From Oregon to Costa Rica: How a Biochemistry Graduate Found Purpose Through Global Health Volunteering

At FIMRC, our mission is to make quality healthcare accessible to underserved communities around the world—and we couldn’t do it without the passion and dedication of our global volunteers. One of our most inspiring stories this year comes from Hernando Magallanes, a recent Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduate from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. Hernando joined Project Alajuelita in Costa Rica during the summer of 2024 and left not only with new clinical skills but with a profound sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to a career in medicine.

What Makes Project Alajuelita Special?

Located just 5 kilometers outside the capital city of San José, Costa Rica, Alajuelita is home to thousands of Nicaraguan refugees and underserved Costa Rican families, many of whom are women and children without access to national healthcare services. Since 2003, FIMRC’s Clínica Alajuelita has been a vital lifeline for this community—providing primary care, psychological services, and health education through programs shaped directly by local needs.

Volunteers at this site support a wide range of clinical activities, such as taking vital signs, preparing prescriptions, and assisting in consultations, while also participating in preventive health education, mental health workshops, and community outreach campaigns. These experiences offer a holistic, hands-on perspective of healthcare work in global contexts, allowing volunteers to engage with patients directly and see the impact of their service firsthand.

Hernando’s Journey in Global Health

For Hernando, joining FIMRC Costa Rica was more than just a way to enhance his medical school application—it was a transformative personal and professional experience.

“Being able to be part of the healthcare team at Clínica Alajuelita—alongside strangers who turned into some of my closest friends—made me realize that the path of medicine is the one I’m meant to pursue,” Hernando shares.

Over three weeks, Hernando contributed to the clinic’s work by helping with vital measurements, shadowing local physicians during consultations, assisting in pharmacy operations, and leading health education sessions for the community. These immersive experiences allowed him to witness the power of community-based care and the vital role that even one volunteer can play in delivering it.

“I discovered that my purpose is to serve others. The connections I made with both the community and the healthcare team were invaluable,” he adds.

A Ripple Effect Beyond Borders

Hernando’s story doesn’t end in Costa Rica. After completing his time with FIMRC, he continued his international volunteer journey in Jinja, Uganda, working in the emergency room of a local hospital. The lessons and skills gained at Project Alajuelita proved essential in preparing him for this next chapter.

“Clinica Alajuelita taught me valuable lessons that I was able to bring across continents,” Hernando explains. “I hope to pursue more opportunities like these on my path to becoming a doctor, while making meaningful connections with beautiful humans along the way.”

Why Global Health Volunteering Matters

Hernando’s experience highlights the life-changing potential of international health volunteer programs like those offered by FIMRC. Not only do volunteers support vital healthcare services in underserved areas—they also gain critical insight into social determinants of health, cross-cultural communication, and the importance of sustainable health systems.

Whether you're a pre-med student, a recent graduate, or a professional passionate about global health equity, FIMRC’s programs—like Project Alajuelita—offer the opportunity to make a tangible impact, build global connections, and find direction on your journey in healthcare.

Take Your First Step into Global Health: Join the SIHF Experience

If you're passionate about healthcare and ready to immerse yourself in a life-changing experience, our Summer International Health Fellowship (SIHF) invites you to join us in Peru or Uganda for an unforgettable journey. This four-week program is designed for undergraduate students pursuing health careers, recent graduates preparing for medical or nursing school, and first- or second-year medical students. Similar to Hernando, who spent several weeks at our clinic in Costa Rica and carried his experience into future global health work, you too can take part in a meaningful immersion where you'll gain clinical exposure, participate in community outreach, and develop your own SIHF project. You'll collaborate with a diverse cohort of future healthcare leaders, build lasting connections, and deepen your understanding of public health in real-world settings. Whether it's in the Andes or on the shores of Lake Victoria, your SIHF experience will prepare you to make a lasting impact—personally, professionally, and globally.

Explore our programs and find your purpose with FIMRC: www.fimrc.org/summer-health-fellowship-2025