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?