VCOM Auburn Yearbook 2020

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Outreach Trips V COM’s hosting organization, the Punta Cana Foundation, did an excellent job of arranging in-country logistics, coordinating site visits and organizing local interpreters to facilitate communication with the patients. Over the course of three trips, the team served over 1,539 patients that included pediatric, adult and elderly patients. Clinical activities in the Dominican Republic included day trips to communities throughout the La Altagracia Province, which is the most eastern part of the country. In each location, the group quickly assembled tents and OMM tables to transform local community centers, schools and churches into temporary clinics. Medicine was donated to VCOM’s partner, the Verón Clinic, as part of VCOM’s continuous care to local residents and international clinic network. The time spent in the Dominican Republic was a rewarding experience for all involved. VCOM students were grateful for the opportunity to expand their medical experience while gaining cultural sensitivity in and outside of the clinic. The preceptors had the chance to impart much of their knowledge and experience to the student doctors. The outreach trip was inspiring for all those who gave their time to meet needs and make a difference for underserved communities in the Dominican Republic.

I truly enjoyed this trip and I’m so glad I chose to go. I knew I had a strong interest in primary care and providing care to underserved populations, and this trip solidified that for me. It was great to be able to perform the things we’ve been learning in lecture, and to learn new things like the pediatric physical exam. I loved being able to sit and talk with the patients, getting a glimpse into their life while interviewing, providing a solution to their issue, and just playing/chatting with the children. If I had the choice to do it all again, I absolutely would.

— Shannon Williams Osteopathic Medical Student

Everyone there was so welcoming, loving and happy to see us there. It blew me away just how thankful they were for us. Little do they know, however, how thankful I am for them and for that experience as a young student physician. It truly was a privilege to be able to help so many in such a short amount of time.”

— Kaitlyn Phillips Osteopathic Medical Student

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