Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Oaxaca: A Healthcare Mission That Transformed Lives

This year's healthcare mission trip to Oaxaca was nothing short of transformative. In one week, our interprofessional team treated over 2,300 patients, providing everything from routine medical care to specialized services. The impact on the local community, spanning all ages, was profound. The heartfelt gratitude from the residents reminded us why we chose careers in healthcare-it's about making a difference, one person at a time.

What made this mission truly special was the collaboration between students from various health professions-physical therapy, medicine, optometry, nursing, community health education, and pharmacy. Each participant was graciously supported by the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability and Unified In Wellness.

This wasn't just teamwork; it was interprofessional collaborative practice in action. For example, Cassandra Millan, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine student, and Kiana Hall, an Optometry student, worked side by side, reviewing patient charts and creating care plans. Their partnership highlighted how different healthcare perspectives come together to improve patient outcomes. This spirit of collaboration was inspiring and a testament to the power of working across disciplines.

Alumni from UIW's School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM), Feik School of Pharmacy and Rosenberg School of Optometry also joined the trip, mentoring current students and reconnecting with faculty. This intergenerational bond brought a richness to the experience. As Lily Winton, a UIWSOM student, reflected, "It's hard to believe it's been a month since we returned. The trip was transformative-culturally, emotionally and medically. I loved getting to know students from different programs and the healthcare team as a whole."

Each day began and ended with reflective moments led by the CCVI sisters, grounding the team in the spiritual and emotional dimensions of healthcare. These moments were powerful reminders that caring for patients goes beyond medical treatment-it's about human connection and empathy.

The mission trip also reinforced the lessons learned through UIW's interprofessional curriculum, such as those from the recent Primary Care Simulated Event. In Oaxaca, students applied their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that will prepare them for the challenges ahead.

For everyone involved, this trip was more than a service opportunity; it was a journey of personal and professional growth. The experiences and lessons learned in Oaxaca will resonate long after the trip, shaping the future healthcare professionals we are becoming.