VCOM 2023 Annual Report

Student Reflections on International Outreach

M y time serving in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was an immersive and transformative experience, exposing me to a diverse array of healthcare challenges and opportunities. Over the course of my mission, I had the privilege of providing medical services to a staggering 500 patients, including a significant number of Haitian refugees, underscoring the critical role to work alongside a local OBGYN physician, where I found myself performing numerous ultrasounds, marking a pivotal milestone in my journey toward mastering diagnostic techniques. of accessible healthcare in vulnerable communities. I had the opportunity

Ellena Varnadoe, medical student VCOM-Carolinas Class of 2026

B eing able to participate in a recent medical mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, was a profoundly impactful experience that opened my eyes to the healthcare needs of the places that we visited. The fact that the bus rides would take over an hour to reach some of these underserved communities underscored the challenges faced by the local population in accessing medical care.

Despite the language barrier, the opportunity to provide healthcare to individuals who sought help for themselves, and their families was deeply rewarding. Witnessing the tangible impact of our interventions on the health and well-being of the community highlighted the crucial role that such missions play in addressing healthcare disparities.

Jack Higgins, medical student VCOM-Virginia Class of 2026

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