Medical Mission/ Outreach

Dominican Republic

he clinic in the Dominican Republic is located in the town of Verón, about 30 minutes inland from the resort town of Punta Cana. The population served from the Verón and Bavaro areas is now estimated to be around 30,000. Most are from the Dominican Republic or Haiti, are uninsured and without access to health care. Most homes consist of two to three rooms and house an average of six people. The effects of poverty are well documented. Many in the community lack appropriate sanitation and water services.
The VCOM clinic is co-sponsored by the Secretary of Public Health and Social Assistance of the Dominican Republic (SESPAS) and the Punta Cana Foundation. Prior to VCOM’s arrival, the clinic was a sub-standard facility lacking proper plumbing, electricity, paint and standard integrity. With help from VCOM and the Punta Cana Foundation, this government clinic has become a fountain of hope for many in the community, providing much needed health care services free-of-charge. On an average day VCOM faculty and students now see between 60 to 90 patients.
In addition to providing these basic health services, the VCOM Verón Dominican Republic Clinic has gained recognition by the Clinton Foundation and received funding for an HIV/AIDS initiative to conduct screening and viral load tests, as well as to offer basic treatment and counseling. VCOM is also partnering with the regional hotel association to bring preventive services to the community and to develop a disaster response program. This program, which is anticipated to be funded by USAID, will bring badly needed emergency services to the public hospital in nearby Higuey. A recent Punta Cana Foundation donation of an ambulance will significantly enhance service to this region that previously had no ambulance.

Learning to address health care needs in the face of poverty, adverse environmental conditions, and political complexity prepares future physicians to address the community health needs of rural and underserved populations where they will eventually practice.