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Meghan Prentiss, PA-C, in June worked in a clinic to help villagers in Honduras.
Meghan Prentiss, PA-C, paid her own way for a trip to Honduras last month, but it wasn’t a vacation. Prentiss, a physician assistant in the Neuro ICU, worked with physicians, dentists, nurses, medical students and pharmacists from all over the U.S. who combined to treat about 2,500 patients in Honduras.
“We worked really well together even though we’ve never met before,” she said. “Everyone has the same feeling of urgency to help as many people as they can.”
The effort was arranged by MEDICO (Medical, Eye, Dental International Care Organization), a non-profit humanitarian service organization that sets up clinics five times per year in Latin American countries to provide medical, eye and dental care. Prentiss’ group traveled to San Bartolo, a small mountain town, and operated a clinic for five days.
“I learned a lot about the local culture and ailments and working with the people to help them get better,” she said.
Most of the volunteers, who paid their own way and brought medical equipment, had a Spanish-speaking background, but translators helped bridge any communication gaps. Prentiss saw many patients with parasitic infections and malnutrition.
“I saw first-hand this huge need, but you can’t help everyone,” she said. “I’ll definitely go back.”