Through UCF's International Medical Outreach program, Charlotte Disney has gone beyond the classroom, gaining hands-on experience addressing healthcare disparities in global communities.

From a young age, Charlotte Disney felt a calling to make a difference. Whether it was through local volunteering or supporting close friends and family, her passion for service has always been undeniable. That commitment deepened when she joined International Medical Outreach (IMO) during her freshman year at UCF.

Student organizations like International Medical Outreach showcase the global collaboration and learning celebrated during International Education Week, Nov. 18-22.

Through IMO -- a student-led nonprofit committed to transforming healthcare in underserved communities worldwide -- Disney found a way to combine her love for healthcare and helping others with global service.

From organizing free health clinics and educational workshops in Haiti to constructing pharmacies in remote villages, IMO empowers students like Disney to educate others about healthcare disparities while gaining invaluable cultural and professional experience. Students of any major can become community volunteers, improving upon the sustainability and efficacy of medical care within all areas the organization serves.

For Disney, a second-year biomedical sciences student and IMO community relations officer, it's not just about learning medicine -- it's about building bridges, fostering compassion and leaving a legacy of care.

Here she reflects on her beginnings in medicine, her transformative journey with IMO and the positive impact it's had on her personal growth and her future in healthcare.

My interest in medicine began when my grandfather was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer. I vividly remember the shock and fear that took over our family when we first learned of his diagnosis. Over the following months, I watched my grandfather go through numerous treatments -- chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries -- which were both heartbreaking and inspiring. I was particularly struck by the doctors and nurses who managed his complex medical while also providing him and our family with unwavering emotional support. This experience made me aware of the gaps in access to healthcare, especially for patients facing serious illnesses who may not have strong health insurance or access to care. It inspired me to seek opportunities to learn more about global healthcare challenges, which is why joining IMO felt like the perfect next step.

Going into my first service trip to Piracicaba, Brazil, I expected to observe the challenges faced in underserved areas and hoped to make a positive impact on people's lives through basic care and education. However, the reality of healthcare in Piracicaba was more complex than I had anticipated. While the community had some healthcare infrastructure, there were significant gaps in access to essential resources, medications and follow-up care. I quickly learned that the challenges weren't just about treating illnesses, but also about education, prevention and long-term community health.

One of the unexpected challenges was language and cultural differences. In rural areas outside of the main city of Piracicaba, I struggled to communicate with citizens who spoke only Portuguese. I adapted by working closely with translators and bilingual members and using non-verbal communication, learning to be more patient and empathetic in those moments. A memorable moment occurred when we observed a physician treating a 20-year-old patient in the ICU who had been involved in a severe motorcycle accident. He had sustained multiple injuries and was in critical condition, with his girlfriend by his side, advocating for his care and providing emotional support despite the overwhelming stress of the situation. Watching the deep bond between them and the relief in her eyes as he made progress was incredibly moving. It underscored the critical role of immediate medical care, as well as the emotional strength that both patients and their families bring to the healing process. This experience highlighted how IMO's work goes beyond just medical education -- it's about offering compassionate care that supports both the physical and emotional well-being of patients and their loved ones. This trip taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity, adaptability and the need for sustainable healthcare solutions.

During our shadowing trip to Aurangabad, India, I was exposed to some of the most pressing global health issues, especially in impoverished areas. One of the most significant challenges I witnessed was the lack of access to basic healthcare services. In many rural communities, there were few medical facilities and even fewer trained healthcare providers. Common illnesses often went untreated, leading to preventable complications and deaths. Plus, the lack of health education left people unaware of how to prevent or manage basic conditions like infections or malnutrition. I saw how health disparities are often tied to broader systemic issues such as poverty, lack of education and poor infrastructure. I also gained insights into how cultural beliefs and local practices influence health behaviors, and how important it is to approach healthcare with cultural sensitivity and respect.

I'm grateful for the exposure to the global health landscape through IMO's work. Students like me gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges people face when basic care isn't readily available. These shadowing experiences inspire a broader understanding of how global health issues are interconnected, and how students can play a role in bridging gaps.

If I could convey one message about global health disparities based on my experiences, it would be that healthcare access is a fundamental human right -- not a privilege. Too many people around the world are suffering and dying from treatable conditions simply because they don't have access to the basic medical care that many of us take for granted. By investing in both short-term medical relief and long-term health education, organizations like IMO are not only saving lives but also laying the groundwork for sustainable healthcare systems that empower entire communities.

I've studied diseases, treatments and medical principles in traditional classroom and clinical settings, but IMO's service trips have allowed me to see how these concepts are applied in real-world, resource-limited environments. Working with IMO has deeply influenced my understanding of what it means to be a healthcare provider -- someone who not only diagnoses and treats diseases but also fosters relationships, understands a patient's environment, and tailors care to their specific needs and circumstances.

In countries like Brazil and India, I saw how essential it is to approach patients holistically -- considering cultural factors, local health beliefs and the challenges of their daily lives. The healthcare providers I shadowed in these communities did more than treat patients -- they became educators, counselors and advocates, guiding patients through complex and often inaccessible healthcare systems. IMO has given me the opportunity to be directly involved in healthcare delivery. I learned that as a student I'm more than a future healthcare provider -- I'm an essential agent of change in global health today.