulfill our dreams so that we can continue to help people and touch the lives of our patients.”