Volunteering in the Philippines can be a transformative experience, but few programs compare to the profound impact of ABC's for Global Health's (A Medical NGO in the Philippines with a mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos through Global Health Initiatives) Summer Global Health Immersion Program (SGHIP).
This initiative takes students from the United States to volunteer in the Philippines, working alongside esteemed professionals like Dr. Julieta Gabiola from Stanford University. Through SGHIP, participants gain unparalleled exposure to global health challenges and opportunities to make a real difference in underserved communities.
Here are testimonials from parents, students, and mentors that highlight the life-changing experiences and the profound impact of this program.
Parental Perspectives
Parents often worry when their children travel far from home, especially to volunteer in unfamiliar environments. However, the testimonials from parents of SGHIP participants reveal that these initial concerns quickly give way to immense pride and satisfaction.
One parent shared, “I was worried when my daughter first went on this trip, but truly, I could not be more happy with the results. She gets so excited when she talks about all the things she experienced for the first time, and I can see how it changed her to be more responsible as well. This program is a great culmination of inspiring doctors, compassionate med students, successful mentors, and a motivated group of high schoolers. Your kids will be in safe hands while learning the skills of a lifetime.”
Another parent expressed deep gratitude for the in-depth teaching and compassionate care their daughter received, saying, “My daughter shared many fascinating stories about how they interact patiently with patients, provide treatments, medications and collaborate as a medical team. The mentors in the Philippines provided very in-depth teaching, helping the students gain a deeper understanding of healthcare and the medical field. I am so grateful to Dr. Gabiola and the mentors of the program for providing such a meaningful and transformative experience for my child. Thanks to everyone involved for helping to nurture my child's passion as part of global healthcare.”
The daily updates and comprehensive summaries provided by the program leaders reassured parents about their children's well-being. One parent noted, “The leaders were exceptional, providing daily updates with comprehensive summaries and pictures, making us feel involved and reassured about his well-being. Since his return, we have noticed a significant transformation in his attitude and maturity. He is more compassionate, responsible, and committed to helping others.”
Moreover, parents have witnessed tangible improvements in their children's behavior and outlook on life. As one parent described, “This program has provided a great opportunity for my son to experience and explore so much in the Philippines. I can see my son learned a lot from the trip and transformed/grew into a new, better human being. He washes his dishes himself, organizes his room better, and has more patience to talk to us than before. He is also more open-minded and willing to try new things.”
The gratitude extends to the extraordinary care provided by Dr. Gabiola during emergencies, illustrating the program's commitment to participant safety. “As my son had a food allergy emergency during the trip, Dr. Gabiola took him to the hospital right away when he felt sick after one meal. When my son had to stay in the hospital for some time, Dr. Gabiola slept on the sofa in the same emergency place to watch his health,” a parent recounted.
Student Experiences
The students' testimonials are a testament to the profound personal and professional growth they experienced during the program. Many describe SGHIP as a transformational journey that deepened their understanding of healthcare and ignited their passion for global health.
Vibha H., a student co-lead, reflected, “Being a part of the SGHIP 2024 trip has been transformational in various aspects. As I navigated being in a new country, I was surrounded by an amazing community who were all extremely committed to the goal of health equity and made it their mission to be able to deliver a personalized level of care, which I truly admire.”
Cal M., another student co-lead, emphasized the development of leadership and life skills, stating, “SGHIP 2024 has been an unforgettable experience where I have been introduced to the complex world of community medicine and the beautiful humanity of clinical settings. During this one month, ABC's has given me a space to develop leadership and life skills that I will never forget.”
For many students, SGHIP reaffirmed their career aspirations and provided a supportive environment to explore their interests. Robert Y., a veteran participant, shared, “From deworming missions to clinic visits, my two years at SGHIP have been where I was truly able to discover myself. Going into the program, I was in my sophomore year, and I was on the brink of giving up pursuing medicine. Within no time, I quickly felt at home, and my passion was reinvigorated!”
The program's focus on the human side of medicine resonated deeply with the students. Robert Y. continued, “During clinics, I particularly loved the fact that the core emphasis wasn't actually on the science and logistics of health, but the human side of medicine. Though I learned a great deal of medical procedures and methodology, I learned most to make patients feel comfortable, and how their daily lives affect their health.”
Shubhi J., another veteran lead, highlighted the profound personal changes brought about by the program, saying, “This program teaches you the true definition of humanity in healthcare. Students will get to have experiences that are unimaginable and so impactful. It is almost impossible to come back the same person as when you were first boarding on that flight.”
The recreational activities and cultural immersion further enriched the students' experience. Daniel Z., a high school student participant, noted, “I loved getting to work with so many passionate people from all different ages which gave me tons of experience in the medical field. Beyond that, I enjoyed the numerous recreational activities that we were able to participate in from beach outings to touring Manila.”
Julia C., another high school student, emphasized the importance of understanding health disparities firsthand, saying, “Growing up first-generation, I’ve always been exposed to health disparities within my communities but I have never felt more passionate about health equity as I have after my experience in the Philippines. Being aware of issues and bearing witness firsthand to each individual impacted by failed health systems, poverty, economic inconsistency, or just general misconceptions over their health are two incredibly different things.”
Mentorship and Community Impact
Mentors and medical students also found the program to be an invaluable learning experience that enriched their understanding of public health and community medicine.
Chris B., a recent Stanford graduate and SGHIP mentor, shared, “Having just graduated from Stanford University, I was looking for an opportunity to kick off my gap year before applying to medical school. Serendipitously, working with ABC's for Global Health this summer provided me with all of those things and much more. Not only did I practice clinical skills under the mentorship of Drs. Gabiola and Gallo and Filipino medical students, but I also conducted an eye health research project with high school mentees and distributed free reading glasses across my family's homeland of Pampanga, Philippines.”
The mentorship provided by experienced professionals like Dr. Gabiola and Dr. Gallo had a profound impact on the participants. A SGHIP mentor reflected, “The SGHIP 2024 program was a wonderful entree into ongoing and emergent strategies to bring excellent and consistent primary care to underserved communities in Pampanga, Philippines. Positioning this as part of broader public health efforts, ABC's for Global Health is nurturing lasting relationships with community, government, and NGO partners to make a big impact in health in years to come.”
Medical students gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of healthcare challenges in underserved areas. Myka Y., a medical student participant, described her experience, “From having no experience in medical missions to taking home a lot of learnings that I would remember for a lifetime, ABC's has offered me an opportunity to learn and grow not only as a medical student but also as an individual. I was able to help first hand in clinics and medical missions as well as serve some of the underserved communities in the Philippines.”
The program also reinforced the importance of compassionate care and the physician-patient relationship. A medical student participant shared, “Being part of ABC's immersive program was both a humbling and enlightening experience. Attending clinics with Dr. Gabiola and Dr. Gallo became a daily affirmation as to why I chose the path to becoming a Filipino physician. Seeing the patients wholeheartedly place their trust in ABC's made me realize that I too, would like to build a relationship with my future patients where they will feel comfortable enough to have faith in me.”
The Wrap Up
The Summer Global Health Immersion Program (SGHIP) by ABC's for Global Health stands out as a unique and impactful opportunity for students, medical professionals, and communities. Through firsthand experiences, participants gain a deep understanding of global health issues, develop essential medical and leadership skills, and form lasting bonds with their peers and mentors.
Parents, students, and mentors alike have witnessed and testified to the program's transformative power. It not only nurtures a passion for healthcare but also instills a sense of responsibility, empathy, and dedication to serving underserved communities. The comprehensive care, compassionate mentorship, and cultural immersion provided by SGHIP make it a truly life-changing experience.
As ABC's for Global Health continues to bridge the gap between underserved communities and quality healthcare, the impact of programs like SGHIP will undoubtedly ripple through the lives of participants and the communities they serve. This program exemplifies the profound difference that dedicated individuals can make when they come together with a shared goal of health equity and compassion. Follow us on Facebook and Linkedin to get the latest updates on our activities.