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Mission trip to Costa Ric 2025 with FM Carbodanle
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SIU Medicine providers bring care to Costa Rican village

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Mission trip boosts health, builds trust
 

A team of medical providers from Southern Illinois University Center for Family Medicine and Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) accompanied SIU School of Medicine resident physicians and students on a mission trip to Costa Rica on March 3-6. The group provided essential medical care to the residents of Isla de Chira, a community of about 3,000. 

The team raised more than $4,000 to purchase medications and supplies for the trip, allowing them to treat 300+ adults and children during their four-day visit. Isla de Chira residents have limited access to routine medical care.

“It is always an incredible experience to provide care in a resource-limited setting,” said Dr. Deedra McLain. “Relying on history and physical exams rather than advanced imaging and lab tests reminds us of the core principals of medicine.”

This medical mission reflects SIU Medicine’s commitment to advancing health care and serving communities, wherever care is needed.

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