St. Luke’s University Health Network providers Dr. William Burfeind, chairman of surgery and thoracic surgeon, and Julia Burfeind, PA-C, recently returned from a transformative medical mission trip to Boneza, Rwanda, where they joined a team of 14 volunteers with Arise Rwanda to deliver essential care to one of the world’s most underserved regions.
Over five days, the group treated more than 2,500 patients, many of whom had never before seen a physician. The team distributed over 3,000 toothbrushes, 1,000 pairs of reading glasses, and 50 walking canes, along with critical medications for hypertension and pain relief. Each patient received a full physical, with additional services such as primary care, pediatric and gynecological care, dental hygiene, and optometry.
Julia Burfeind, who has served at St. Luke’s for 15 years in community health, called the experience “life-changing,” adding, “You don’t have to be a medical provider to help people on a mission trip. You just need a sense of adventure and purpose.”
One of the most moving moments came when Julia gave an elderly woman her first pair of reading glasses. The woman’s face “lit up with joy” as she realized she could once again read her Bible and see her sewing clearly—something she hadn’t been able to do for nearly 20 years.
Though his expertise lies in thoracic surgery, Dr. Burfeind said the trip underscored the importance of basic medical care in communities with limited resources. “This trip reminded me of the importance of foundational care,” he said. “Sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply listen, diagnose and offer relief.”
The residents of Boneza welcomed the mission team warmly, with some walking miles from remote villages or sleeping in the streets overnight to ensure they could be seen. The local hospital, which serves a population of more than two million, struggles to meet demand and won’t see another visiting medical team for at least three months.
The Burfeinds were inspired to join the mission after receiving a Christmas card from longtime colleague Dr. Joanne Fruth, who mentioned she was planning to take part in a medical mission and invited them to join. After nine months of preparation, virtual meetings, and gathering supplies, the team flew to Kigali, Rwanda, before making a four-hour journey to Boneza over rough terrain to reach the lakeside village near the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The mission reflects the core values of St. Luke’s University Health Network — compassion, service, and a dedication to improving global health. The Burfeinds and their team are already planning a return trip next year.
As Julia shared, “I hope this trip inspires people to find ways to make our world better. Whether it’s big or little, near or far, you can make a difference.”
