Abigail Handel

As a participant in the Syracuse Global Medical Brigade to Panama, I worked alongside physicians and fellow pre-medical students to provide free healthcare services to rural communities with limited medical access. Our team rotated through triage, pharmacy, dental care, and clinical consultations, allowing me to both shadow physicians and engage in hands-on patient interaction. I strengthened my Spanish communication skills while learning how language and cultural awareness shape effective patient care. Beyond the clinical experience, I developed meaningful connections with peers who share my passion for service and health care. This experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine rooted in accessibility, compassion, and cross-cultural understanding.

I was surprised by the clear patterns in the types of infections and chronic conditions patients were experiencing. Many of these issues were directly linked to environmental factors and gaps in health education. Seeing these trends deepened my understanding of how social determinants of health influence medical outcomes. The physicians on site took time to explain these patterns, which transformed each case into a broader lesson about global health systems and inequity.

This experience directly supported my long term goal of becoming a service oriented physician. It strengthened my desire to work with underserved communities and reinforced the importance of cultural humility in healthcare. Academically, it gave context to the biological and social concepts I study as a Biology major. Professionally, it helped me grow in confidence, communication, and adaptability in clinical settings.

I plan to continue participating in future Global Medical Brigade trips and seek additional opportunities in global and community health. I also hope to apply the lessons learned in Panama to local service initiatives and clinical experiences. Long term, I aim to integrate global health outreach into my medical career, whether through advocacy or community health programming.

Receiving the Honors Abroad Grant Academic Enhancement Award made this experience financially possible for me. The funding reduced a significant financial barrier and allowed me to fully commit to this service opportunity without any hesitation.