951 NW 13th St.3E Boca Raton, FL 33486 (561) 864-0298 info@bicolclinic.org

Volunteer: Jaclyn Klimczak

Volunteer

Bicol Clinic Foundation, Inc.
Philippines, 2013

I had no idea what to expect when I got on the plane and embarked on my trip with the Bicol Clinic Foundation to the other side of the world. You can take classes, and watch documentaries on medical mission trips on what they are about, what you may see and the things that you may do, but nothing compares to the actual experience. I for one have never done a medical mission trip, mind you travel to such a far and remote location to participate in one, and yet I can look back and say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. The Filipino culture and communities are made up of some of the most incredible people that left an impression that I'll carry on with me for the rest of my life. The level of poverty that most of the people live in was eye opening and yet they were incredibly accepting, appreciative and overall just some of the happiest people you will ever meet. We were housed in a small dormitory overlooking the most beautiful bay and Volcano, fed the freshest and most delicious Filipino cuisine (I have never had such delicious Mangos in my life) and made some of the greatest friendships with the students and professionals in our group. The country itself was unbelievable to see and explore, and the excursions that we were taken on from hot and cold springs to hiking a volcano were opportunities many never get to experience in their life. In terms of education, it was probably one of the best clinical experiences, filled with great exposure to the art of medicine, practicing H&P's, creating SOAP notes and developing a flow to treating and taking care of patients. We got to partake in small surgeries and proper wound care, and were taught the art of suturing. The patients that we saw and cared for present with conditions that are far few and in between in the US, and allowed me to take the medical education I have thus far received and gave me a chance to apply it and see it in real clinical situations. I left feeling comfortable taking history and physicals, giving shots, doing small procedures and just getting into the role of being a doctor. Personally this is the best experience one could ask for, especially as a medical student. It makes you think outside of the box and get comfortable relying on your own knowledge and skill set instead of technology and expensive testing. Even outside of the medical aspects, and experiences that we got to partake in that will strengthen our skillset and knowledge, as a person I left with a different perspective. I found a love in not just medicine but global health and look forward to embarking on another opportunity to travel and do a medical mission. Dr. Schuster and his family made the journey that much more incredible, and it was an honor to practice and learn under such an amazing mentor. Best of all this experience makes me really realize how much I love medicine, and how I look forward to what I'll get to do each and everyday in my future career as a physician.

Jaclyn Klimczak
Florida Atlantic University
Medical Student

Want To Join Our Team?

BCF has dispatched more than 150 medical students, in addition to dozens of American and foreign physicians and nurses, to provide care to more than 75,000 patients in the Philippines, Nepal and Haiti, many of whom had never before seen a physician. Our team members also volunteer in orphanages and schools to extend health care to other aspects of life. We’d love for you to be Part of the Start!

Join Our Team
The application and all additional requirements MUST BE SUBMITTED BY January 21 , 2020.

Bicol Clinic Foundation, Inc.
Philippines, 2011

My life as a first year medical student quickly turned into a race to fit esoteric packets of information into my brain at least as rapidly and as well as my classmates. By the end of it, I found myself lost in the textbooks and exams, forgetting why I entered medicine in the first place. While I loved school and enjoyed what I was learning, I was very worried that I was losing my identity. I am not exaggerating when I say that BCF saved me from myself both professionally and personally.

BCF provides a safe and supportive - albeit exotic and challenging - environment in which to begin the practical application of my pre-clinical education. The hands-on clinical experience allowed me to begin making connections which I wouldn't have been able to make until my 3rd year or later. The opportunity to work in a diverse team composed of medical students, nursing students, interpreters, nurses, and doctors of varying backgrounds and levels of experiences was good practice for my future, especially giving the changes in the delivery of primary care which emphasize the healthcare team rather than the solo doctor. Moreover, I couldn't have hand-picked better teachers. Dr. Schuster, in particular, is an inspiration. He is an extremely knowledgeable, patient, and approachable physician who leads by example. He provided an excellent role-model who helped me realize that it is possible for Doctors to be well-rounded individuals, and reinvigorated my drive to maintain those important parts of my person that make me unique.

There was the perfect balance between hard work and down time. I felt sufficiently challenged, but not overwhelmed. We had plenty of time to enjoy excursions into the area and to get to know each other and some of the local Filipinos.

When people ask me about the trip, I tell them it was one of the best decisions of my life. It renewed my enthusiasm for medicine and I strongly believe that I will be a stronger healthcare provider from it. I've done my best to describe this experience, but honestly I think it's impossible to do it verbal justice. I didn't know if was possible for any experience to be so consistently and extraordinarily positive. Even after this summer, I know that BCF will continue to be an important part of my life.

Kay L. James
Tulane University
Medical Student

Kay L. James

2011 View Kay L.' s testimonial