Navigating Uncertainty on Medical Mission Trips: Lessons in Adaptability and Patient Care

By Mindy Hong

Murphy’s Law—“Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”—has often resonated with me during my medical mission trips. Despite thorough preparation, unforeseen challenges inevitably arise. I’ve realized that, as medical students, we must embrace adaptability and flexibility to overcome these challenges and grow as future physicians. My experiences on two medical mission trips, one as a rising third-year and the other as a fourth-year medical student, have shaped my approach to patient care and broadened my understanding of global health.

The Guatemala Mission: Building Clinical Confidence

My first mission trip as a third-year medical student took me to Guatemala, where I would work clinically for the first time. I was eager yet uncertain, as each day brought new patient populations in various locations. Roles were fluid, and I found myself working as a pharmacy technician—far from what I anticipated but essential for understanding healthcare systems and team-based care.

On our first day in the clinic, we experienced a whirlwind of activity as we unloaded medications and equipment. The chaotic organizational process underscored the importance of collaboration and communication. Once settled, I began working with patients alongside my close friend and fellow medical student, performing full histories and physicals (H&Ps) and presenting our findings to attending physicians. One patient, a middle-aged woman with uncontrolled hypertension and poorly managed diabetes, had not seen a doctor in years due to limited access to care. With guidance from my attending, we formulated a treatment plan involving medications, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up care.

This experience in Guatemala provided my first real taste of patient interaction. I learned the importance of humility in medicine—recognizing that it’s okay not to know everything, but crucial to ask questions and rely on your team to provide the best care possible. Reporting to an attending physician was intimidating, but an invaluable opportunity to strengthen my clinical reasoning and presentation skills ahead of my third-year rotations.

Oaxaca, Mexico: Interprofessional Collaboration and Specialized Care

Fast forward to my fourth year: I had the privilege of participating in a second medical mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, in collaboration with the University of the Incarnate Word and Quijotes of San Antonio. This trip brought together a diverse group of professionals and students, highlighting the importance of teamwork in delivering holistic patient care.

As we set up the clinic, we faced familiar disarray, but this clinic had more robust resources, including specialty services like gynecology, emergency medicine, optometry, and physical therapy. On my first day in the gynecology clinic, I struggled to connect with patients due to my limited Spanish proficiency. Frustrated but determined, I decided to take a step back from gynecology for a day and followed an emergency medicine physician.

During our time together, we saw a patient experiencing recurrent chest pain and palpitations. She had consulted several specialists, including a cardiologist, but no definitive cause had been found. Through careful questioning, we discovered that her symptoms were related to stress from financial struggles and caring for her teenage sons. The holistic approach of my attending, who sought to understand the patient’s life circumstances, reminded me that in medicine, we are treating whole people with emotions, families, and struggles.

The next day, I returned to the gynecology clinic with renewed confidence. After practicing medical Spanish in the evenings, I was better equipped to communicate with patients, leading to more productive interactions. I performed several pelvic exams and participated in Nexplanon removals and insertions, reinforcing the technical skills I had developed in my clinical rotations.

One patient, a young woman in her early twenties, came in to have her Nexplanon removed after five years. I assisted with the procedure under an OB/GYN attending. This encounter not only provided valuable procedural experience but also allowed me to build rapport with the patient despite language barriers. The gratitude of patients throughout the trip left a lasting impression on me.

Adaptability as a Core Skill

Both mission trips reinforced a key lesson: adaptability is critical, regardless of preparation. On the day we traveled to Oaxaca, our flight was delayed, leaving me without any extra clothes to change into. It wasn’t the ideal start to a mission trip, but it taught me the importance of staying calm and making the best of challenging situations.

On our final day in Oaxaca, a humorous yet fitting example of Murphy’s Law unfolded. After a long day at the clinic, I sprained my ankle stepping into a pothole while enjoying a walk through the local market. Fortunately, it was a minor injury, but it served as a reminder that unexpected events can occur at any moment.

For those considering medical mission trips, I offer this advice: Be open to the unpredictable. Each day presents new challenges, whether logistical, clinical, or personal, and these experiences will shape you as a future healthcare provider. Serving populations with limited access to care is an honor, and these trips have taught me invaluable lessons in flexibility, resourcefulness, and humility.

Practical Advice for Future Mission Participants:

• Pack extra scrubs and personal hygiene items in your carry-on, as laundry services may not be available.
• Bring a personal towel and extra undergarments; simple comforts can make a big difference.
• Carry a journal or use your phone to document your daily experiences. Reflection solidifies lessons learned.
• If possible, bring extra supplies like gloves, masks, and exam tools—they can be invaluable in resource-limited settings.
• Always bring a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to any situation.

In the end, it is the people you serve and the lessons you learn that leave the greatest impact. Whether assisting with procedures, learning new skills, or simply offering a kind word to a patient, each experience contributes to your growth as a physician and a person.

 

Mindy Hong is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) in San Antonio, TX. She received her Bachelor of Science at the University of Houston where she double majored in Biology and Psychology. Before starting medical school, Mindy completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at the UIWSOM. She aspires to continue participating in medical mission trips every year and is considering pursuing a fellowship in Global Health. Outside of medical school, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, hosting movie nights, and trying new foods! She can be found on Instagram @hellomyndee