On Feb. 16, Lori Felker, PA-C, assistant professor in the Physician Assistant program, embarked on a journey to San Pedro, Guatemala. She had been there before with her husband, Eric, who is also a Physician Assistant. The goal for this second trip to the Lake Atitlan region was to provide much needed medical care to remote areas around the lake.

With their three children in tow, the Felkers conducted two medical clinics and saw nearly 180 patients. For one project, they conducted health screenings for 27 children enrolled in Happy Tummies, which serves malnourished children by providing nutritious lunches, as well as tutoring and lessons on basic hygiene.

The trip was made even more meaningful by some of Felker’s students, who sent her off to Guatemala carrying precious cargo—handmade blankets they had created during the week preceding the trip. After raising money to fund their idea, students could be seen occupying empty classrooms, working diligently during lunch breaks and after class to complete the project. The finished blankets were packed and delivered to 15 families in San Juan, Guatemala.

Inspired by their professor, they saw and met a need, keeping to the philosophy of the Physician Assistant profession to serve the under-served, while upholding one of the philosophies of Arcadia University by serving the global community.