History of Project CURA

What began as the vision of Dr. Kumar Desai, a medical student at the time, has grown into one of the largest student-led organizations at the Creighton University School of Medicine. Today, medical students continue to participate in Project CURA's global and local service-learning experiences. Although many of the locations have evolved since the organization's founding in 2001, its core mission remains unchanged: to embody Creighton's values early in our medical careers by providing education, service, and medical assistance to underserved communities worldwide.

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Project CURA was born from Dr. Desai's belief that Creighton medical students should embrace Jesuit ideals and actively contribute to the global community. CURA - Creighton Medical United in Relief Assistance - was established as a platform for medical students and physicians to engage in meaningful service. Thanks to Dr. Desai's dedication, hundreds of Creighton medical students have since provided eduction, healthcare, and support to marginalized communities, both local and abroad. Prior locations have included Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Peru, Uganda, Vietnam, and the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in South Dakota.​