I will be collaborating with medical mission teams in La Romana, Dominican Republic, through partnerships with local churches and Rotary International and fellow attendings and residents from University of South Alabama. Our focus is on delivering essential medical care to the sugar cane workers and their families living in bateys (sugar cane villages) in eastern DR. These communities have historically lacked access to quality healthcare. Our efforts will support existing infrastructure, including the Hospital General el Buen Samaritano, which serves as a referral center for specialized care. The project will involve providing basic medical care, distributing acute and chronic medications, offering de-worming treatments, and supplying hygiene kits and menstrual products for female prisoners. By expanding our outreach to city barrios, jails, and federal prisons, we aim to address critical health needs and support ongoing medical missions.
The project will benefit underserved populations in the Dominican Republic, particularly Haitians living in bateys and individuals in jails (preventivas) and government prisons. Historically, Haitians have faced significant exclusion from Dominican society and essential services, including healthcare. This population has minimal access to medical care, and our outreach will address health inequities and help bridge the gap in healthcare access.
The project aims to address health inequities and enhance access to medical care for marginalized populations. Through this experience, I will gain valuable insights into practicing clinical medicine in low-resource settings, which I can apply in the United States and other global contexts. Working within a diverse, cross-cultural team of healthcare professionals will enrich my skills and knowledge, allowing me to integrate these learnings into my future practice and contribute to improving healthcare delivery in various settings.
Our mission work in the Dominican Republic had a profound and lasting impact on the communities we served. Over the course of our week, we provided essential medical, vision, and dental care to more than 800 individuals who otherwise would have had limited access to such services. For many, our visit marked the first time they had received care for chronic conditions, and the first time they had been able to access critical medications. The provision of 90-day supplies of blood pressure and diabetic medications, as well as treatment for acute conditions such as URI, UTI, STI, skin and fungal infections, gave patients the tools they needed to better manage their health moving forward.
The outreach efforts in the batays helped bridge the gap in healthcare access for Haitian migrants, many of whom face significant barriers to obtaining care due to their immigrant status. By offering care in their own communities and providing educational resources, we empowered families to take charge of their health and well-being. This allowed them to live healthier lives, and for many, it was the first opportunity to receive the healthcare they desperately needed.
The prison ministry component of our mission also made a meaningful difference. Many incarcerated individuals had long been neglected by the healthcare system, and our visit provided them with essential care and treatment for their ailments. The supply of chronic medications, combined with dental and eye care, offered inmates the chance to manage their health in a sustainable way and address issues that had long been ignored.
Additionally, the presence of our team fostered hope and encouragement among the communities we served. For the patients, it was a reminder that they are not forgotten, and that there are people who care about their well-being. Our team also shared the message of hope and faith, often providing spiritual support and guidance to patients in need.
The impact of our mission work in the Dominican Republic cannot be overstated. Through our dedicated efforts, we were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of over 800 individuals who had limited access to healthcare. Whether in the batays, in the prisons, or in local mission centers, our team worked tirelessly to address both immediate and long-term health needs. The care and compassion provided during our visit not only improved the physical health of the individuals we served but also offered them a sense of dignity, hope, and a reminder that they are valued.
This mission trip exemplified the power of service and outreach, and it highlighted the critical need for healthcare in underserved communities. By continuing to serve and support these populations, we can help ensure that every person has the opportunity to lead a healthier, fuller life.
