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inSIGHT

Abstract

Beginning hundreds of years ago, priests from Europe embarked on ‘medical missions’ with the goals of delivering care to the body, mind, and soul. Hundreds of years later, members of the United States healthcare system set out on humanitarian medical missions to provide medical assistance to communities in developing countries.1 The concept of providing care internationally as a product of global social responsibility has become engrained in the United States healthcare system, and is popular among providers, trainees, and pre-medical students. In 2023, 21.8% (n = 3264) of matriculating medical students reported participating in international volunteer work, while 7.0% (n = 753) of students who elected to take at least one gap year between college and medical school volunteered internationally.2,3

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