Heightening global awareness through service: USF global medical brigades serving rural areas across the world

Counting down the days to August 2026, when USF Global Medical Brigades will be going to Guatemala to provide healthcare, medication, and sustainable support, the USF chapter is raising money and preparing for their week-long service trip. “We go to countries or rural areas that are in need of healthcare support,” Javier Todd, president of the USF chapter, explains. “We set up mobile clinics and assist alongside physicians, dentists, physical therapists, and nutritionists.” 

Todd’s start with Global Medical Brigades was coincidental, being introduced to the then president of the chapter in a chance meeting. “I didn’t even know what it was at the time, but he asked if I wanted to go on this medical trip to Panama.” Originally from Panama himself, Todd easily agreed. “I had a chance to meet family while on the trip, which was great.”

Todd explains that it was his first day that really put the true impact of the work into perspective. “When we arrived at the clinic, there were over 200 people waiting to be treated,” Todd says. “They wake up really early and travel from far, bringing their kids and families to get healthcare. These are usually communities that haven’t otherwise seen a physician or doctor in two or three years.” 

USF Global Medical Brigades is a branch of an international non-profit that helps communities meet their health and economic goals across the world. Their mission is to inspire, mobilize, and collaborate with these communities to create a long-term positive impact. Global Medical Brigades are designed around sustainable help for these communities, not just a week-long clinic. “We’re not only providing healthcare and giving them medications that they can use for a few months,” Sebastián Mendez Silva, VP of external affairs of the USF chapter, explains. “We’re helping their communities develop and become sustainable by themselves.” 

Similarly to Todd’s experience, Mendez Silva’s first brigade to Panama changed his perspective entirely. “On my way home, I had a lot of time to reflect. These communities really are depending on these brigades for their healthcare,” Mendez Silva says. “It made me realize that we really are changing lives and helping communities have a better life.” 

“This work genuinely has changed the course of my life,” Mahek Mody, VP of Internal Affairs, says. This impact is visible in the current USF Global Medical Brigades board’s dedication to not only want to continue to serve global communities, but also in their devotion to evolving the chapter and recruiting more volunteers. “Being sustainable is really important,” Nour El Hoda Malone, the president advisor of the USF chapter, says. “We will hopefully someday have more than one brigade a year.” 

While most student volunteers come from pre-health backgrounds, there are no specific credentials necessary to participate in a brigade. “Any interested student can apply, regardless of their background or major,” Todd says. “They just need the drive to come on the trip with the purpose and mindset to help others.” 

“There have been volunteers that have zero clinical experience and others who have been working in the field for years,” Mendez Silva explains. “We give everyone the same opportunity.” Students interested in volunteering in future brigades can apply directly on USF’s Global Medical Brigade homepage. Global Medical Brigades is not the only program that is student-led. There are other chapters for Dental Brigades, Public Health Brigades, alongside Engineering and Legal Empowerment programs. Read more about their sustainable vision and collaborative programing. 

Not only do students have the chance to serve communities abroad, but these brigades also give them a chance to confirm whether the healthcare path is for them. “I’ve seen students come back from a trip and realize that maybe this path wasn’t what they expected,” Todd says. “But more often than not, these trips help motivate students more. I know it’s motivated me and affirms that I’ve chosen the right career path.” 

“This experience really heightens your global awareness,” Mendez Silva says. “It really allows you to go above and behind knowing other cultures. It teaches you how to talk to people, even if you don’t speak the same language or have the same experiences.”