Mission trip to Costa Ric 2025 with FM Carbodanle
News

SIU Medicine providers bring care to Costa Rican village

Published Date:

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.

More from SIU News

Mandy Hagen

Strength in recovery: Letting lived experience lead the way

When Mandy Hagen stepped onstage to accept the Rising Star Award in addiction services, it marked a full-circle moment. Once unsure whether she deserved a seat at the table, today she’s leading recovery efforts across four counties in southern Illinois and inspiring others to find their way forward.
Covid art x 3

'COVID Stories' will highlight local impacts & images from global pandemic

A series of Springfield-area events will bring moments from the global pandemic back into sharp focus this fall. ‘COVID Stories’ will provide both local and universal reflections on how we as a society adjusted when things went viral, literally.
Don Torry speaking at podium

Senator Durbin, SIU Medicine leaders express concerns about federal budget cuts

Health care leaders and Senator Dick Durbin gathered at SIU School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians.