Memorable Moments
Check out some previous GMT trippers' favorite memories from Dominican Republic, Panama, and Peru!
"Going to Peru was not only incredibly culturally enlightening but emotionally priceless. The amount I grew as an individual socially, personally, and as a pre medical student was immense, and I will hold the experience of this trip close throughout my life."
- Megan
Lima, Peru 2018
"My favorite moment was working with big families because I came from a big family. The joy and appreciation that came from the kids and the parents were enlightening. At first I was hesitant on taking this trip, but so glad I did because the experience was on a different level and totally worth it."
-Mengo
Lima, Peru 2018
" My favorite moments were always the ones where we got to interact with the kids. They were always super shy in the beginning but then you would offer a teddy bear or a sticker and the smile that would come across their face would light up the world and melt your heart. There was no greater feeling in the world than knowing you had just made their day a little bit better."
- Odeni Haratonian
Lima, Peru 2018
" My favorite moment has to be when we bonded with one of the families. They told us stories of their lives and about their other family members. At the end the little girl gave us hugs and exchanged contact information to keep in touch. I gained friendships that will stay with me for a lifetime."
- Alexis Artounian
Dominican Republic 2017
"One of my favorite memories from the Dominican Republic was when we got to play with the children after a long day of working in the clinics. The same children who we got to play with were diagnosed with several diseases including parasitic infections and umbilical hernias earlier in the day. Despite all their struggles, their happiness and good spirits were inspirational."
-Lilia Bolbolian
Dominican Republic 2017
"I am pictured here with one of the Doctors we had the pleasure of working with in Peru. Having hands on training really made this trip something that I will never forget, from taking temperature to checking blood pressure, it was a whole different kind learning experience. GMT made me want to pursue my career in Medicine even more and I hope it did the same for my colleagues."
-Arpine Aghakhanyan
Cusco, Peru 2016
"One of my favorite memories from Peru was our first day in Cusco where we were greeted by the mayor of the little town and people who were extremely excited to see us. We were taken to a local festival with traditional music, dance, and food. At this point, we had not begun clinics yet, but I was already so excited to meet the Peruvians and explore their culture. They were very welcoming and reminded all of us about the importance of culture and family. Even in the toughest situations, they all had smiles on their faces. Here is a picture from that day. "
-Lilia Bolbolian
Cusco, Peru 2016
"This picture says it all."
-Patrick Khatchadourian
Machu Picchu, Peru 2016
"The whole trip was amazing, but the memory that stood out the most was with a large family that I helped at the clinic. My group had to spend a long time with this family because of all of the health issues they had. When we finally finished working with them, we gave the parents their prescriptions, I gave the boys some stickers and they gave me a hug in return. It was just the most rewarding feeling ever to be able to help them and give them answers to their questions."
-Annie Vo
Cusco, Peru 2016
"Hey everyone! Welcome to GMT, my name is Ani and I'm a former member of GCC GMT. Well not former, still a member because the GMT crowd is awesome! Anyway, I went to Panama two summers ago and it was an incredible experience. Clinics are very hands on and you're given numerous opportunities to engage and build relationships with spectacular individuals, whom you can learn from. If you don't have a science background, no worries! Don't hesitate to get involved because it's all a learning process and you will be guided just fine. Moreover, when you transfer, you can still be a part of GMT and continue to go on trips. I went to Dominican Republic with USC and it was another trip for the records. Be proactive and I'm here if any of you have any comments or concerns! I was also hanging during zip-lining. I'm telling you guys that it's an amazing trip!"
- Ani Shrinyan,
Santiago, Panama 2015
"My trip to Panama with GMT was by far the most life changing experience. I hold the memories I made with my peers and influential people I met in Panama very close to my heart. My most memorable experience would be working alongside doctors in the clinics. The program provides you with a very hands on opportunity you cannot achieve elsewhere. Working with the doctors on patient cases was very challenging yet rewarding. I remember discussing a patient's case with my peers and formulating a diagnosis and prognosis. We presented our findings to Dr. Eduardo and he gave us a smile and expanded on other ways we could help the patient's well being. I am full of gratitude for having this opportunity to help others while gaining valuable experiences that I continue to incorporate in my life. I learned to be more open minded and appreciative of my life and those around me. Thank you GMT!"
-Kristineh Melik-Kasumyan
Santiago, Panama 2015
" Although each clinic day held important lessons I learned about the practice of medicine, the most memorable patient we treated was during a house call. We drove into the village for about fifteen minutes until there were no roads, only small shacks with loving families. Along with a doctor, we met an old woman who was bedridden, blind, and having difficulty hearing. She had been in that condition for several years. The doctor told us he drives out to check on her every few months, and brings her vitamins and medications. The compassion I witnessed in Panama was unlike anything here in the United States. Instead of being in a retirement home, the old woman was under the loving care of her family, and a doctor kind enough to voluntarily treat her even in her last days. Every student pursuing health care can take away from a humbling experience like this. "
-Araz Majnoonian
Santiago, Panama 2015