The Summer Medical Institute

 - Training a new generation of healthcare providers -

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For the duration of SMI we call Valley Baptist Missions/Educational Center (VBMEC) home. We come to know the campus well, and here we also come to experience God and His community. We are served by a wonderful staff at VBMEC, who faithfully pray for us and our ministry.

We're not going to kid you, there is a lot of hard work, sweat, and bugs at SMI. But it's a wonderful community and a once in a life experience. We pray that those who take part in SMI will have renewed vision and purpose in their lives. We pray that God will transform us, and through us transform healthcare. Over the years we witness God faithfully answering these prayers.

Each week two days are devoted to running mobile clinics in Mexico, and two days are for door-to-door home visits in Texas. Between trips we prepare for these outings, from maintaining paperwork to preparing equipment and finalizing logistics.  

Each week one day is designated for workshops. There is a wide range of topics that vary year to year. In the past some of these topics have included how to plan overseas electives, missions, relationships, patient counseling, prayer, reading God's word, sharing our faith, and conflict resolution.

For five Sundays the team joins the community of the local church. Some take part in the church Bible studies, others in worship teams or  teaching Sunday School. The team is sometimes invited to join church members for lunch and more fellowship.

Traditionally Mondays are our day off. After a long week, the team is welcome to take part in optional organized outings or stay at the campus and rest. Outings have included visiting amusement parks, going to the beach, or catching a movie. Mondays are a great day to sleep and play. Friday nights everyone participates in mandatory team socials, as decided by the housing/social team.

For most days, time is set aside in the mornings for group prayer and time alone with God. Though we are often short on sleep, God sustains us. For most of the team, they are tired physically and spiritually after a tough year in school. For all the summer is refreshing and invigorating for their souls.

We partner with the faculty from Valley Baptist Family Practice, who designates their own staff for our outings to Mexico and Texas. They serve as great role models and mentors. Students also rotate through their family practice residency, shadowing doctors as they serve and pray for patients.

Each year numerous SMI friends and alumni return as visiting faculty. Their short visits allow for brief but powerful encouragement. Students learn from their example, as they continue to seek first the Kingdom of God while in the world of healthcare. Here is a goodbye note from one of the many blessing faculty.

One night a week is designated for worship, testimonies, and a message. Students make up the praise team, and a mixture of students and faculty give the testimonies and message.

At SMI students room with those in their discipleships groups, where friendships grow deeper and we study God's word. These small intimate groups are great for accountability and sharing what they learning about themselves and about God as the days go by.

While in Harlingen we frequent Walmart, Office Depot, Dairy Queen, and Sonic. Groups organize themselves for late night ice creams and snacks. Here three ladies demonstrate how to order at the Sonic drive in.

Before we depart back from whence we came, we take some time to rest at South Padre Island. Here we also prep students and equip them for their return to student life. Those who have participated in SMI before give advice on how to continue living out what they have learned. Our saying is that SMI really begins the day they leave Harlingen.

We throw a large thank you party for the many translators, churches, and staff at VBMEC and Valley Baptist Family Practice who have made SMI possible every year. On the last night, the team presents skits and give personal testimonies. After a few tears and much packing and cleaning, everyone returns home.

(C) 2005 The Summer Medical Institute