UMW Students Spend Winter Break Week Delivering Health Care in Panama

University of Mary Washington senior Katrina Zaki spent some of the first days of the year in Central America, thousands of miles from home, helping people she’d never met.

Zaki, a biomedical sciences major and vice president of UMW’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades (GMB), was part of a group of Mary Washington students who kicked off 2025 in collaboration with the international nonprofit to bring essential health care services, sustainable medical solutions and education to remote and underserved communities.

Traveling to Panama during a week of winter break in early January, Zaki and fellow Eagles immersed themselves in the Panamanian community, working alongside local medical staff to provide free health and dental care.

Senior Bonnie Butler, UMW’s GMB president, who did not join this particular brigade but whose leadership and prior experiences on similar trips were instrumental in organizing this year’s efforts, said, “It’s a privilege to be able to travel to Panama and provide care to these communities. The Panamanian people are some of the most kind and caring people I have met and experiencing their culture is a joy.”

This mobile clinic – marking the eighth international GMB trip led by UMW students – offered triage, diagnosis, treatment and health education to scores of patients who otherwise lack regular access to medical services. Students play active roles, from taking vitals and shadowing physicians to assisting in the pharmacy and educating community members on preventative care. The experience can be transformative for student volunteers, many of whom are pursuing careers in medicine or dentistry.

“Global Medical Brigades has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Butler, a biomedical sciences major who is also pursuing a minor in practical ethics while completing UMW’s pre-medical program. “This trip is a great opportunity to expand medical knowledge and gain a new perspective on the world.”

As part of UMW’s Global Medical Brigade chapter, Mary Wash students Ali Rastani and Mohammad Ali Hassan assist in the clinic’s pharmacy.

Zaki was grateful to help individuals with health and medical concerns in the Panamanian community.

UMW student Devda Nair helped provide health care to both young and old on the trip, working alongside fellow Eagles and local medical staff.

Eagles Layla Cruz and Lena Cosmo suit up and gain medical knowledge and a new perspective on the world in Panama.

Center for International Education Assistant Director Sarah Moran emphasized the academic and personal growth opportunities the brigades provide. “Many students use their participation to fulfill an academic requirement,” Moran said, such as the Beyond the Classroom or Diverse and Global Perspectives options. “While others see it as a steppingstone for medical or dental school opportunities.”

Reminiscing on their week volunteering in Panama, students appreciated the hands-on experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients as well as the opportunity to learn and grow as future clinicians, physicians and caregivers.

“I found my GMB experience humbling and am so grateful to be able to help individuals and be surrounded by others who care just as much as I do about health care,” said Zaki, who is also in UMW’s pre-physician assistant program. “The Panamanians are some of the most kindhearted people and I cannot wait to go on the next brigade!”

For more information about service programs, international education or Global Medical Brigades at Mary Washington, visit the Center for Community Engagement, Center for International Education or the UMW GMB Chapter webpages.

Bonnie Butler is the recipient of the Helen G. and Justin J. Piscopo Alvey Scholarship as well as the Rebecca Culbertson Stuart Memorial Scholarship. Katrina Zaki earned the Class of 1969 50th Reunion Scholarship.