The most amazing experience of my life     Helen Smith from Cape Town, South Africa     August 27, 2008

This trip was one in a life time. I knew no one going on the trip from my school but came back with 13 amazing friends, and an outstanding experience to go along with it!The leaders, doctors, fellow volunteers and patients make this experience truly worthwhile!I learnt more about animals in 3 weeks than I have in my entire life. I really recommend the trip to anyone, you won't regret it!

“What happens in Costa Rica” by Kaylee Perry     Kaylee Perry from Lilburn, GA     July 31, 2008

I started this trek of 21 days and I came to learn of vets and their surgical ways. Fresh out of the airport, I went to a mall and met my group of 21 girls and a boy who was tall. The ratio odd, I’d rather more guys instead to my surprise, by evening, he was already wed!

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. By morning, the land stole my breath with its beauty as I woke to see the amazing valley at Sanchiri. We met the vets and learned to suture, took Salsa lessons, and looked forward to the future. For the next day was our first clinic in the lovely town of La Flor, I never expected that leaving it would make my heart sore.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. The clinic was set in another mountain scene. Gazing upon it made me want to dream, but dreaming wasn’t an option, as we had to work and learn. I quickly got over small fears, as I got my suture skills down firm. Anticipation rose as the day came to an end. For as the light faded, we knew we would meet our kin. Most were full of nervousness, which soon turned to adoration even though much was unclear in communication.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. It seemed that most people were well matched. I know personally, I got attached, with 2 sisters, a mother, and grandparents thrown in the lot, a full game of Uno hit the spot! The days spent there went by quickly, but live on in my mind. Like all good things, we had to move on and leave them behind.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. Next we hit a river with full force. It was a battle well fought as we splashed out our course. Before the end, we saw a waterfall and so much more…Let’s just say it was nothing like what I saw in La Flor.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. We went from the river and cool mountains breeze to caliente Limon on the Caribbean Sea. We visited Aviarios and learned of sloths with two and three toes and why they’re so happy to move so slow. I was enthralled and soaked it all up, smiling with glee when I met the reknown Buttercup. By Afternoon, we could no longer stay, but short as it was, it was my favorite day.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. The rest of the day was the beach, as some wanted to tan, but I was simply amazed by the volcanic black sand. A rough dirt road took us from the Coast to a hacienda to live with our host. The doctor showed us a new side to our careers, that involved running madly away from heifers and steers. Not only did I learn of injections, castrations, and de-worming from the best, but also how to lasso and take a kick in the chest.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. The ranch was peaceful and isolated from the world’s cares. I wanted to stay forever, though I won’t miss the dogs yelling in the night air. To reach San Carlos, where we now soak in the stream, we took a slow seven hour ride that made many want to scream. We visited the hot springs, which were muy bonita, but when I found a locked door, it was not muy linda.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. We went and saw exotics at La Marina, met the vet there, and felt a warm acogida. Today we went back one more time to deal with the birds and crazy swine. We also dealt with a Boxer and took a puppy from the street, and found an old friend we weren’t expecting to meet.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. I knew not what to expect after the first day here, especially after the influence of so many beers. Although the group is loca, it is also fun and I can’t believe all the surgeries I’ve done. It’s not over yet and I’m expecting so much more. The thought of it excites me to the very core. I can’t wait for more horses, my one true love, yet everyday I pray for survival from above. Preparing for this trip was a financial climb, but after everything, I know it’s the experience of a lifetime.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica…or maybe Youtube.

Comments from a Pre-Dental Student     Marisa Origel from Dartmouth College     July 10, 2008

I really enjoyed the small size of the dental team. The small size allowed each of us to get a lot of hands-on experience and get close
with one another...and get to know Dra. Fernandez! I also liked that we had three different clinics in different locations. It allowed us to see different populations of patients which allowed us to compare different cultures and by comparing their acessibility to healthcare and the effect it had on their health. Traveling in the bus was fun! We spent a lot of time on the bus, so it made us get to know each other! VIDA also has a great staff...you can tell everyone is genuinely interested in helping us learn and in helping the people.
A recommendation for the dental students would be to emphasize the importance of bringing donations. It was really disappointing to run out of toothbrushes and floss.

Lester Almanza - funny; always there to help us when we needed something!
Sondra Elizondo - Super-friendly and concerned for all of our well-being...our mom away from home!
Dr. Ernesto Lemus - Also, incredibly smiley and positive...great energy.
Dra. Sandra Fernandez- very intelligent and fun; great teacher! would love to work with her again. She was very patient with each of us and
interacted well with the patients. A good role-model for us.
Robin North - Another great teacher; she taught us a lot and was very professional and focused at all times.
Aldolfo Panlagua - polite; professional; great addition to the team.

Thank you Dr. Fernandez!     Sandy Liu from McMaster University, Canada     July 10, 2008

I cannot thank you enough for making my VIDA trip such an amazing experience. It was much more than I could have imagined it to be. I have learned so much from you during the clinic days. You are a real inspiration to me. I have to say my biggest concern about becoming a dentist was balancing a high demand career and a family life. You're living proof that women, can be strong figures in the career world and still be great mothers!
I haven't stopped telling my family members and friends about how great my trip was! I have also been preaching to everyone about how important good dental hygiene is! It was an honour to have been able to meet and work with you. Thank you so much! I will be sure to keep in touch!

Sandy Liu
a.k.a. Rosie

Adventures in Dentistry- Thank you Dr. Fernandez!     Rosy Huynh from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada     June 30, 2008

I hope that my comments will give you an insight of how the VIDA trip was as an experience for me.

First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Sandra Fernandez for the patience, encouragement and positive attitude that you had with us girls. It was great to feel that level of interaction with you, and that you were seeing as 'colleagues' and not just 'students'. Even though we were there to learn, you made me feel comfortable, and made me feel that I belonged there and that I was actually in my own shoes as a student. As the second day came around, to be honest, I felt like a dentist and the idea of it all was not foreign to me at all. Yes, although I still have a lot more to learn I felt that I have already learned so much that compared to other pre-dental students, I am more than one step ahead of them along this road travelling into the dentistry profession.

My impression of the VIDA experience was at first, a little confusing. It was hectic on our first day, and I felt kind of lost. But as we worked and got closer with each other, I felt that we had created a strong bond and rhythm - this really helped with the ease and transition into work experience. Also, I would have never thought that this would really be a 'hands on' experience - that is, actually cleaning teeth, injecting anesthetics, and assisting with tooth extractions. NEVER would I have been able to participate in such experiences here in Canada, and I am ever so thankful for this opportunity. Yes, it was not dentistry as it is seen here in Canada, but I think I learned and saw the raw and real basis of dentistry - not sugar coated and topped off with a cherry. It was the real deal and I am glad to have experienced this first in Costa Rica and in Nicaragua with you and Dr. Karen.

Also, working with the patients in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, really helped me see what dentistry is really all about, and how it is more than having patients come in every 6 months for a regular check up. It made me see how and what poor oral hygiene can look like and do to someone’s health. It really put that into perspective - the frustration of the health care system in a different country, and the culture all developed a different outlook for me. At the end of the trip, I really had this stronger passion and development for becoming a part of the dentistry profession and to help others understand the importance of taking care their oral hygiene.

After working with Dr. Karen in Nicaragua, I felt that I have learned from the best of both worlds. Both of your approaches were different, and that was great to have experienced and learned in two different ways In Nicaragua there were two students who worked together and took turns cleaning the teeth with the tools ourselves, and that really helped us feel and learn hand techniques and experiencing the real deal of cleaning peoples teeth with a lot of tarter build up! It put things into perspective of how hard cleaning teeth is, and how much patience, dedication and attention to detail must be put into the process.

Regardless, I learned much from you, and will remember almost everything that you have taught me. I even took a picture of the charts and grid that you drew for us when we were helping you fill out the cards.

If there is anything that you ever need, please let me know. And I will also remember to take you up on your offer of working in Costa Rica in your office sometime in the future. ahah. I hope you haven't forgotten about that!!!

I miss you so much Dr. Fernandez :O). I hope future volunteers would be able to see how much they can get from volunteering with VIDA and having you as a mentor.

I will definitely be keeping in contact with you, and hope you will do the same!

Thanks so much     Rebecca DeZouche     June 09, 2008

Hi Sondra, this is Rebecca DeZouche, I just got back from the UGA VIDA trip. I just wanted to thank you so much for the opportunity to travel with VIDA, this was truly the most amazing experience I have ever had! I learned so much from all the wonderful doctors and staff, and we all had a blast together.

UGA Veterinary VIDA Adventure May 2008     Breanna Crumbley from Georgia, USA     June 02, 2008

During the Costa Rica/Nicaragua trip, my most influential moment was in the small town of La Flor in Costa Rica. A local farmer brought his hunting dog into our clinic with an enormous tumor in his scrotum. While in surgery the man began to pray for his dog and carried over a cross which he laid around the dog's neck. I, along with the other two volunteers assisting the vet in our team, tried to hold back our tears. To see the dog come out of surgery successfully and the gratitude that the man had for the help that we had given, made the entire travel worth it.

An Amazing Ride     Kelsey Pruitt from Statesboro, Georgia     June 02, 2008

This may not be a poem, this may not be a rhyme, but it is something that helps me express my fun times. The stay in Sanchiri was great because it allowed for an easy going entrance into the days ahead. Little did I know what I was getting myself into when I met my homestay madre! With the year of Spanish I learned in high school, I was no where fit to be speaking fluently to mi familia. However, with this adventure I learned how awesome an experience can be if you open your heart and mind to others! I enjoyed my family and my little cousins more than I could ever imagine. The nights of Bingo in espanol were great! Along with the adventurous spirit of La Flor, we were able to experience the awe of being able to take part in surgeries....A-mazing! The fun times have continued throughout the trip, especially in the most beautiful place ever, La Hacienda Moravia! From learning lassos, to the rodeo, I determined I could live and be perfectly happy there for the rest of my life!
La Marina Zoo was also awesome because of all the exotic animals, especially the gorgeous wild cats! There is not just one favorite thing I can pick out of this trip because everything has been wonderful. However, there is one thing I could say, "Thank you so much VIDA for this once in a lifetime experience, it has been INCREDIBLE!"

Thank you VIDA!     Sue Erickson from Martinez, Georgia     June 02, 2008

I just wanted to thank you keeping Melissa safe on her adventure. It is not easy to send a daughter off, alone, to and unknown place. She had such a wonderful time, and has so many stories to tell and pictures to share. It sounds like everything was so well organized. She loved meeting the staff, patients, and fellow adventurers. This seems to have given her more focus and determination to continue down the long path of becoming an MD. Thanks again for providing this opportunity.
God Bless you and your work.

Unforgetable experiences, sites, people, and memories     Jaime Kim from GA, US     May 21, 2008

I would recommend everyone to participate. Working with VIDA has been some of the best and one of a kind experiences in my life. I loved it so much that I went twice. It's great to get a chance to get tons of hands on experience. After going on this trip I truly found what my passions are in veterinary medicine because we got to work not only with small animals and large animals but also exotics. Not only that, but the people you meet and the staff are incredible and so down to earth. This trip has been such an eye opening experience and tons of fun that if I could go every year I would! GO VIDA!!!!!!

Veterinary Medicine Adventure     The best volunteer ever from Athens, Ga     February 13, 2008

This was the best trip I have ever been on. Some of the best times of my summer were in Costa Rica and Panama. Not only do you learn a ton of stuff, you also get to make friends you'll keep for awhile. I mean three weeks, smelling like crap... if that doesn't help you make friends, I don't know what will! But seriously... DO IT!

The Staff just makes the trip that much more special and memorable!     Soraya from Toronto, Ontaio     November 26, 2007

Hi my name is Soraya Esmail. I haven’t gone on the VIDA trip YET but I did go on a another trip GMT but with the some of the VIDA staff members like Pablo, Lester, Dr. Karen, Dr. Helder and Sondra!. Pablo made the trip so much more fun and helped out when ever you needed him too. He was always there when you were lost or struggling trying to figure out what to say. Also it was fun asking him a whole bunch of question to translate just for fun, and he was more than willing to do it. I felt safe with him and Lester and Johnny (GMT staff) when we would go out at night time. He is easy going and very fun to work with and it was a pleasure to be on a team that he was part of!. Lester was also amazing and showed us all around Granada. The most beautiful city I think I have ever seen. He took us to different restaurants and made us feel very welcome. He has a wonderful personality that everyone can get along with. Dr. Karen is such an amazing person to work with. She is patient with you, answers all of your question, and has a wonderful personality that you can’t help but enjoy her company. I worked with Dr. Helder at the dental part of my trip and I think it was the most amazing part of them all. I never thought that I would go on a medical trip and get to take part in the dentistry component of it. I learnt so much in such a short period of time due to the knowledge and patients he had while teaching us. He is very patient and always welcomes your questions and most of all he is very approachable. I can’t wait to go back to visit them again!.
Sondra was just fantastic and it was a pleasure to have met her. Her warm caring personality and her beautiful smile was always there for you. She made the trip so much more amazing and fun. I thought it was all work and it turned out to be both work and fun together. We would volunteer during the day and then talk and get to know each other at night. I still remember all the wonderful conversations we had at night in Managua before we left to go back home . Thank you VIDA staff for making my trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua so amazing and giving me memories to last forever. I hope to see you all soon!

Sincerely ,

Soraya Esmail

Julian Wiegelmann, Canadian University Student from Waterloo     October 19, 2007

This email does give me another chance to thank you for the wonderful job you did organizing our trip. After the trip was the first time I knew medicine was my calling, and words can’t express how grateful I am to have had that experience. I truly will never forget it, and you.

A Day in the Life of a VIDA Veterinary Volunteer          October 19, 2007

After leaving the hotel in Turrialba, we went to the Hacienda Moravia in Grana del Oro, which was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Doc Johnny owned almost 2,000 acres of verdant rolling hills and took very good care of all his animals, which included horses, beef cattle, and some dogs, one of which had the cutest puppies!!! The first day there, we gave SubQ dewormer to beef cattle, which were basically wild. The farmhands tied up the horns while we injected, but it was still tough sometimes – I’d never been around such dangerous cattle before. On the other hand, we used much more efficient equipment than I was used to; we used an injection gun that injected exactly 5 mL of medicine every time we squeezed it once. I also popped out some torselos, and it was disgustingly awesome. After that, a cow sneezed in my hair, and I took a picture with mucus hanging off my earlobe, straight “Something about Mary” style. Then the real fun began – we had us a rodeo. The farmhands and Doc claimed that they separated the small and large calves so that we could deworm the larger ones while they were restrained in the the cattle chute, leaving the small ones for us to tackle and wrestle in the ring before deworming, but most looked pretty effing huge to me…Not to mention that normal cattle run away from you when you move into their flight zone, but these literally CHARGED at us. Where are the clowns when you need them?? Seriously…The highlights included Jose being chased by a calf, Jamie falling over and getting a hoof to the stomach, Abby getting a motley assortment of cuts and bruises plus a ripped shirt, me getting cornered and charge by two calves at once, and Ashley chipping a tooth after refusing to let go of one of the calves. Needless to say, we were all incredibly dirty and had crushed feet to boot after all was said and done. Especially Heather – she literally wrestled one down to the ground by herself…and the realized we’d already dewormed it haha. Heather, Minor, Abby, Jose, James, and Ashley were all beastly aggressive with the calves. It was great. I roped one at one point and pinned a good number with the assistance of others, but tried to stay reasonably safe and keep my distance from the back legs. I didn’t really feel like using my health insurance so early on…can you blame me though? These calves were bucking, jumping, and kicking all over the place like it was their freaking job! We even had some non-calf-related injuries – Jose managed to close the skin on Stephanie’s leg in the metal gate. He never pays attention, haha. So it was a pretty eventful day. I forgot to mention that we palpated cows in between the two rounds of deworming. I was excited about the opportunity to palpate again until Sondra insisted that I use my left hand. Confused, I inquired why. She informed me, much to my dismay, that it was “in case the cow falls down in the chute while my hand is still inside it. That way I can still use my right arm.” Hooray, Sondra. I’d rather not know these things. Everything went smoothly though…almost as smoothly as my cow’s bowel movement…and it was all worth it to feel that soft, odiferous, steaming hot fecal matter engulfing my hand and arm once again. I’m kind of hungry now. Seriously though, it was pretty cool the second time around because I actually felt the cervix this time instead of pretending to, like I did in Dr. Dove’s animal practicum class. That pretty much sums up my learning for Monday…what a fun day!