DNP Flying Samaritans: A legacy of service and compassion

Nestled among the hills of Baja California, El Rosario, Mexico's small village is filled with hope. Every month for three days, a remarkable transformation occurs when volunteers from the Tucson chapter of the Flying Samaritans arrive in El Rosario, bringing medical, pharmacy, and dental supplies and a mission of healing, compassion, and cross-cultural connection. These trips allow Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students at the College of Nursing to assist those in need, develop real-world skills, and gain essential clinical hours.

The Tucson Flying Samaritans, run by medical director Patricia Daly, PhD, FNP-BC, ENP-BC, FAANP, associate clinical professor in the College of Nursing, carry on the legacy of the founding group, which began after an emergency plane landing in 1961. On that fateful day, a twin-engine Beechcraft, piloted by the trailblazing female Aileen Saunders, was forced to land on a mesa near El Rosario. What could have been a disastrous event became a profound human connection when Anita Espinosa, the village’s general store owner, shared stories of local hardships and illnesses. This encounter ignited a movement that would transcend borders and time. The Tucson group’s monthly trips to El Rosario are not just about treating illnesses; they represent a bridge between two cultures united by care and compassion.

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During their most recent trip in October 2024, three senior Family Nurse Practitioner students from the college, Eli Mauksch, Sydney Phillips, and Christina Love, exemplified this spirit. Traveling with other healthcare providers in small planes, they departed Tucson before sunrise for a three-day clinic. “These students immersed themselves in a challenging environment, diagnosing complex conditions, managing pharmacy logistics, administering dental blocks, and mastering the slit lamp, a microscope with a bright light used during eye examinations,” said Daly. “Their commitment to serving patients without the convenience of advanced technology demonstrates their resilience and the depth of their medical training.”

“Through the unwavering dedication of our students and faculty, the Tucson Flying Samaritans truly embody the essence of nursing: compassion and resilience. These experiences not only transform our students into exceptional healthcare providers but also improve the lives of those in El Rosario,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing.

For these DNP students, this trip was more than a clinical experience; it embodied their dedication to addressing global health disparities. Patients arrived with a myriad of challenges, from chronic illnesses to acute dental pain, and left with more than just relief. They departed with the knowledge that someone cared and someone listened.

This story is not just about medical service; it’s also about community and connection. The Flying Samaritans provide U of A students with a hands-on opportunity to apply their training in real-world settings while promoting cultural exchange and empathy. These students are not just future healthcare professionals but ambassadors of global citizenship, demonstrating how collaborative care can transcend borders.

The Tucson Flying Samaritans chapter operates through essential fundraising, donations, and the grant-funded Vitamin Angels program, a nonprofit focused on helping underserved populations access lifesaving nutrition. The students’ enthusiasm and the support of their mentors ensure that each mission is successful, not only in delivering care but also in inspiring future generations to continue this vital work.

As the Tucson Flying Samaritans’ planes lift off from El Rosario each time, they leave behind more than used medical kits. They leave the individuals they helped with hope, renewed health, and a legacy of compassion that will continue to inspire for years.