PUC’s First Global Health Student Graduates and Leaves Impactful Mark

The global health department at Pacific Union College is proud to share that senior Areli Castro will be their program's first graduate. From Napa, CA, Castro decided to attend PUC after seeing the value of its close-knit, supportive community. With a love for traveling and helping others, she enrolled in global health as the perfect opportunity to combine both passions in a meaningful way.

In March, three professors and 13 students from PUC partnered with Maranatha to serve in Pucallpa, Peru. Castro was one of those students, as she always wanted to go on a mission trip but never had the opportunity. With the help of Global Health Director Nancy Jacobo in planning the trip, Castro and Jacobo discussed incorporating a medical component into the trip as part of Castro’s capstone project. With Jacobo’s approval, Castro was able to complete her project in another country–something she never expected.

For her capstone course and senior project, Castro led the development and coordination of the medical aspects of the mission trip. She successfully organized and led her team, collaborating with AMOR Project, led by Dr. Guillermo Gow-Lee, to fundraise and implement medical outreach programs. Castro also coordinated and planned logistics, securing sponsorships from two medical providers who traveled to Pucallpa.

Under her leadership, a team of students and faculty provided care to over 600 patients in four days, which included conducting physical exams, electrocardiograms, and ultrasounds, as well as prescribing reading glasses. They also offered services throughout the Pucallpa community when news broke that the Ucayali River had flooded homes, forcing hundreds of locals to evacuate and relocate to temporary shelters. Their medical team traveled by bus, boat, and moto-taxis to assist them with their healthcare needs.

"Areli demonstrated exceptional initiative and leadership by applying the knowledge from her coursework to real-world impact,” said Jacobo. “Her thorough research into the region’s healthcare needs, along with her ability to recruit nurse practitioners, secure additional funding for medicines, and build key partnerships, was instrumental to the success of the trip. It was inspiring to see Areli grow in confidence and emerge as a capable and compassionate leader in the field of global health."

Jacobo continued to share that Castro’s academic insight expanded the mission trip's focus from a medical perspective, allowing students to encounter local health systems, public health challenges, and cultural and social determinants of health.

One evening, after a long shift, Castro had the chance to interview Dr. Gow-Lee and his assistant. They discussed their inspiration for working in the medical field and the care they provided in Pucallpa, prompting Castro to reflect on her journey. “My parents grew up in poverty, and as a first-generation college student, this experience felt like a full-circle moment,” she shared. “It was incredibly humbling to serve populations living under conditions similar to those my parents once faced—without reliable access to clean water, sanitation, or food security.” This interview turned into a meaningful conversation that became a significant moment for Castro, leaving a great impact on her.

As she moves forward with her education and career, Castro says she will forever cherish the experience of the mission trip. “I was truly amazed by the opportunity to travel to Peru and see the project I had worked so hard on come to life,” she said. “The trip turned out to be a great success. It was truly inspiring to work alongside such dedicated providers and students. The experience deepened my passion for serving in the medical field and strengthened my commitment to advocating for those who often do not have a voice.”

One of her favorite aspects of the program was learning about the strengths and weaknesses of health systems worldwide, as it provided her with a clear understanding of the struggles many people face every day. As it opened her eyes to global health disparities, she has developed a deeper appreciation for the things people often take for granted, such as clean water and proper sanitation.

As the first PUC student to enroll in the global health program, Castro was not sure what to expect. Thankfully, the program offers a flexible, hybrid schedule, which allowed her to continue working full-time as a supervisor of the primary care department at CommuniCare+OLE. She also credits Jacobo as an incredible source of support. “There is no doubt that she will make a meaningful difference in the communities she serves,” said Jacobo.

With the range of classes Castro took, she found Introduction to Global Health and Energy and Climate Change to be especially interesting and relevant–not just for people majoring in global health, but for other students as well, as the topics are vital and play a crucial role in handling many of the challenges the world faces today.

Castro encourages students interested in pursuing global health to go into the field with an open and curious mind. “It’s such a fascinating field, especially as our world becomes increasingly interconnected,” she said. “We are seeing more health challenges linked to climate change, emerging viruses, and evolving healthcare policies. It’s our responsibility to advocate for change and educate others about these critical issues.”

Studying at PUC has had a profoundly positive impact on Castro’s life, resulting in academic, personal, and professional growth. In her current primary care role with Communicare+OLE in Napa Valley, Castro applies what she has learned from PUC to make meaningful changes and looks forward to continuing to utilize those skills to help improve the health and well-being of her community.

Being the first graduate in the program gave Castro both excitement and a sense of nerve-wracking responsibility. “I’m incredibly grateful for the experience," she said. "I hope this program continues to grow and strengthen in the years to come, giving others the same life-changing opportunities that I’ve been fortunate to have.”