SMI Student Blog
Browse the SMI Student Blog Posts
The blog entries below were submitted by past participants of the SMI program during their time in Philadelphia. There are also some yearly recaps from our Summer Program Director.
Unwasted Opportunity
I spoke to a man today who could barely look me in the eye. He looked up once to ask, “Could I have another cup of water?” as if he thought I might say no. He spoke so softly that I struggled to hear him. The walls around his heart were high and it didn’t seem like...
Do You Have a Dentist?
“Do you have a dentist?” That simple question lies in the middle of our health screen. Assuming you go through the items in the screen in order, you ask about the dentist somewhere between diabetes risk and food access. But yesterday, while sitting with a woman on a...
The First Weeks of SMI
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) The past two weeks have been quite eventful, but I feel blessed because God has been looking out for me. It has been a very eye-opening experience,...
Structure Determines Function
by Anisha S.Structure determines function. A phrase drilled into the heads of many pre-med students alike, as we learned about the wonders of fibers arranged in parallel groups to make a joint...
The Goodness of God
by Kristie R.“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” -Psalm 145:9 Stepping into SMI I did not know what to expect. I knew the program would be an enriching...
Medical Adventures with the Lord (MAWTL)
by Mary R.As a small town girl who is more used to tuning out croaking frogs at night than loud music and firecrackers, living in North Philly has been an adjustment. Our first couple of days here...
God at Work Beyond our Understanding
by Silas B.“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!‘For who has known the mind of the Lord,or who has been his...
Seeing God in Everything
by Layo F.When I initially applied for SMI and even up until when I arrived at the train station, I didn't quite know what to expect from this experience. I had visited Philadelphia a few times but...
Back Providing Community Health Screens: Integrating Faith and Medical Care in 2022
A Report of the Philadelphia Summer Medical Institute, June 18-July 9, 2022 By Holly Favino, Program Director On a sunny day in July a pair of Christian health care students and their...
The Power of Prayer and Relying on God
by Dani C.SMI 2022 was truly a surreal experience. Each day was spent growing in my faith, overcominghardship, and learning about God’s grace, love, and mercy. From the apparent struggles evident in...
Better than I Expected
by Ashley A.Hey everyone! My name is Ashley and I am in nursing school in Birmingham! Coming into SMI, I had no idea what to expect. Being from out of town, I assumed everyone would already know...
Kensington
by Jaz J.Kensington…. You’ve taught me a lot. You’ve shown me a lot. The first day I saw you, I was afraid of you. You looked like something that was shot right out of a movie scene. I had never...
How does one pray… in Spanish?
by Samantha E.“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17During...
My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty
by Lisa S.I’m reminded of this children’s Christian song as I reminisce of my SMI experience. Our God is so big, so strong and so mighty that there’s nothing our God cannot do. SMI has been such an...
An Avenue for the Gospel
by Lindsey F.I have wanted to be a doctor for a long time. The past three weeks in North Philly have only fueled my desire. One of the most important reasons that have influenced my desire to be a...
MAILING ADDRESS
1701 Delancey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
DONATION ADDRESS
PO Box 111288
Memphis, TN 38111-1288
PHONE
215-971-0031
Medical Campus Outreach Philadelphia exists to glorify God in the medical campus community by equipping students to love and serve Jesus Christ in healthcare. MCO Philadelphia and the Summer Medical Institute Philadelphia are now part of the Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF) family.
Copyright © 2026 Medical Campus Outreach Philadelphia. All rights reserved.