Arcadia Alumnae Provide Pediatric Care in Guatemala

February 25, 2016 • Caitlin Burns

Two Arcadia University Physicians Assistant (PA) alumnae provided pediatric health services in southwestern Guatemala from Feb. 6 to 13.

Jami Smith ’13, MPA, MEd, PA-C, associate director of the Physician Assistant program, and Emilee Thomas ’13, MPH, MPAS, PA-C spent the week in Santiago Atitlan screening for school physical exams, providing dental examinations, and applying fluoride varnish to children’s teeth. They also provided health services at a local hospital and school for children with physical disabilities.

Smith hopes to make the service trip an annual event and has spoken with Santiago Atitlan community leaders about future visits. She also hopes to open it up to PA students as part of the international clinical opportunities.

“I am so thankful that I was able to bring my medical knowledge as a physician assistant and desire for service to these underserved people,” Smith said. “I look forward to a long partnership with this community and hope to be able to bring other members of the Arcadia community along on other adventures.”

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