A group of nine nursing students and two faculty members from IU Fort Wayne recently embarked on a transformative medical service trip, where they provided essential healthcare services to over 400 patients in underserved communities. The team set up mobile health clinics directly in neighborhoods, ensuring those with little to no access to medical facilities received the care they needed.
“My favorite part of the trip was being able to make a difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate,” Trinity Thomas-Wieland, IU Fort Wayne School of Nursing student said. “The communities we served in the Dominican Republic didn't have the same access to healthcare that we have in our everyday lives. Therefore, being able to make a small difference in getting them the medications and care that they needed has really opened my eyes to all that we have to be thankful.”
The mobile clinics offered a range of services, including vital sign assessments, blood sugar checks, and weight monitoring for children. Patients also had the opportunity to consult with Dominican doctors working with the team to discuss ongoing health concerns and medications. The team then assisted Dominican team members in supplying prescribed medications and provided health teaching.
"This trip is an invaluable opportunity for our nursing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while gaining a deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges,” Dr. Kristin Bassett, IU Fort Wayne School of Nursing Clinical Assistant Professor said. It pushes them out of their comfort zones, enhances their clinical confidence, and reinforces the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.”
The majority of the patients seen were elderly individuals, women—including expectant mothers—and children. Many sought basic check-ups and nutritional support, highlighting the critical need for ongoing healthcare outreach in these areas.
“The entire trip and the idea of being able to make a difference in hundreds of people's lives was extremely rewarding,” Thomas-Wieland said. “The [patients] truly make the entire experience worth it. Even with what little they have to give, they express so much gratitude towards us and always try to offer us something as a way of saying thank you.”
For the students, the experience was more than just a clinical rotation—it was an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally while making a tangible impact on a community in need.
"This trip is life-changing for our students,” Maria Hines, IU Fort Wayne School of Nursing Clinical Assistant Professor said. “It opens their eyes to the profound impact that compassionate nursing care can have, even in the most challenging conditions. These experiences shape them into nurses who will truly make a difference in the lives of their patients, no matter where they go."
