Summer Medical Institute

The SMI team, Valley Baptist docs, and translators were treated to dinner and a delectable make-your-own-Sundae dessert by the Valley Baptist Hospital in the Magnolia Grill.

Worship at Local Churches

We benefit from the partnership of several churches here in Harlingen. Because of this we are happy to send groups of students to worship at these churches on Sundays. These two Philadelphia med school students are attending service at Iglesia Los Vecinos each week while at SMI.

Southern Hospitality

Staff from Valley Baptist Family Practice continue to serve us by hosting delicious lunches. On Sunday we were also able to catch the end of the World Cup final!

Monday Night Worship

We host our own gatherings on Monday nights on campus, where we invite others in the community to worship with us. Here Shervin plays the role of "Super Christian," a very hard working Christian who depends on his own works and effort to accomplish spiritual things. Reflecting on a season of movie superheroes, Dr. Steve Johnson lead us to investigate God's super powers.

Resident Panel Board Discussion

This week we had a panel of residents answer our medical students' pressing questions about residency. Because residents post-intern year say they wish they had known what they were getting into, we wanted to give residents an opportunity to pass on advice. Fortunately we had residents from Christian and secular programs.

Texas Door-to-Door

Proper sun gear is very important, especially in Texas. We recommend drinking lots of water, and wearing hats and sunglasses. Here Diane and Justin are properly equipped.

"Cool" People

Pre-outreach, these students are not yet sweaty and tired. They strike a pose to prove it.

Pharmacy Station

Mark fills a prescription order in our make-shift pharmacy. This year we were grateful to receive a donation of plastic medicine vials! They are great for holding the meds we dispense to patients. We are also blessed to have a Pharmacy student and licensed Pharmacist on our team this year. If you are in Pharmacy school (or a graduate), consider applying for SMI next year!

A Happy Bunch

We work hard, but we also play hard. With great co-laborers like this, who even notices the heat? Ok, we all notice the heat. But we press on regardless! And shower often.

Never A Dull Moment

We play a lot of games. All sorts of games. Here Eunice demonstrates the "Stupid Game." Named so because it makes us feel stupid. We tell the person on the right the number the person on our left showed us (between 1-5), but with our fingers we show a different number (between 1-5). We can demonstrate it for you if you like. Ask us!

No Hurricane This Year?

The campus is beautiful and green because of all the rain. So far there are no hurricane warning this year. However, there are lots of bugs. Blood-sucking bugs that fly.

A Beautiful Sunset

Unlike Philadelphia, the night sky in Harlingen is full of stars. There are also many beautiful sunsets to accompany us as we walk along campus.