On her first day in Nicaragua, Sandy and her team members went door to door in the community informing families of the free clinic, conducting home visits, and assessing living conditions. The next three days were spent working in the free clinic where Sandy, who is on a pre-physician's assistant track, helped interview patients, fill out medical records and patient histories, take vital signs, and perform physical examinations on all the patients. Working alongside a doctor and a dentist with practices in Nicaragua, she was able to sit in and assist during the diagnosis and treatment process. She also visited a local public hospital and was able to watch multiple surgeries in the operating room.
Sandy's goal, upon her graduation in May 2018, is to attend a Physician's Assistant school. The hands-on experience she gained while on this trip will not only provide her with life-long memories but will give her an edge in her chosen field.