VCOM - Virginia 2017 Yearbook

Dominican Republic

V COM’s Verón Rural Clinic in the Dominican Republic is situated in a community of about 60,000 people that for the most part lack access to basic healthcare services. A collaboration since 2006 between VCOM, the Punta Cana Foundation, and the Secretary of Public Health and Social Assistance in the Dominican Republic makes this care possible. An additional partnership with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACOP) makes it possible to staff a full-time pharmacist at the clinic and provide an international rotation site for pharmacy students.

Every year, VCOM faculty and students provide first responder training to Punta Cana Resort and Club employees as part of VCOM’s partnership with the Punta Cana Foundation. They also train the community in basic disaster life support. Outreach Trips 2016-2017 In October 2016, a group from VCOM-Virginia including 29 second-year students and Dean Jan Willcox, DO, traveled to the Dominican Republic for a one- week medical outreach trip. During the week, the group was able to help about 450 patients by setting up temporary clinics in unserved communities.

While there, the team took part in an on-going Zika project by VCOM alumnus J.J. White, DO, PhD, faculty at VCOM-Auburn by asking patients about their knowledge of the virus and educating them. Providing patients with this knowledge about Zika will be invaluable for prevention and recognition of the disease.

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