The Return to Africa: Reflections on the Mission to Uganda by Connor Kuipers “Gifts from the poor” is a phrase commonly used on any mission with Mission to Heal (M2H) because it holds a special meaning for those who know and support the organization. More often than not, the volunteers going into the trip who…
David Plurad, MD and Hong Yoon Plurad, MD, both general surgeons and their son Parker participated in the Uganda II medical mission. Here is their reflection. Reflections on our first mission trip with Mission to Heal – Hong Yoon Plurad In August 2024, my family and I went on our first surgical mission with Mission…
Adeline Domkam, FNP, a nurse practitioner from California. Attending a Mission to Heal medical mission in Uganda was a dream come true. This was made possible through the scholarship granted to me via NIFA. It was a humble and learning experience throughout the two weeks spent. Everyone made me feel welcome. I have gained valuable…
Marissa Firlie, a 4th year medical student from George Washington University. Mission to Heal: Gatab 4/17/24 – 4/27/24 In reflecting on my time volunteering with Mission to Heal in Gatab, Kenya has been a deeply enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Gatab, a community facing numerous healthcare challenges, required a tailored approach to address its…
Willemijn Poen a recent medical school grad from Holland on her second M2H medical mission. Volunteering with Mission to Heal in Kenya was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that allowed me to contribute to the community while learning valuable lessons myself. Returning for my second mission in Kenya, I was eager to reconnect with familiar…
Abbie Winkelmann a 4th year medical student at George Washington University. Mission to Heal: Kenya, April 12-27, 2024 Part 1: Trip Logistics Accommodations: Housing was determined by Mission to Heal as they have a longstanding relationship in the communities that we are serving. When I first arrived in Nairobi, Kenya we stayed in the…
Kristen Alcorn, NP, is a nurse practitioner. Here is her reflection. My Name is Kristen Alcorn, and I am a nurse practitioner who attended NIFA for my surgical first assist training. During my training I attended a webinar by Dr. Geelhoed, who discussed volunteering with Mission to Heal. At the time, I was a broke…
Gary Clark, MD, is a retired General, Endocrine and Acute Care surgeon. His wife, Linnette Clark, RPT, PhD (Women’s Health) is a retired Physical Therapist. Here is their story on the 2 weeks they spent in Uganda with our team. For the Clarks, this was our 3rd trip to Africa but our first with M2H. …
This was my first experience in participating in a medical mission trip, my first time joining M2H on a mission, and my first time in the continent of Africa. About a year prior to the mission, I made the irrevocable decision to entirely commit myself to join on this medical expedition. The 12 months preceding…
Katy Hastings, RNFA, is an Operating Room Nurse from San Diego, CA. She first connected with Mission to Heal through NIFA after hearing Dr. Geelhoed give a presentation to their current students and recent graduates. As someone who has participated in numerous missions around the world, Katy was immediately interested in joining Mission to Heal…