What Happened
UC Davis soccer player Lakelee Perkins is drawing attention for her involvement with Global Medical Brigades in Panama, where she took part in efforts to provide medical care in underserved communities. Her experience in the country has shaped the way she thinks about health equity and community service.
Perkins’ work in Panama reflects a broader student-athlete tradition of combining sports with service and leadership off the field. Her time there has also influenced how she plans to carry those lessons into her daily life and future goals.
Why It Matters
Health equity remains a major concern in many parts of the world, including rural and underserved areas of Panama. Volunteer medical brigades often focus on basic care, prevention, and access, helping bring attention to communities that can face barriers to treatment and routine healthcare.
For students and athletes, experiences like this can be transformative because they connect academic life, public service, and global awareness. Perkins’ involvement underscores how Panamanian communities continue to attract international volunteer efforts aimed at improving access to care.
Broader Context
Panama has long served as a place where medical outreach programs and nonprofit groups work alongside local communities to address health needs. These programs often emphasize both immediate care and the long-term goal of building stronger systems of support.
Perkins’ experience adds to that larger picture by showing how service abroad can influence personal values and future decision-making. Her focus on integrating the lessons from Panama into everyday life points to the lasting impact of volunteer work beyond a single trip.