A Knoxville resident, Dr. Nowak has directed this medical mission for 10 years, bringing physician assistant students to communities in need. The missions allow students to learn and practice medical and interpersonal skills they need to excel in their careers. The 10th annual mission aided 700 people in the week that they were in Guatemala. First-year physician assistant students at Emory & Henry Lindsay Brumfield, from Hillsville, Va. and Alyssa Gottschalk from Westminster, Co, spoke about their experiences during the week-long mission.
“Leaving Guatemala almost didn’t feel right,” Brumfield said. “This trip gave me more confidence to work with patients and was a rewarding experience.” she added,
“This was easily one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I was able to travel and learn medicine at the same time, all while providing care to people who needed it,” said Gottschalk, who helped with deliveries.