Living in another country for an extended period can expose you to different health risks and environmental conditions. It is important to have a thorough medical check-up by a Primary Care Physician when you return to ensure that any potential health issues are addressed promptly.
At Primary Healthcare, we are happy to offer this service to return missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dr. Kevin Mangum lived in Brazil for two years as a missionary and is well aware of the potential health issues common for returning missionaries.
By proactively testing for issues and treating existing conditions immediately, you can get back your normal activities quickly. .
Please call (801) 758-8735 or schedule an appointment online by clicking here. Schedule as soon as possible after you return from your mission so that we can help you on the road back to optimal health.
How should I prepare for a Missionary Physical?
If you served internationally, please tell us the country that you were serving in when you schedule your physical. This way, we can tailor the tests and evaluations based on your specific risks and exposures.
Also, please write down or be prepared to discuss, any physical or mental issues that you had during your mission, when they happened and what treatment you had (if any). Bring any medical paperwork from your mission, if you have any.
What happens at a Return Missionary Physical?
First, we will complete a General Physical Examination: A comprehensive check-up with a Primary Care Physician will include discussion of any symptoms or concerns you may have and give the doctor an overall assessment of your health.
This will include a skin examination to look at any unusual rashes, lesions, or signs of skin infections or cancers.
The doctor will also have you pee in a cup in order to do a urinalysis. This will detect urinary tract infections, kidney problems and other metabolic conditions.
Next, we will run several blood tests including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This will check for infections, anemia and any other hematological (blood) conditions.
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): This will assess liver health, especially if you were exposed to hepatitis.
- Kidney Function Tests: This checks how well your kidneys are functioning
- Malaria Test: If you’ve been serving in a malaria endemic area and have had symptoms like fever, chills or flu-like illness during your service.
- Dengue and Chikungunya Tests: These mosquito-borne illnesses are common in many developing countries and a test can help determine if you had them.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Some countries have higher rates of TB, and this is an important test to have done.
- Vitamin and Mineral Levels: Many missionaries have a drastic diet change. This will identify any deficiencies you might have (which can have a big effect on day-to-day wellbeing).
- Specific Disease Screening: Depending on the region you lived in, we might order tests for diseases endemic to that area (ex: Schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, typhoid etc).
Missionaries serving in other countries are exposed to parasites and bacteria from food and water sources. If you are suffering (or have suffered from) any gastrointestinal infections or distress the doctor may order a stool test. This will require that you collect their stool in a (provided) jar. The stool will be checked for parasites, bacteria or other gastrointestinal infections.
Additional Evaluations
- Chest X-ray: Particularly if your missionary has a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or has been exposed to tuberculosis.
- Mental Health Evaluation: To assess for any stress, anxiety, or depression, especially if adjusting to the living conditions abroad was challenging.
Joint Pain
Many missionaries have physical issues from walking or riding bikes many miles a day for 18-months to two years. Dr. Mangum is a board certified Sports Medicine doctor and can help evaluate and treat your joint and soft tissue pain.
Why Choose Primary Healthcare for your Return Missionary Physical?
Using a Primary Care Physician who has knowledge and experience with serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will help you get the comprehensive and thorough care you need.
Some missionaries were treated by a pediatrician prior to leaving on their mission and now need to be seen by an adult Primary Care doctor. Not only can Dr. Mangum complete a thorough return missionary physical, he is also an excellent choice for your ongoing Primary Care and Sports Medicine needs.
We look forward to helping you get back to full health as you transition from your mission to post-mission life. Please contact us today at (801) 758-8735 or schedule an appointment online.