News
 |
Victoria Kazickas' passion for science and medicine combined with her wish to help and care led her not just down the path to become a specialist in medical field (Victoria is studying to become a physician's assistant), but also inspired her to always search for the ones she can help.
Dr. Joseph and his wife Alexandra Kazickas' granddaughter spent some time in Senegal with International Medical Relief back in 2013 and was changed forever. During her visit to Lithuania in 2014 she visited kids at the Pediatric Oncology Ward of Santariskes Hospital in Vilnius. Victoria and her cousins wrapped small Christmas presents for the children and she absorbed every smile on their faces while watching them unwrap the presents. After realizing what these children go through every day, Victoria decided to donate the noninvasive hemoglobin monitor to the hoospital that would help to save some tears on children's faces.
"My grandfather, Dr. Joseph Kazickas always taught his grandchildren how important it was to help those in need," shares Victoria. "One of the most life changing philanthropic events in my life happened during the fall of 2013, when I was fortunate to travel to Senegal with International Medical Relief. During the two weeks I spent in Senegal, I saw children who waited almost a month for our group’s arrival and the chance to be examined. Most of these children had never seen a white face, or a thermometer, or heard such a strange language, yet they were able to put aside their fears and trust us. My fellow volunteers and I treated almost 500 patients each day, and I am convinced that if we had more time, we could have helped so many more. Being able to vaccinate these children so that their chances of living past the age of five increased was truly a privilege for me.
Not a day goes by where I do not think of the people of Senegal. There is a direct need for basic health care in hundreds of nations around the world. There is no greater gift than health, and it is my desire to uphold the highest standards of health care to improve a patient’s quality of life. As I continue my journey through physician assistant school, it would be an honor to use my love of science to diagnose and treat those in need.
My grandfather always told me that people would never forget how you make them feel. A simple smile can go a very long way. As physician assistant, I will be able to make a significant difference in someone’s life every day; I will be honored to show care and compassion in situations where all hope seems lost; I will be inspired to integrate my passion for science and medicine with my love of direct patient care. My experiences working in the medical field have brought me so much satisfaction and excitement; I can only imagine how rewarding the next few years will be."