The Greatest Investment: Why Medical & Surgical Mission Trips Are a Moral Imperative
Discover Tulsa’s top choice for advanced oral and maxillofacial care with Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, at Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Known as one of Tulsa's premier oral surgeons, Dr. Egan combines elite training, innovative techniques, and compassionate patient care to deliver exceptional surgical outcomes. Originally... more
In today’s fast-paced, profit-driven world, it’s easy to forget the faces of those quietly suffering in silence.
I’ve seen them.
Held their hands.
Looked into their eyes and witnessed both unimaginable pain—and unshakable hope.
On numerous self-funded mission trips to Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, and other underserved regions through organizations like Lumio Cares and Charity Anywhere, I’ve come to understand something profound:
These missions don’t just change lives—they save them. And they’ll change yours, too.
As healthcare providers, our training is a gift—but it’s meaningless if we only use it within the walls of comfortable clinics. Around the world, there are children with cleft lips, mothers battling chronic infections, and fathers unable to work due to untreated dental disease.
On these missions, we don’t just deliver care—we deliver hope, dignity, and love.
We bring food, clothing, medicine, and human connection to those with almost nothing.
No shoes.
No beds.
No toothbrushes.
No mirrors.
And yet—they give back smiles that could light up the world.
Every trip transforms me.
I come back better—not just as a doctor, but as a father, husband, leader, and human being.
Why should YOU go on a mission trip?
1. Your skills are desperately needed – Whether you are a doctor providing care or not, there is great need of our help for countless people worldwide. I often bring my father, who is not in the medical field, to help identify those in need and coordinate often complex travel arrangements so we can reach as many as we can. Efforts such as these are no less valuable than any other.
2. You model something greater – Your team, patients, and children will follow your example. Nothing will impact those around you more than humbly submitting yourself to serve your fellow men and women.
3. Discomfort breeds growth – You’ll discover what truly matters in life. These trips are uncomfortable, tiring, and often depressing as you see what so many people in the world have to endure daily.. but these men and women, who seemingly have nothing, often bear the greatest smiles and attitudes despite it all. We can all learn from them as well!.
4. Leadership is action – True leaders give. True leaders don’t expect anything in return. True leaders inspire others to do the same.
5. It brings deep, lasting fulfillment – The kind money could never buy. I guarantee those who wholeheartedly embrace this opportunity will gain a fulfillment so strong, It will change their lives forever.
This isn’t charity—it’s humanity. It’s our calling.
If you’ve ever felt something is missing…
If you want to find deeper meaning…
If you want to use your gifts to make the world better…
Come with us. Serve with us. Grow with us.
Because the greatest fulfillment in life is not in what we keep—but in what we give away.
— Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD
Elite Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma
Volunteer Surgeon | Lumio Cares | Charity Anywhere
If you’ve ever wanted to go on a mission trip, send me a message. I’ll help you get started.
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