Volunteering in Panama!

In the summer of 2022, I got the amazing opportunity to visit Panama with Volunteers Around the World (VAW).

It was my first time flying, so I was super nervous. Even though I had a fear of heights, I really enjoyed sitting by the window seat. The beautiful views were very calming.

I traveled with a group of 15 students from Clemson University in South Carolina and University of Redlands in California. Every morning, we took a boat ride to a different island community in Bocas Del Toro, where we learned from local doctors in a traveling clinic.

At the clinic, we rotated between four stations: Intake, Vitals, Shadowing, and Pharmacy. At the intake station, I spoke with patients in Spanish about their medical history and chief complaint. At the vitals station, I took patient height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood sugar if needed. At the shadowing station, I was able to learn about patient consultations and diagnoses. At the pharmacy station, I shadowed the pharmacist and learned about the doses and uses of various medications.

We also had the opportunity to work with children at a Panamanian school. The students from Clemson presented about Vitamin C. The kids enjoyed our activity in which we sorted foods based on Vitamin C! Afterwards, we gave them fresh oranges and kiwi, as well as some orange flavored candies.

Afterwards, the students from the University of Redlands did a yoga activity and made stress balls. It was heartwarming to see the kids having so much fun. Their teachers told us they'd remember this for years to come.

Everyday after clinic, our group would take a boat to the mainland and explore more of Bocas. It was fun to use my Spanish knowledge to talk to street venders, restaurant staff, boat drivers, and Panama locals! I will never forget how kind and hospitable the people of Panamá were.

This trip allowed me to gain valuable cultural experience and deepened my love of medicine. I hope to visit again someday!