Carroll College faculty, healthcare providers, and students returned safely last weekend from another successful Medicine in Mexico outreach trip, marking the third mission since COVID. The group was hosted at Santa Maria del Mexicano in Colón, Querétaro, Mexico, by Fr. Dan Estes, S.O.L.T., assistant priest Fr. David Snow, S.O.L.T., the S.O.L.T. Sisters, and several dedicated volunteers who serve the school and mission community.
The Carroll College faculty advisor for the trip was Dr. Kyle Strode. Healthcare providers included Darren Hollenbaugh, M.D.; Cindy Hollenbaugh, M.D.; Kally Wilson, P.A.; and David Lechner, M.D. Participating students were Carmen Manalang, Clarissa Ball, Cassandra Ball, Emma Barron, Spencer Berger, and Walker Jump.
During the week, the team provided comprehensive wellness medical exams, including optical and dental screenings, for students, faculty, staff, and religious members of the mission. Seeing the sustained improvement in health outcomes year over year continues to be deeply gratifying. Fr. Dan repeatedly expressed his gratitude, sharing how meaningful it is for the mission to receive this care, as routine medical services are often difficult to access and afford. After exams are completed, providers share a list of patients needing further follow-up so the mission can triage and prioritize ongoing care.
Carroll students played an essential role throughout the clinic, serving as translators and medical scribes while learning hands-on clinical skills such as history-taking and physical exams. Providers pointed out abnormal findings including heart murmurs, moles, and rashes, creating invaluable real-time learning opportunities. Darren Hollenbaugh, a cardiologist, also performed portable echocardiograms when indicated and delivered a highly anticipated lecture on cardiac anatomy and physiology, tying together physical exams and electrical studies like EKGs. This session remains a highlight of the trip each year.
Students also prepared and delivered health education lessons to Mexican students on dental care, nutrition, hand washing, and exercise. The presentations were conducted entirely in Spanish, complete with student-created props. The school principal specifically praised the quality of the presentations and the students’ Spanish fluency, expressing surprise that several had learned the language specifically for this trip.
Beyond the clinic, the group embraced the experience as a community, living and working together like a family and supporting one another throughout the week. Safety remained a priority at all times, with no concerns during travel or programming. The team also consulted the Security Department’s international threat map prior to departure.
The trip made a profound impact on students, as reflected in their own words:
“What an incredible experience! Participating in the Medicine in Mexico 2026 trip is something I will be forever grateful for. This was a truly eye-opening experience, as we experienced firsthand what daily life is like for the children at the Santa Maria Mission and how genuinely happy they are. The interactions I had with the children will be connections I hold in my heart forever. I was one of the students with limited experience with the Spanish language, so many of my interactions were non-verbal. The smiles on the children's faces absolutely lit up the room, and we realized we did not necessarily need Spanish to be able to communicate, which was very special.
The opportunity to work with our incredible trip leaders Dr. Darren Hollenbaugh, Dr. Cindy Hollenbaugh, Dr. David Lechner, Kally Wilson, PA, and our Facility Advisor Dr. Kyle Stode helped me think more deeply about my impact when I myself become a Physician Assistant. I enjoyed getting to work with each provider and seeing how they each approached the clinic in different ways, how they each interacted with the children, and how they each took a great deal of time to share their incredible knowledge of medicine with each of us on the trip. The lessons and large bits of knowledge will be things I hold with me through applying to PA school, attending PA school, and one day becoming a PA.
I highly recommend that any Carroll student interested in this experience apply and see for themselves how impactful this experience truly is.”
~ Emma Barron, Whitefish, Montana, Class of 2026, Health Sciences and Public Health majors, Biology minor, Pre-Physician Assistant Pathway
“The Medicine in Mexico trip was truly a life-changing experience. I had the opportunity to learn so much about medicine from the incredible healthcare professionals we worked alongside. During this trip, I learned to step outside of my comfort zone by using my Spanish to build relationships with the community at Santa Maria and to assist in medical examinations. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of what medicine truly means—not only treating patients’ health conditions, but also showing the people we serve as healthcare providers that we care about them.”~ Walker Jump, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Class of 2026, Major: Health Sciences (Pre-Med) major; Chemistry & Spanish minors
Outside of clinic hours, the group immersed themselves in the cultural and historical richness of the region. They toured the Basilica de la Virgen de los Dolores de Soriano in Colón, enjoyed meals from a local family street vendor, and spent a day exploring Querétaro, including visits to the Catedral de Querétaro, San Felipe Neri, and the Convento de la Santa Cruz. Students learned about the convent’s role in Mexican history, including its connection to the Mexican Revolution and the final days of Emperor Maximilian I in 1867. The trip concluded with a celebratory meal shared with Fr. Dan before departing the following day.
A favorite tradition also returned: the “killer hike,” a challenging climb up the mountain behind the school that gains 1,000 feet of elevation in just over a mile. All students completed the hike successfully, earning a stunning view of the surrounding countryside and an unforgettable group photo at the summit. Evening reflections throughout the week gave students space to share openly about their experiences and observations.
The trip was fully funded through donations raised during Carroll College’s Day of Giving, with a significant portion provided by the Lund Trust. The outreach is led by Montana Outreach Clinic LLC, owned and operated by Darren Hollenbaugh, Cindy Hollenbaugh, and David Lechner. The clinic continues the legacy of Carroll alumni Tim and Char McInnis, who originally founded the mission. Coordination was supported by Carroll College and Shannon Ackeret through the Global Education Department, with special thanks extended to Dr. Kyle Strode for his tireless work throughout the year and his leadership on the ground.
Without exception, this group of Carroll students proved to be an inspirational and exceptional cohort of young adults. The future of healthcare and service is in excellent hands. The team looks forward to many more years of providing this transformative experience and continuing to serve the students, faculty, and staff of the Santa Maria mission community.
~ As shared by David Lechner, M.D