Kendal Schaetzle, DO: Christiana Care, Family Medicine- PGY2

Mexico: June 2025

 I want to express my gratitude for being a recipient of the Benjamin H. Josephson Fund. It was an immersive and profound opportunity to work with Refugee Health Alliance in Tijuana, Mexico.

  Refugee Health Alliance’s mission is to provide ethical and inclusive medical care to refugees and migrants along the Mexico-United States border. As a family medicine resident, I cared for a diverse patient population including children, adults and pregnant individuals. Most spoke Spanish or Creole. Thanks to the support of Spanish-Creole interpreters, we were able to reduce the language barrier and enhance access to healthcare.

  Furthermore, the scope of pathology was wide. Common chief complaints included upper respiratory infections, joint pain, blood pressure and diabetes. More complex complaints had some hindrances and required specialty care. We could not place the referral directly. However, we were able to guide patients where to go. For example, a teenager athlete having exertional palpitations and chest pain, only able to complete an electrocardiogram during the appointment, was directed to cardiology for further evaluation. Fortunately, most specialists volunteered their services at the clinic or a site nearby. The limited resources shaped our practice. Unlike many other clinics, we dispensed our own medications. Each appointment was comprehensive where each patient was triaged, examined, diagnosed, treated by medications or home exercise program, and received follow up guidance all in one visit.

  This enriching experience deepened my gratitude for providing care to underserved communities. It reinforced the importance of addressing social determinants of health, equitable healthcare, and cultural awareness. I know that I will continue to care for low resource populations.