What made you decide to choose health care as a career? Maybe you were inspired by the doctor who set your broken arm when you were 10 or by an aunt who was a nurse. What likely drew you to the profession was the chance to make a difference in patients’ lives—to see a toddler smile through his tears after a blood draw or to help a beloved grandfather recover after a fall. Now, as you sit and count gauze pads in the supply closet or spend hours performing documentation, you may wonder: is this what I signed up for?

If remote locations, rugged conditions, and the chance to get your scrubs dirty gets your adrenaline pumping, here’s your chance to reconnect with why you got into the profession in the first place. Barco’s got the antidote to fluorescent lighting: a medical mission trip with International Medical Relief. We’ve partnered with them to help more nurses and other healthcare professionals step outside the cubicle and get in touch with their inner thrill seeker.

A leader in global health

What is International Medical Relief? It’s global health nonprofit built on the belief that everyone should have access to health care. IMR runs health care and health education clinics in dozens of countries, from Armenia to Cambodia to Tanzania. Disaster-relief teams are also sent all over the world to help after natural disasters and other catastrophic events. Most recently, teams have been sent to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Time to pack your bags!

Barco is offering you a chance to use your training the way you always imagined you would. The two lucky winners of our mission trip giveaway will be able to bring a guest on a trip to the destination of their choice. They’ll also receive a three-piece scrub set from the Grey’s Anatomy Evolve Stretch collection. Made with recycled polyester and CiCLO® technology, the Evolve collection’s fabric is soft, stretchy, and breathable for all-day comfort, whether you’re practicing your conversational Tagalog on a red-eye flight or seeing patients in a mobile clinic. Add a Cotopaxi backpack full of mission trip essentials and you’re ready for any adventure.

What do volunteers say?

"I am a registered nurse who went to Turkey with International Medical Relief to work at their basecamp near the epicenter of the earthquake. It is ironic to talk about my personal experience in the midst of an unimaginable tragedy. But as a 35-year veteran of acute-care hospitals, I have never seen a team as seamless, selfless, skilled, and— most of all—productive. We treated hundreds of patients in makeshift tents, set up a pharmacy with donations from about 10 countries—with labels in as many languages—and were an integral part of the community of survivors. I will always cherish the time I spent in Hatay Province with International Medical Relief." — Malcolm, RN

"We arrived at our first clinic, which was an hour away by bus and another hour and 15 minutes away by motorized canoe. We arrived in a small village of 200+ residents where we were welcomed with open arms and taken care of like celebrities. We treated 182 patients with many injuries / needs, extracted 18 teeth, and provided medical education and household / medical supplies. The people of San Juan were beyond appreciative of our help. An experience that I will remember for a lifetime." —Eric, Team Panama

"A hug is an amazing thing. It’s just the perfect way to show the love we’re feeling but can’t find the words to say. . . . Today we went to the most amazing community. Women, children, and men walked for miles to come to our clinic, some with shoes, some without. We treated for infections, worms, chronic pain, and rashes, to name a few. Smiles and laughter filled the three-room schoolhouse. . . . Someone once told me that to make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, or beautiful. You just have to care." — Elizabeth, Team South Africa

Sign me up!

Get ready to slather yourself in insect repellent, brush your teeth with bottled water, take cold showers, and love every minute of it. Visit barcomade.com to enter to win, or visit internationalmedicalrelief.org to learn more about how you can contribute your time and talents to the cause of global health. A medical mission trip with International Medical Relief can be a life-changing experience, and Barco is here to make it happen for you.