Megan Mikkelson, MD: Mountain Area Health Education Center, Family Medicine- PGY3

Honduras: January 2025

 Twice a year, our residency program (MAHEC Family Medicine) organizes a medical brigade to Camasca, Honduras. During our time there we work closely with the local health department and health promoters to set up mobile clinics that travel to hard to reach towns and villages. This was my second brigade, which allowed me the ability to focus on the impact of global health and how our work there is supporting local and national health initiatives. We spent a total of ten days traveling with medications and supplies we brought from North Carolina to treat a variety of patients with a wide list of medical conditions. We provided acute care for illnesses; managed chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension; and performed procedures such as joint injections, point of care ultrasound, incision and drainage of abscesses, and fluoride dental treatments. Honduras is a beautiful country, and many of the people who live in and around Camasca have limited means. It was very rewarding to be able to meet so many different people and build relationships with these communities. I do believe that our continued presence and success with brigades comes not only from improving health, but in fostering support of the local health department and working directly with local leaders. I’ll be graduating this summer, but hopefully I’ll have the chance to continue to travel to Honduras.