Each year, University of Bridgeport’s Physician Assistant Institute (PAI) students travel abroad to Cusco, Peru, on a medical outreach mission designed to expand their cultural competence and clinical skills while providing preventive care and health education in underserved communities. This year, they packed more than just medical supplies — they brought compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to global service.
A mission that transcends borders
“The global outreach trip began in 2015, when I was a student in this program,” said Mirofora Paridis, a faculty member at the Physician Assistant Institute and the trip’s lead organizer. “We continue to run this trip because it offers students the chance to step outside their familiar environments and immerse themselves in a culture and healthcare system different from their own.”
Partnering with the nonprofit A Broader View Volunteers, the team worked closely with local healthcare organizations and community leaders to support rural and urban health initiatives. Their service emphasized education, prevention, and respectful cultural exchange — foundational pillars for globally minded providers.
“This trip is not just an optional experience,” Miro added. “It is a powerful, transformational opportunity that aligns with our program’s mission to develop empathetic, thoughtful, and globally aware healthcare professionals.”
A week in Peru: Hands-on service and cultural immersion
Leading up to their trip, students researched common public health issues impacting residents in and around Cusco. They worked with UB faculty to develop educational workshops and fundraised to collect medical supplies to bring with them to distribute. Below is a glimpse into the group’s weeklong itinerary.
Day 1–2: Arrival and Orientation
Students acclimated to the altitude and immersed themselves in Peruvian culture with walking tours, briefings on local customs, and an introduction to their clinical sites. They also spent a lot of time preparing supplies to distribute during the trip.
Day 3–6: Clinical outreach and education
Students visited rural health posts and provided public health education. They distributed medical supplies, dental hygiene kits, sunglasses, reader glasses, and eye drops to help address issues like dry eye, which is common in the arid high-altitude climate.
The group also provided seizure safety and choking response training for caregivers and staff at local orphanages and a school for children with special needs. These sessions empowered caregivers with knowledge and tools they could use long after the UB team returned home.
Day 7: Cultural excursion
In addition to medical work, the students visited cultural landmarks, deepening their understanding of the region’s history and traditions.
Voices from the field
“One of my favorite and memorable moments from the trip was when we arrived at the rural village, and the residents greeted us in their traditional clothing and played music. They greeted every one of us and placed colorful flower petals on our heads, a traditional greeting, and then we all danced together. Soon after, the children came out to greet us from the school. This was such a heart-warming experience. It made me feel that what my program and I were doing was positively impacting the communities in Peru, and that we were welcome to share our knowledge. The appreciation and gratitude from the Peruvian communities had a profound emotional effect. Our experiences and memories will resonate with me throughout my career as a PA and for the rest of my life, as this trip brought perspective and eye-opening experiences that will strengthen my qualities as a provider.”
-Aleksandra Misiewicz
Lasting impact and looking ahead
This trip is just one example of UB’s commitment to experiential learning, where students apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in ways that are both humbling and empowering. As future PAs, these students are now equipped with enhanced clinical skills and a broader sense of purpose.
Ready to make an impact? Explore UB’s PA program at bridgeport.edu/pa
With over 14 years of experience in writing and communications, Abby Levandoski is a seasoned storyteller specializing in highlighting stories that build community. As the communications manager for University of Bridgeport, Abby produces compelling narratives highlighting academic programs, research initiatives, and student success. Her work has earned positive media coverage across print, digital, and TV platforms. Abby holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in political science, bringing a strategic and creative approach to her role in higher education marketing and communications.