MICHAEL RUSSO MISSION TRIP TO SUMPANGO. WHY I DECIDED TO GO… First time outside of U.S. Jesuit...

M I C H A E L R U S S O

MISSION TRIP TO SUMPANGO

WHY I DECIDED TO GO…

• First time outside of U.S.• Jesuit education

Emphasizes service to others

• Family

BACKGROUND OF TRIP

• Team consisted of members of Woodlands Church• Very experienced group,

very organized

• Left January 5, 2013• Arrived the next morning

• Stayed for a week in the town of Sumpango, Guatemala

• Clinic was located in heart of town

• Opened clinic to public for four days

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

OUR TEAM

TEAM MEMBERS

• Healthcare professionals• 9 physicians• 2 nurses• 2 pharmacists• Several other clinicians• Covered many medical specialties

• Guatemalan medical students• Spiritual leaders• Many undergraduate students!

MORE OF OUR TEAM

• Partnered with this church

• Helped advertise for the clinic• Volunteers• Spiritual

Clinic• Lunch

SUMPANGO

MARKET IN SUMPANGO

THE CLINIC

OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC

DR. SLEZAK’S WORK

• Great contributions• Enthusiastic attitude• Motivated teacher• Does everything he

can for patients

• Described as a great visionary (no pun intended)• He travels on

missions trips several times a year

• Colombia

AFTER THE CLINIC

• We had fun!• Clinic lasted for 4

days• Played a lot of fun

games• Emphasis on team

bonding

SOCCER GAME

ANTIGUA

NOW, WHAT DID I DO FOR THE CLINIC?

• I have no medical training • My Spanish is not great• Couldn’t translate for physicians (but I did make an

attempt)

• Although spiritual, I do not have any formal training• There was nothing really I could do

THIS IS WHAT I DID

IMPACT OF TRIP ON ME

• Intensified my appreciation for healthcare and for serving the underprivileged• Further motivated me for a career in medicine• I have tremendous admiration for the pharmacists,

physicians and nurses who went on the trip

• Developed new friendships• Strong desire to go back

QUESTIONS?