VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

Scenes from Sydney’s rotation in the Dominican Republic.

“ “You could feel how much it meant to people. It reminded me why VCOM puts so much emphasis on working in rural and underserved areas. We weren’t just learning. We were helping.”

thousands of patients in need annually where access was nonexistent or inadequate and has developed prenatal care where it was previously unavailable. “This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for what it means to truly care for patients, no matter where they are,” Sydney said. “You learn to listen differently. You rely on your hands and your instincts. And you remember why you chose medicine in the first place.” The clinics where she worked didn’t have access to some advanced technology. Without the option to order imaging or run labs on the spot, she learned to lean on her physical exam skills and clinical reasoning. It was a shift from what she was used to, but one that taught her something valuable. “Great care doesn’t always mean having the best machines,” she said. “Sometimes it’s about being creative and using what you have wisely. Empathy and resourcefulness go a long way.”

— Sydney Boudreaux , VCOM-Louisiana Class of 2026

health, community health, and primary care services to the communities surrounding these clinics. The international outreach programs, which include follow up care in year-round international clinics, provide a comprehensive approach to improving global health. As a leader in global health outreach, VCOM reaches

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