Brigades

In May and December of each year, a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, medical students, dental students, and pharmacy students travel to El Progreso, Honduras to provide care to patients. PODEMOS provides service to 700-900 patients each brigade, approximately half of whom are pediatric patients. Conditions we commonly treat include viral illnesses, fungal infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, musculoskeletal conditions, cellulitis and abscesses. We also provide an anti-parasitic agent to each patient in our clinic along with vitamins to women of childbearing age and infants. We return reliably to the same communities every 6 months. Thus, we have families return over and over again for care, we have seen children grow up, and most importantly — we have witnessed lasting, positive change in the communities we serve.

Brigade Testimonials

“For us in the community from low economic means, it is a great blessing. We cannot count on the help of the Ministry of Health. We do not have anyone supporting us, only this medical brigade that is always here to help.”

Patient from Siete de Abril, Summer 2014

"This was my 6th consecutive year on a trip with PODEMOS, and it continues to be one of my most fulfilling experiences. We had another highly motivated, caring, interdisciplinary team and were able to treat a variety of diagnoses. As a radiologist, I had the unique opportunity of once again utilizing a portable ultrasound machine to enhance care for several patients. One memorable moment came when using ultrasound to provide an elderly woman with a new diagnosis of cervical/ovarian cancer. Thankfully, she was able to obtain follow-up care the same day thanks to Dr. Galo. Another notable experience included visualization of the devastating neurological manifestations of pre-natal Zika infection by imaging an affected infant's brain. While we were limited in our ability to offer resources to the mother, we were able to educate her on the findings and long-term implications. Overall, it was a great trip, and I continue to be amazed by the progress and improvements made by the organization each year to better serve the communities in El Progreso."

Summit Shah, MD, MPH

“I am very grateful for the attention you provide us. excellent everything, medications, care, smiles, kindness.”

Patient from Siete de Abril, Summer 2014

“We are thankful for everything. Every time you come, you take good care of us.”

Patient from Siete de Abril, Summer 2014

"The best part of PODEMOS for me has been providing care for and building relationships with a patient population consisting of the most generous, kind, and grateful people. Returning on subsequent trips and seeing patients whose hypertension is controlled, whose blood glucose is within normal limits, or whose children are back on the growth curve, really demonstrates the impact we are making as an organization.”

Cody Smith (4th year medical student, Winter 2011, Summer 2012, Summer 2013, Winter 2014)

"Winter 2016 was my second brigade with PODEMOS (the first was Winter 2015). I was connected to the organization through my fiancé, Summit Shah, who has served as a physician on six (yes, six!) PODEMOS brigades. For us, the trip is an opportunity to combine our clinical and administrative skills to improve the health and well-being of the people of Honduras. The trip also gives us an opportunity for quality time together, to act as a team on something we are both passionate about, and to see one another in the bright light of serving others. We are so grateful to PODEMOS for this opportunity to grow together and hope to continue our involvement with the organization for many years to come."

Julie Kennerly, PharmD, MS, MHA, BCPS