GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Twelve physician assistant students from Thiel College stepped beyond the traditional classroom and clinical setting to participate in a transformative international medical mission in March. As part of the College’s Students Without Borders initiative, the group traveled to the Dominican Republic from March 14–21, providing much-needed healthcare services to underserved communities in and around Santo Domingo.
The team consisted of eight first-year students and four second-year students, creating a dynamic blend of foundational knowledge and advanced clinical experience. Under the supervision of four preceptors—including Program Director James Tkacik, D.M.Sc., PA-C—the students worked collaboratively to deliver care in a setting markedly different from the U.S. healthcare system.
The primary site of service was the rural community of Santa Fe, where access to consistent medical care is limited. Over the course of the week, the team provided patient-centered care to 312 people, who varied in age from 2 months to 104 years. Patients presented with a wide spectrum of conditions, from common primary care concerns to more complex, chronic illnesses that had often gone untreated due to resource constraints.
For the students, the experience was both clinically rigorous and personally meaningful. Practicing in a resource-limited environment requires adaptability, critical thinking, and strong clinical reasoning. Without the diagnostic tools and infrastructure commonly available in U.S. settings, students relied heavily on history-taking, physical examination skills, and team-based decision-making to guide patient care.
A key component of the mission was collaboration with Pathway Dominicana, a nonprofit outreach organization based in the Dominican Republic dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities through service and support initiatives. Their partnership provided essential logistical coordination, community connections, and local insight, allowing the team to deliver care efficiently and respectfully within the cultural context.
This type of experience challenges students to think differently, the preceptors said. Moreover, it reinforces the importance of fundamental clinical skills and reminds us that high-quality care does not always depend on advanced technology, but rather on knowledge, compassion, and sound judgment, they added.
Leadership among the students played a central role in the mission’s success. The SWOB organization is led by student officers Elizabeth Walker M.S.’27 (President), Sydney Sloan M.S.’26 (Vice President), and Jamie Traub M.S.’27 (Secretary), who were instrumental in planning and coordinating the trip. Faculty advisor Dan Dankovich, D.C. also provided oversight and mentorship throughout the experience.
Thiel students Abigail Bernhardt M.S.’26, Alyssa Caruthers M.S.’27, Mary Cook M.S.’27, Peyton Eckenrode M.S.’26, Grace Jones ’25 M.S.’26, Dylan Robis M.S.’27, Devin Thomas M.S.’26, Hanna Thomas M.S.’27, and Jacob Smith M.S.’26 also made the trip. The students were supported by a team of experienced preceptors, including Tkacik, Stephanie Schmieg, PA-C; Nicole Brion, PA-C; and Reggie Tkacik, BSN, RN, who worked closely with students to ensure both safe patient care and meaningful educational experiences. According to the preceptors, the students demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, and a shared commitment to service.
During the trip, Thiel students connected with PA students from St. Bonaventure University, who were participating in a similar Students Without Borders mission. This interaction fostered collegial exchange, shared learning, and a broader sense of community among future healthcare professionals committed to service.
Beyond clinical work, the mission emphasized the Students Without Borders’ broader goals: addressing healthcare disparities through service, education, and outreach. Students gained first-hand insight into the social determinants of health and the challenges faced by underserved populations. Cultural exchange was also a key component, as students engaged with community members, learned about local customs, and developed a deeper appreciation for global health perspectives.
The impact of the trip extended well beyond the 312 patients who received care. For many students, the experience was transformative, shaping their professional identities and reinforcing their commitment to serving vulnerable populations.
“Experiences like this stay with you,” Tkacik said. “They influence how these future providers will approach patient care, advocate for their communities, and engage with healthcare systems throughout their careers.”
As Thiel College continues to emphasize experiential learning and service, initiatives like the Students Without Borders medical mission exemplify the program’s dedication to preparing compassionate, competent, and socially responsible healthcare professionals. The organization is accepting donations to support future outreach efforts, including an anticipated return mission next year, ensuring continued impact for both students and the communities they serve. Students Without Borders is grateful to local donors for their generous financial support, which made this mission trip possible and continues to sustain future service opportunities.
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