From July 23rd – 31st , students from UCF College of Medicine, MedPACt (Medical Students Providing Across Continents), UCF College of Nursing, UF College of Pharmacy and Engineers without Borders-USA traveled to six rural communities in the Dominican Republic for an international medical service mission.
Dr. Simms-Cendan, Dr. David Simmons from the Orlando VAMC, Chaplain Linda Simmons from Florida Hospital, Dr. José Avila, Dr. Janet Bailey and several other outstanding faculty from Orlando joined us. We will care to help address the medical and hygiene needs in these impoverished regions of the country. With our goals in creating a sustainable trip, a series of steps have been put into effect including implementation of an electronic medical record system, establishment of longitudinal care and interdisciplinary collaboration between UCF College of Medicine, UF College of Pharmacy, UCF College of Nursing, Engineers without Borders-USA and Universidad Católica Nordestana.
Donate now for our 2016 Dominican Republic Trip!
Please choose “The Global Health Fund” from the Designation drop-down menu to ensure your donation goes towards our trip!
or donate to our MedPACt fund via PayPal
Thanks to your support, we were able to see 864+ patients in six different towns and provide them with medical services. We experienced first-hand how to thrive and work in an interdisciplinary environment as we collaborated alongside medical, pharmacy, nursing, dental and engineering students!
We learned not only invaluable clinical skills but also much about the Dominican culture and way of life, health disparities and holistic care. Most importantly, we gained insight into ourselves, our strengths and our weaknesses and we return with a renowned sense of social responsibility to our community and to the world. Thank you again for helping us serve the people of the Dominican Republic!
Please check out our video, generously provided to us by UCF College of Medicine Photographer and Videographers, Suhtling Wong and Bradley Clore!
Our medical service trip would not be possible without the tremendous support from the International Medical Samaritans Program Scholarship sponsored by the Diebel Legacy Fund at Central Florida Foundation.
The Diebel Legacy Fund grew out of a tragic community event. On June 8, 2002, Dr. Donald Diebel Jr. lost his life while giving medical assistance to a newly married couple who had overturned their vehicle on the Florida Turnpike median. As he and firefighter Shane Kelly, and several other Good Samaritans, worked at the rain-slicked scene of the accident to help free the young couple, a tractor trailer lost control and struck the site, instantly killing both men and injuring several others who were also offering assistance.
Active in Medical Missionary work throughout his college career, it was only after Don was lost that we realized the real depth of his commitment to serving less fortunate members of the community. And it is from this seed of selfless commitment planted by Dr. Donald Diebel Jr. during his lifetime that this Orlando non-profit continues to grow today.
The International Medical Samaritans Program Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that supports students demonstrating a dedication to volunteerism and academic excellence. As we strive to cultivate a student culture of social and global responsibility through medicine, this scholarship is essential giving the opportunity for medical students to serve internationally who would otherwise be financially unable. For this reason, UCF COM MedPACt is honored and thankful for the Diebel Legacy Fund at Central Florida Foundation’s generous and continued support, and we greatly appreciate their dedication to service within and across our borders!
Each year, we help anywhere between 800-1000 patients. We have documented the most commonly seen illnesses and this year we would like to be prepared with the medical materials needed to treat those particular cases. Necessary supplies include:
- Urinalysis dipsticks and glucometer test strips
- HbA1c Monitors
- Over the counter pain medications
- Topical anti-fungal and steroid creams
- Vitamins (pre-natal and children’s)
- Prescription medications, which are purchased in the Dominican Republic so we can be sure our patients are given medications that will be available after we leave.
These supplies will cost upwards of $1000 and in order to meet our goal we need community support! We accept over the counter pain medications, topical medications and vitamin donations. These need to be sealed and with expiration dates after September 2014. Please consider making a donation to provide funding for medications or medical supplies. Checks can be made payable to MedPACt at UCF COM and mailed to Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan (6850 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827-7408). Availability of the most basic items is limited where we will be providing medical care, so any contributions you can make would be most appreciated.
This medical outreach trip promises to be an invaluable educational opportunity for our students. We appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you for your support! If you would like to know more about our organization or have questions regarding donations, please contact Dr. Judith Simms-Cendan at judith.simms-cendan@ucf.edu (407-266-1057).
[album id=2]
[album id=5]
Interested in learning more? Read about our 2015 trip here!