November 12, 2024 — Hands-on experience is essential for preparing students for any line of work and is especially important in health care.

For Abigail Oliveros '26, Kiana Salierno '26, and Jenna Jedlicka '25, the opportunity to participate in a medical mission to Costa Rica provided not only crucial clinical skills but also broadened their perspectives on global health care.

The mission was arranged through Vida Volunteer, a US-based nonprofit that focuses on health promotion and delivers free medical, dental, and veterinary care to over 55 communities in Central America. During their work, the Marist students gained valuable hands-on experience while making a difference in underserved communities.

"This experience differed from the usual campus environment because it enhanced my cultural competence by working firsthand with patients from different backgrounds," said Kiana, an athletic training major. "You are able to see how their country differs from ours while learning how to communicate with people who speak another language."

The impactful moments began as soon as the students arrived in Costa Rica, where they went through a comprehensive orientation to discuss their medical responsibilities, expectations, and any concerns.

The full cohort of Vida Volunteer students working in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Abigail Oliveros '26.

They then participate in four intensive clinical days, and work directly with patients under the supervision of local doctors. Tasks include conducting intake interviews, performing basic examinations, and diagnosing patients. 

“We had the opportunity to ask the doctors questions about the patients, their diagnoses, and their treatments,” said Abigail. “It was truly hands-on, which was great because I’ve always been interested in getting this type of experience, as I’m pre-med myself.”

Jenna Jedlicka '25 (left), Kiana Salierno '26 (center left), and Abigail Oliveros '26 (right) with a patient in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Jenna Jedlicka.

For Abigail, Kiana, and Jenna, the itinerary included two intensive clinical days in La Cruz, a border town near Nicaragua, followed by two additional clinical days in Nicoya. These days allowed them to implement the skills honed in the first half of the trip and reflect on what they had learned as they gained confidence and autonomy throughout the mission.

“Being able to see the health care conditions of patients in Costa Rica and the stories they share is something that truly changed my outlook on health care and life as a whole,” said Jenna, a biomedical sciences major. “In addition to medical experience, I was able to meet lifelong friends that share the same interest as me.”

"These students truly embody the Marist spirit and mission, venturing beyond campus to explore global health care and develop cultural understanding and competency, and building on Marist's wide array of experiential learning opportunities," said Kevin Henry, Assistant Dean of the School of Science. "Now, they're back on campus, aiming to expand access by creating a club and fundraising for future medical missions.”

The students also enjoyed one recreational day in Buena Vista del Rincon, which included time to relax in hot springs, explore an adventure park, and see a volcano.

Jenna Jedlicka '25 on a zip line during the recreational day of the Costa Rica trip. Photo courtesy of Jenna Jedlicka.

Inspired by her experience, Abigail has become an ambassador for Vida Volunteer, and is now working to establish a chapter of Vida Volunteer on campus, truly embodying the spirit of bringing Marist to the world and the world to Marist. 

Her recruitment work has already garnered interest from 22 students, with plans to bring in more next semester through a club chartered by SGA. The focus will be on fundraising and organizing future trips, making international clinical experience more accessible to Marist students. 

“This was such a life-changing experience for me, and I’m hoping we can get as many people involved as possible,” Abigail said. “I really want to spread the word because I know there are a lot of people that would like the opportunity to go abroad and would benefit from it.”