Early in 2025, Latequa Hyman, Medworks 'North Caroling Surgical Technologist, spent a week in Belize on a medical mission trip with Global Surgical Expedition. It was a time of giving and receiving, relationship building and teamwork, community outpouring and gratitude. Here, Latequa shares her heartfelt story. 

"Deciding to become a healthcare provider has been the best decision I could have ever made. The thought of helping others is a simple and thoughtless action that comes naturally to me. Helping in an area where healthcare is available and accessible is the norm that I have always known, but I never experienced it in an area that did not have the options easily available to them. As a Surgical Technologist, I've heard the stories from other health professionals who either completed missions or were looking to join a team. Working in the hospitals, time off was limited, and did not allow much flexibility to join a team, but that all changed when I joined Medworks. Medworks opened the doors of opportunity, and I am truly looking forward to many more.

I was invited to join the Global Surgical Expedition team back in February, and I have since asked to be a returning member for future missions. 

The people of Belize were beyond special and grateful for just being seen and having someone to help, whether it was in conversation, medical advice, surgery, or preparation for a future team that was coming in the following months for different surgical procedures. I connected with so many people who have left a major impact on my life and the way I see life with options and healthcare. Many families prayed for us, cooked for us, and even stopped to thank us while we were out having dinner. Truly unreal..

To be able to offer a small gesture of service for a community of kind-hearted individuals, and some of the nicest people I have ever encountered, I am forever grateful to them for the experience and opportunity to have been part of their lives."