AED Medical Brigade

Looking to travel abroad while gaining valuable shadowing and volunteer experience? This opportunity is for YOU!

Location: TBA

Fall '26 spots are opening soon!
Act fast, spots are limited!!

Want to Learn More?

Fill out the Medical Brigade Interest Form

Visit Ryan or Ernesto at their office hours in SR1 607F

Office Hours

Check out past medical brigades!

Duration of Trip: 1 week

Hours Worked/Volunteered: 40 hours

Our medical brigade to Cusco, Peru offered students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience while immersing themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the region. Working alongside local healthcare professionals, students participated in patient care and gained a deeper understanding of the healthcare needs and challenges faced by communities in Peru. The experience allowed students to apply their medical knowledge in a new environment while learning from providers and patients alike.

Beyond the clinical setting, the brigade provided meaningful opportunities to explore Cusco and experience Peruvian culture firsthand. Students connected with local communities, experienced traditional food and customs, and explored the history and beauty of the region. These experiences helped create a deeper appreciation for the cultural factors that shape healthcare and patient relationships.

Overall, the brigade broadened students’ perspectives on global healthcare and provided an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. From engaging with patients to experiencing a new culture, the trip was a rewarding and memorable experience that strengthened students’ passion for medicine and service.

2025-2026 Medical Brigade
Cusco, Peru

Duration of Trip: 2 weeks

Hours Worked/Volunteered: 112 hours, with breaks 84 hours

This brigade to Vietnam exceeded students’ expectations both academically and personally. While many anticipated primarily shadowing roles, they were able to gain meaningful hands-on experience—including assisting with wound care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and observing surgeries. These opportunities provided valuable insight into holistic and osteopathic approaches in Vietnamese healthcare.

The trip was well-structured, with organized schedules for clinical work, meals, and group activities. Local staff were supportive and welcoming, guiding students through patient care and answering clinical questions. Outside the hospital, students explored the city, enjoyed local cuisine, and experienced Vietnamese culture firsthand.

Participants noted that the trip broadened their understanding of global healthcare, helped clarify career goals, and strengthened their passion for medicine. From engaging in direct patient care to receiving a heartfelt “Cảm ơn,” students found the experience both fulfilling and transformative.

2024-2025 Medical Brigade
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

2023-2024 Medical Brigade
San Jose, Costa Rica

Duration of Trip: 10 days

Hours Worked/Volunteered: < 40 hours

Our 10-day medical brigade to Costa Rica brought together a dedicated team of students and doctors, alongside a partnered pharmacy, to deliver vital healthcare services to underserved rural communities. Over the course of 40 hours of clinical work, we provided medical care, health education, and essential medications to populations in need, many of whom have limited or no access to healthcare.
The program began in San José, where our team spent the first night at a partner hotel and participated in an orientation session the next day. Once oriented, we traveled to our assigned communities, located in regions of Turrialba and Santa Maria, where we stayed in the homes provided by the local community. These locations allowed us to integrate into the community, connect with local leaders, and better understand the unique healthcare challenges they face. Beyond clinical work, the experience offered deep cultural immersion. We had the opportunity to interact with the local people, playing with children, speaking with elders, and learning about Costa Rican lifestyles. As a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the communities organized a special farewell dinner for our team. Recreationally, Costa Rica's natural beauty added an unforgettable dimension to our journey. We visited a traditional coffee plantation, hiked scenic trails through the mountains, and spent a relaxing day swimming in the region’s natural hot springs. This volunteer program is designed to offer students a hands-on healthcare experience while fostering cultural exchange. Though Costa Rica is smaller than Lake Michigan, its rural-urban divide is stark, only 1% of rural residents have access to basic health education. Through our partnership with local leaders and health initiatives, we aim to reduce healthcare inequalities and promote health literacy in the country’s most vulnerable areas. The experience was not only impactful for the communities served, but also transformative for each member of our team.