to Global Humanitarian Service
SAFPA is committed to supporting global humanitarian efforts by empowering Air Force PAs to serve communities in need around the world. Through annual humanitarian medical mission sponsorships, SAFPA seeks to provide meaningful opportunities for members to deliver compassionate care, share their expertise, and learn alongside healthcare professionals across diverse communities. These experiences strengthen our members as clinicians and leaders while extending the reach of the Air Force PA profession beyond the military community. Our goal is to cultivate a lasting culture of service, partnership, and global health engagement—one mission at a time.
Future Missions
Bolivia Classic Medical Mission
Dates: December 6, 2026 – December 12, 2026
Location & Purpose: An inaugural International Medical Relief (IMR) mission to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to address severe healthcare shortages, limited infrastructure, and prevalent chronic and infectious diseases in rural and urban communities.
Activities & Impact: Volunteers will conduct medical and dental day clinics in schools and community centers, focusing on preventive care, early diagnosis, and treatment for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and infectious illnesses. The team will also provide sustainable education and training for local healthcare professionals and community members.
Cost: Starting at a minimum donation of $2,000, which covers lodging, meals, group transportation, and clinic supplies.
Guatemala Medical Mission
Dates: January 10, 2027 – January 16, 2027
Location & Purpose: An International Medical Relief (IMR) mission based around La Antigua, Guatemala, to provide essential healthcare access, disaster recovery support, and disease prevention in vulnerable communities.
Activities & Impact: Volunteers will operate mobile medical and dental clinics in remote areas to treat acute and chronic conditions such as dengue fever, malaria, gastrointestinal illnesses, and respiratory infections. The team will also focus on community health education and training local providers to foster long-term self-sufficiency.
Cost: Starting at a minimum donation of $1,900 to $2,100 (depending on payment timelines), which covers lodging, meals, group transportation, clinic operations, and medications.
About International Medical Relief (IMR)
International Medical Relief provides essential healthcare services to underserved communities around the world, particularly in areas affected by poverty, limited medical resources, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. These missions bring together healthcare professionals to deliver medical evaluations, preventive care, health education, and treatment while supporting local healthcare systems.
For military physician assistants and other medical professionals, participating in international medical relief offers an extraordinary opportunity to expand clinical skills, serve diverse populations, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and make a meaningful impact beyond the usual practice environment.
Sponsorship Details
- A one-time payment toward the medical mission trip of up to $3,500
- Applicants must be a SAFPA member in good standing
- An opportunity to promote SAFPA’s mission and name
- A requirement to write a TSR (Towner-Schafer Report) article and brief at AFPARC about your experience
Application Instructions
Please submit your application for consideration by October 15, 2026, to safpaoutreach@gmail.com.
Your submission must include:
- Your full name
- Your rank
- The specific mission you are interested in (Bolivia or Guatemala)
- Confirmation that your leadership has endorsed you to attend
Subject Line Format: YOUR NAME, MEDICAL MISSION TO BOLIVIA/GUATEMALA (e.g., Jane Doe, Medical Mission to Bolivia)
Applicants will be notified of their selection the week of October 19, at which point SAFPA will provide further instructions regarding payment processing. Please see the attached PDFs for additional details regarding the specifics of both missions.