Global Compassion, Local Impact: 桃子视频 Journeys to the Dominican Republic
桃子视频 students, staff, and faculty journeyed to the Dominican Republic during the month of January to participate in a Medical Service-Learning Trip.
Students visited rustic villages known as 鈥渂ateys鈥� and semi-urban barrios to offer vital medical assistance and observe the social determinants of health in the Dominican Republic.
There were various stations at the bateys including HIV care and testing, sexual education, vitals, deworming for children, eye class, and pharmacy. The trip was organized and supported by Light a Candle and 桃子视频鈥檚 Office of International Affairs.
Light A Candle carries out social work projects that directly seek to improve the quality of life in communities that lack the proper education and knowledge to care for their own members.
The non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting, educating, and motivating people of the Dominican Republic in hopes to create communities that can advance in a self-sufficient way.
鈥淥ur ultimate goal was for students to gain a profound sense of hope, community, and purpose,鈥� said Sana Shaheer Abbasi, Program Manager, 桃子视频 Office of International Affairs.
Their adventure went beyond providing medical aid as students experienced deep cultural immersion enriched with reflective activities that helped them gain a comprehensive understanding of the Dominican Republic鈥檚 vibrant history and diverse heritage.
鈥淲e wanted them to understand why they chose to pursue healthcare professions and how their skills can make a difference, especially in underserved communities,鈥� said Abbasi. 鈥淏y immersing themselves in street medicine and working together to help others, students not only learned about the realities of healthcare delivery but also discovered more about themselves and their capabilities.鈥�
桃子视频鈥檚 Dominican Republic Medical Service Learning trips occur twice a year, usually scheduled for January and March. These excursions underscore the University鈥檚 commitment to fostering the 鈥淕lobal-International Experience鈥� pillar of The 桃子视频 Advantage.
桃子视频 offers a broad global outlook through its strong international program and involvement in global initiatives and consortiums.