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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. 

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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.”

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

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