HPU Pharmacy Students Assist Medical Mission in Belize

Shown from left, is Dr. Sarah Anderson, assistant professor of clinical sciences and director of Clinical Skills Laboratory, with HPU pharmacy students Jenna Brady, Alexa Czerw and Elizabeth Hoskins.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 3, 2023 – Three students and a professor from High Point University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy recently traveled with a team of 30 U.S. volunteers on a medical mission to Orange Walk, Belize.

Dr. Sarah Anderson, assistant professor of clinical sciences and director of Clinical Skills Laboratory, and HPU pharmacy students Jenna Brady, Alexa Czerw and Elizabeth Hoskins joined Caring Partners International at a medical clinic where community members received free treatment and heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The team consisted of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, ophthalmologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, pharmacists and other nonmedical volunteers.

“Over the course of the week, we assisted 682 patients, and 167 patients accepted Christ as their savior for the first time,” said Anderson. “In the pharmacy, we consulted with the diagnostic line on diagnosis and treatment selection. We made over 200 interventions as the pharmacy team.”

While working with various providers, the student pharmacists were able to interview patients, select and dose medications, verify prescriptions for accuracy and counsel patients in both English and Spanish with the help of a translator.

“This experience allowed the students to put all the skills we teach them in the classroom into action, as well as push them out of their comfort zone to learn and try new tasks,” said Anderson. “These soon-to-be pharmacists showed compassion to those waiting by handing out stickers and simply having conversations with them. While it was very much different than the comforts of home, the team was able to transform a small church into a bustling clinic. Most of these volunteers had not worked together or known each other before the trip, but we came together for a greater purpose.”

Alexa Czerw, a Class of 2025 doctor of pharmacy student from Apex, North Carolina, described the medical mission to Belize as one of her best experiences.

“I have gotten the chance to meet some amazing people, grow closer to my faith and further my career in hopes of becoming a pediatric pharmacist,” said Czerw.

“Belize was such an amazing opportunity to learn how to use my gifts to help those in need,” said Jenna Brady, a Class of 2026 doctor of pharmacy student from Newark, Delaware. “Working in the clinic taught me so many valuable skills, and I am so grateful to have had the amazing opportunity to go with Dr. Anderson and learn from her.”

Elizabeth Hoskins, a Class of 2025 doctor of pharmacy student from Sophia, North Carolina, also said she was grateful for the opportunity to serve on a medical mission trip this summer.

“As a pharmacy student, I was able to use my medication knowledge to help patients and make a difference in their lives,” said Hoskins. “It was amazing to see how many people were helped, and more importantly, accepted Christ as their Savior.”