For many college students, spring break is a time to relax and recharge. For MSOE Global Brigade students, it means making a difference in the lives of others.

This year, a group of MSOE students, faculty, staff and alumni traveled to Panama with Global Brigades to provide care for 418 patients and fluoride treatment to an additional 112 children.

“It was amazing traveling to Panama,” said sophomore nursing student Laura Brown. “Learning about the culture, talking to patients and seeing the joy from everyone involved was so inspiring!”

While in Panama, the brigade helped patients with a medical consult or dental treatment that including cleanings, fillings or extractions. They also helped with triage, physiotherapy, pharmacy and Charla, which is dental hygiene education.

The trip empowered students to use the skillsets they’ve gained in in their classes and make a real impact on the lives of others.

“My favorite part of the trip was the clinic days,” said Brown. “Getting to use the skills I have learned at MSOE in a setting so different from the typical clinical experience was great! It was a good reminder to me that a smile is a sign of joy, even if there is a language barrier.”

The group also participated in a research day to assess the needs of the local community to be able to better serve them with future brigades. For most patients, Global Brigades was the only way they could receive medical and dental care.

“This experience has changed my perspective of health care systems and has given me real world examples of why it is critical to make health care more accessible across the globe, regardless of geography,” said Brown.

A total of 25 people from MSOE attended the trip, including students majoring in nursing, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering and chemical and biomolecular engineering. Brown encourages other students, regardless of major, to join future brigades for a transformative experience.

“This is an experience that will change your life,” said Brown. “There is no way to describe the feeling that fully encompasses what it means to experience these brigades until you go on one. The patients that we see in three short days and the conversations we had have become part of why I continue to be passionate about entering this profession!”