This Clinician's View is written by Erica Stockwell, DO, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at AdventHealth Celebration and Lake Nona
As a practicing physician, biomedical engineer and entrepreneur, it is easy to become drained by the daily demands of my work. That is why I feel so fortunate to have recently filled my cup, reconnecting with my true passion and calling to medicine by delivering essential primary care to the underserved community of Quito, Ecuador through AdventHealth Global Missions. I find providing care to those with little means and making a positive impact on their lives to be the most rewarding part of being a physician. In fact, it is what initially drew me to the field of medicine.
The Importance of Serving Others Near and Far
I have served as a medical volunteer most of my life. Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I frequently volunteered at hospital events and especially enjoyed painting children’s faces on the cancer ward. In high school, I became a candy striper and then in college, a hospice volunteer and patient transport aid. I learned that sometimes the best care we can give a patient is just our time – an ear to listen, a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on. While volunteering with hospice, I learned how to offer comfort and support to patients and their families during the most trying times
As a biomedical engineering and pre-med student at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, I became part of a group of that refurbished medical equipment to send to countries in need and also assembled care packages for children in a nearby hospital. I firmly believe that all these experiences helped ground me and guide me toward a career in medicine.
After entering medical school at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois, I continued to look for opportunities to serve. I volunteered at a free clinic tied to a homeless shelter and during my first year, jumped at the opportunity to attend my first medical mission trip. We traveled to New York where we supported several homeless and battered women’s shelters, providing care and education. It wasn’t far from home, but it was life-changing, nonetheless.
My second medical mission trip and first international experience was as a second-year medical student. I spent a summer in Tanzania, working with a Maasai tribe. We set up a clinic to provide care and also performed numerous house calls in the villages to deliver both primary care and medical education. This was my first time providing medical care in a third-world country, and it truly opened my eyes to the tremendous need of our neighbors around the world.
My next medical mission was a month spent in Peru during my last year of medical school. This was a Spanish immersion experience, and I stayed with a host family while volunteering in the local hospital. Then, during my gynecologic surgery fellowship, I was able to participate in a two-week mission trip to Colombia where we provided sexual education in local schools.
Through all this mission work, I gained far more than I gave. I truly believe that these trips and the patients I was privileged to care for along the way have made me a better physician and person.
Extending Healing Care to Ecuador
When I first joined AdventHealth in 2020, I was excited to learn about AdventHealth Global Missions, but unfortunately, all projects were on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Once they resumed, I knew I wanted to become involved and was incredibly honored to serve alongside fellow AdventHealth physicians and nurses in Quito, Ecuador this past May.
The trip focused on primary care, and we set up clinics in two locations. Our team included eight providers in total, encompassing general medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics and dermatology. We even partnered with a local radiologist who came out to perform ultrasounds. I provided gynecologic primary care and was able to see and treat several diseases and disorders. For those patients who needed higher level care or surgery, I provided a follow-up plan with a local hospital. In all, our team was able to care for more than 1,900 patients.
Forging New Connections
One of the things I enjoyed most during the recent mission trip to Ecuador was the ability to connect with local medical students. In fact, I met a medical student named Maria who was my translator for a day and is interested in a career in women’s health. I was able to set up a rotation for her to come to Florida in August where she spent an entire month alongside me in clinic and the operating room at AdventHealth Celebration.
Reconnecting to Our Roots and Finding Strength Through Service
I wholeheartedly feel that all healthcare providers should take the opportunity to participate in a medical mission at least once during their careers. It allows us to grow culturally and spiritually, while bringing advanced whole-person care to communities that desperately need it. AdventHealth Global Missions makes it easy with established partnerships in several countries, including Ecuador, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda and Ukraine.
Personally, I plan to participate in at least one medical mission trip every one to two years. Eventually, I hope to involve my four children as well. Mission work reinstates in me the reasons why I went into medicine and reinvigorates me as a physician to provide the best care I can and to give of myself to those in need. This volunteer work keeps me grounded, make me less selfish, and helps me to recognize and appreciate the many blessings in my life. It also speaks to my values as a Christian — to give back and to serve others by extending the healing ministry of Christ.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10
