After reflecting on the mission trip to Siloe Clinic, third-year DPT student Jenna shared, “Going on this trip was one of the best experiences I have had during my time at Loma Linda. Not only did I get to meet amazing people and work with other allied health professionals, but being able to assist those in need in an area where it is harder to get medical was very heartwarming and it really made me appreciate everything I have in life and reminded me to not take anything for granted.”
Four times a year, our students pack up and head over to Baja, Mexico. They spend the weekend treating and assessing patients at Siloe Clinic; typically two patients an hour. With a patient population ranging from pediatrics, orthopedics, geriatrics, neurology, all the way to helping burn victims our students stay busy and have many opportunities to make an impact.
Volunteer students from Speech, Occupational Therapy, Orthotic & Prosthetic along with Physical Therapy truly makes this an excellent display of interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork. Being able to work alongside each other and see what the other fields are working on helps paint a complete picture of the patient’s experience. This also teaches the students how they can work together to provide the best, all inclusive care for their patients. From each department, a faculty advisor assists the students and oversees the work they are doing; ensuring this unique hands-on experience is a positive event for everyone involved. From time to time, you can even see our alumnus joining in to lend their knowledge and a helping hand.