Aug. 14, 2025 |
By Ella Trelfa
Two newly graduated students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Northwest Regional Campus found time during their studies to help refugee families adjust to their new lives in Northwest Arkansas.
Through their volunteer work with Canopy NWA, Caroline Geels and Megan Crouser, both of whom graduated in May from the College of Medicine, offered crucial support.
Geels, who is interested in global health, said finances can make it difficult to go abroad to do the work she loves. So, “joining Canopy was a way to do global health work locally while also giving me an outlet to make an impact on my community,” she added.
Both students said Kurt Eifling, M.D., served as a role model to them while being their preceptor during clinical rotations, inspiring them to join Canopy. Eifling is an adjunct professor at UAMS and works as an emergency medicine physician at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers and at the Veterans Health System of the Ozarks. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan, he volunteered with Canopy to assist with the resettlement of Afghan refugees who began to arrive in Northwest Arkansas in the fall of 2021. As part of that effort, he started volunteering as a civil surgeon at WelcomeHealth, where Geels and Crouser were on rotation in 2023.
During this time, Crouser and Geels provided critical support that enabled the WelcomeHealth clinic to function effectively. They worked alongside Eifling and Canopy’s immigration legal services team to prepare refugee families for the medical exam needed to receive their green cards.
Geels and Crouser are both pursuing a career in emergency medicine — following suit behind Eifling. Although Crouser was already interested in emergency medicine, she said, “it was something that drew me to him as a mentee. I’m very inspired by him, not only as a provider, but a person as well.”
Geels echoed that sentiment, reflecting on how Eifling’s example shaped her own career aspirations.
“He was definitely my inspiration to go into emergency medicine,” Geels said. “Working with him clinically, he has a very unique ability to connect with somebody in such a short amount of time, in either an extreme or not-so-extreme situation. How personable, empathic and intelligent he is, I wanted to be that kind of person in my career. So, seeing that he was able to do that in the context of emergency medicine, which is really fast paced and stressful, it was really inspiring to me to continue on that path.”
For Geels and Crouser, the opportunity to work directly with refugee families has deepened their understanding of what it means to be a physician.
“It’s so easy to get buried in the weeds of book work,” Crouser said, “and you forget the people and the reason why you’re doing what you’re doing. Canopy has allowed me to stay connected to that and other people that feel that same way.”
Both students said they will carry with them the lessons learned during their time with Canopy.
Geels will always remember “walking and running into a man and two of his little kids; he introduced himself as being from Afghanistan. I expressed that we are so happy he is here and making him feel welcomed since he came through Canopy. It’s those tiny little moments that I will hold onto for a long time.”
As for Crouser, she continues to be excited for what’s to come. “I’m most looking forward to going to a naturalization ceremony — where somebody physically gets their citizenship, and they get to celebrate with everyone who helped them get there and that they know and love. I’ve heard it’s the best thing ever, and I can’t wait to go.”
What began as a volunteer opportunity with Canopy turned into something far more impactful, inspiring them to encourage others to get involved.
“Even though there may not be earth-shattering things you can change, there are little things you can do that will exponentially help someone else,” Crouser said. “Being able to donate your time is valuable — and you know a lot more than you think you do and being able to capitalize on those things, for other people’s benefit, is priceless.”
“Longitudinal commitment and showing up are the most important things you can do as a medical student — especially with Canopy.” “You can apply that to all different walks of life, but for Canopy, the simple act of being there, showing up and being willing to do the work, even though it may not be your job, will make a huge difference.”
For Geels and Crouser, Canopy was more than service — it was preparation for a life of impact.
“I still can’t believe the luck I had to find partners so generous and relentless as Caroline and Megan,” Eifling said. “Their work alongside their classmates at the Canopy office has proven that the UAMS Northwest student body can bring something new to Northwest Arkansas. If we as a community can learn how to provide meaningful ways for our students to connect and exert agency, I think our community will continue to benefit, and our students will continue to shine.”