Five physician assistant studies students in Samford University’s School of Health Professions spent part of their spring semester in a remote village in Honduras, delivering medical care, providing dental education and supporting ministry efforts in rural areas with limited access to health care.
As part of a partnership between Christ Health, a Birmingham-based medical ministry, and Evangelical Faith Missions, the team operated five mobile clinics throughout the country’s coffee-growing region. In addition to treating patients, the group shared Bible stories with children, prayed with those who welcomed it and partnered with local pastors already serving their communities.
“We were privileged to partner with Samford University to spend a week serving,” said Cleon Rogers, MD, chief medical officer at Christ Health. “Each day, we had the opportunity to provide family medicine, dental education and basic health resources.”
Students worked with limited resources and relied on translators to communicate with patients, adapting their training to meet needs in a different cultural and clinical setting. They treated a wide range of conditions, from chronic illnesses to oral health concerns. Dental care was a particular focus, as basic supplies such as toothbrushes and toothpaste are often difficult to obtain.
The experience allowed students to apply classroom learning in a new cultural and clinical environment.
Victoria Cook, who was participating in her first mission trip, said the experience challenged her to grow both personally and professionally.
“I had the opportunity to share the encouragement I received at Samford and give back to others,” Cook said. “When I started to doubt myself, I reminded myself that Samford prepared me well. I grew in confidence in my ability to provide quality care, sought help when needed and rested my anxieties in Jesus’ hands.”
One moment that stood out for Cook involved working with an 8-year-old patient experiencing anxiety. Cook practiced breathing techniques with the child, talked through concerns and prayed, combining practical care with spiritual support.
Samford students seek to serve others through both their profession and their faith. Turner Hughes, who was also participating in his first international mission trip, said the experience blended medical training with spiritual growth.
“Our time included team-building exercises, treating patients in different towns, and intentional reflection and prayer,” Hughes said. “The Lord showed me the heart behind mission work and that He is continually moving in all places.”
Through opportunities like these, Samford students gain clinical experience while learning to serve underserved populations and integrate faith into patient care. The mission trip reflects the ongoing partnership between Christ Health and Samford’s physician assistant studies program.
“Medical missions are not limited to international settings,” Rogers said. “We serve underserved communities in Birmingham in many of the same ways. Whether in Honduras or Alabama, we are caring for people and meeting them where they are.”
