Through the Alumni Annual Fund, medical alumni support many student organizations at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

One organization, the World Health Student Organization, is comprised of medical students who wish to gain medical and cultural experiences outside their immediate communities while providing free medical care to impoverished people outside the United States.

As part of these learning and humanitarian missions, WHSO members organize an annual medical relief mission to Central America and South America. This year, WHSO members traveled to Belize, Costa Rica, Haiti, Ecuador and Nicaragua. These opportunities give students a better understanding of the health care needs of people living in developing nations.

“I went to my first medical mission trip, Belize, last spring. I was surprised at how many people depended on our presence and medical attention,” said second-year medical student Sharmin Kalam. “I, along with other medical students, raised the drugs brought on the trip, and helped 100 to 200 patients of all ages each day. It was life-changing to see that even as a first-year medical student I was able to make a difference and help people who have little to no access to health care.”

During the school year, WHSO members volunteer in and around the Detroit area, including the Dixon Middle School, Freedom House and with World Medical Relief. At Dixon Middle School, volunteers assist elementary school children with their academic work. At Freedom House, a temporary home for survivors of persecution from around the world, WSHO volunteers perform basic physicals on residents and give a short presentation on general health. WHSO medical students also help World Medical Relief distribute surplus medical supplies to patients in need.

If you would like to invest in a medical student program like WHSO, visit www.med.wayne.edu/aaf-giving to make a tax-deductible gift.