In preparation for an upcoming mission trip to the Dominican Republic in October 2016, students in the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) are working to raise awareness about their continuing efforts.
The student-run LMSA is a USF Health Morsani College of Medicine organization developed to promote the improvement of health care for underprivileged communities internationally.
This year’s group will be traveling to medically underserved communities in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, where the multidisciplinary team will provide acute medical care, health education, and preventive medicine to patients lacking access to basic medical services.
“Going to the Dominican Republic last year and serving the people there by providing necessary medical care was a great experience and a privilege,” said Eric Hasenkamp a second-year medical student. “I’m excited to return in October to provide continual care to people who really need it.”
A group of USF Health students and faculty take some time for a picture with new friends following the completion of Clinic Day 1 in October 2015.
During last year’s trip, the team set up six clinics over a three-day period and provided medical care to over 1,500 patients. They also provided a hygiene kit to each patient in order to assist with preventive health measures.
“The Dominican Republic trip last year was an eye-opening experience of how different the culture of health care can be in different parts of the world,” said Hannah Shin a third-year medical student. “I loved being pushed to think outside of the box, and I’m excited to return to the communities to continue their care!”
The outstanding efforts earned LMSA the 2015 Student Humanitarian Organization Award presented by the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and the success of the trip is a direct result of help from generous donors. Due to the support, the care the students provided benefitted a community that would not have otherwise received these medical services.
The LMSA is collecting supplies and support toward their upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic, hoping to make it an even greater success. The team will be collecting medications, toiletry items, and other supplies from businesses, organizations, and individual donors, as well as holding multiple fundraising events throughout the year in order to subsidize the cost of the trip.
The experience offers medical students and faculty the chance to apply their training in the field. “I’m excited to meet new people and experience a different culture while putting my doctoring skills to practice,” said Michelle Lippincott a second-year medical student.
Any support that can be provided to LMSA for their trip to the Dominican Republic will help make their trip possible, but it will also make a tremendous impact on numerous patients’ lives.
“The most memorable part about my experience in the Dominican Republic was working with ‘los niños’ because they stole my heart,” said Katherine Woo a third-year medical student.
Corley Rachelle Price and Eric Hasenkamp, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2019, contributed to this article.
