Learn beyond the classroom
Explore healthcare access, social determinants of health, and the realities of care in resource-limited settings.
STUDENT LED. COMMUNITY CENTERED.
Care beyond
the shoreline.
Bringing UC San Diego students together to learn, serve, and support access to healthcare in Panama.
ROOTED IN SAN DIEGO.
CONNECTED TO BOCAS DEL TORO.
CONNECTED TO BOCAS DEL TORO.
ACROSS OCEANSWITH PURPOSE
San Diego → Bocas del ToroWhere connection becomes care.
LEARN WITH PURPOSE✳SERVE WITH HUMILITY✳CONNECT ACROSS BORDERS✳GROW TOGETHER
01 OUR PURPOSE
A world of difference.
A community of doers.
We believe learning about global health begins with listening to the people at its heart.
Floating Doctors at UCSD connects students with service and learning through the work of Floating Doctors in Bocas del Toro, Panama. We’re building a community that approaches healthcare access with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
Meet the international organization02 OUR FIRST CHAPTER
Small team.
Meaningful beginnings.
6student volunteers
~300patients served during the trip
1first trip, shared purpose
From campus to community.
In September 2026, our first group of six volunteers traveled to Bocas del Toro. Alongside the Floating Doctors team, the trip included visits to Playa Verde and Playa Lorenzo, with approximately 300 patients served.
We returned with a deeper appreciation for the people, relationships, and practical challenges behind access to care—and a commitment to keep learning.
Trip figures reported by club leadership; patient care was delivered with the Floating Doctors team.OUR TRIP, THROUGH OUR LENS
The places. The people.
The moments between.
A photo journal from our first trip to Panama.
September 2026 · Bocas del Toro
03 WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER
More than a destination.
A reason to show up.
Put compassion into practice
Support service rooted in community needs, respectful collaboration, and learning from experienced teams.
Build your community
Connect with fellow students who care about global health and want to turn that interest into thoughtful action.
04 THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
Started by a student.
Built together.
A shared interest in global health brought us together. The people we learn from give that interest direction.
HV
Hasti Vatan Navaz
Founder & President
JS
Jocum Schabacker
Vice President
IM
Prof. Isabella Maita
Faculty Advisor
05 YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Bring your curiosity.
Find your community.
Interested in global health, service, or learning alongside a team? Start here.
More ways to connect, coming soon.
Club meeting dates, membership details, and future trip announcements will be posted here once confirmed.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
An interest in global health and service is a great place to start. Students from different fields bring valuable perspectives. Ask the club leadership about current membership opportunities.