Bionews

Minnesota Medical Leaders (MML) is a pre-med student group focused on providing hands on experience to members and service to those in need. This past August ten MML members along with nine other University of Minnesota students traveled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua for a two week medical mission trip through the non-profit organization VIDA. The students assisted in setting up and running free clinics in communities that saw and treated over 450 patients. They took patient histories and vitals, performed physical exams, conversed with doctors, helped diagnose illnesses and gave medication. Students also had the opportunity to give injections, vaccinations and pap smears. The experience allowed students to be exposed to life as a doctor working with patients. On the trip, students also worked in their clinic's pharmacy. This opportunity gave students the insight into another medical field and gain appreciation for the work pharmacists do. For the trip, MML raised over $3000 in donations including nebulizers, vitamins, and more. They raised money to buy supplies by selling coupon books, helping host a benefit concert, and applying for grants. Members also went to clinics asking for supplies and medications that the people they were treating needed. It was a rewarding, hands on experience for the students, who now have a better appreciation for the work as a physician. MML is committed to offering similar experiences in the future and are planning another trip for next summer.