DR mission trip inspires soon-to-be nurse practitioners

"My experience in the Dominican Republic was truly unique and amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt a warm welcome. Everyone was incredibly friendly. Professionally, my time in the OR was invaluable—I was able to strengthen my intubation skills under the guidance of skilled anesthesiologists who were eager to teach and share their expertise. Additionally, I was humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to give a POCUS [point-of-care ultrasound] presentation to the medical residents, which further enriched my experience. This trip not only enhanced my medical skills but also deepened my appreciation for global health initiatives and the importance of cross-cultural medical collaboration. Witnessing the dedication and resilience of health care professionals in a different setting and country was inspiring and has left a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth." 

“This long-awaited trip, full of expectations and the desire to learn and help the most in need, turned out to be an extraordinary, priceless opportunity. I received more than I was able to provide. I got so much love, dedication, and empowerment, not to mention endless opportunities to hone my clinical skills. Immersed in an environment of urgent need and ample, adequate resources, I adeptly applied my training to provide critical care, demonstrating compassionate patient interaction. The clinical staff welcomed me and my colleagues warmly and generously, providing all their resources to help me achieve my clinical goals. This experience served as a powerful reminder of my commitment to helping others, reinforcing the intrinsic values that drew me to the field of nursing. Moreover, I felt immense happiness for the invaluable opportunities for growth that only strengthened and deepened my dedication as a nurse practitioner. This was a pivotal moment highlighting the profound impact of compassionate service on both patient outcomes and personal fulfillment. I will, without a doubt, continue to share the commitment and vision I realized during this health care mission. Endless gratitude to our dearest director and professor, Dr. Johis Ortega, for making one of my dreams come true and giving us treasured memories.” 

“Any experience that binds new friendships with new knowledge builds forever memories. Professionally, I couldn't have asked for more. Learning about parallel of protocols and technology from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. was truly eye-opening. It was impressive to see the level of care given. I'd like to thank UM and Dr. Ortega for a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget.” 

“My time at La Unión Médica in Santiago, DR, was truly unforgettable. From the relationships we formed with the residents, physicians, nurses, and patients, to the hands-on experiences we were encouraged to engage in, this experience was like no other. Professionally, going on this trip was the best decision I could have made. I was able to participate in procedures and practice to my full ability, something that can at times be difficult to accomplish as a student in the States. All of the skills I had yet to perform as a provider-to-be became a reality during this week. Personally, the experience was eye-opening. We felt respected as providers—the residents and physicians were happy to have us there, and they truly made us feel at home. I would tell any student considering this experience to just go for it.” 

“My experience in the Dominican Republic (DR) was exceptional. I was in a highly supportive environment and got to meet amazing human beings. Even though I speak very little Spanish, I was able to form bonds and create a trust rivaling that of family. I've never felt so welcome in my home of Miami as I did there. The learning experience was unmatched. The physicians, attendings, fellows, and residents were happy to teach and encouraging. Their love of medicine was so contagious you couldn't help but want to be around them and soak up anything they had to teach. I'd go back tomorrow if I could. The chance to attend this health missions with SONHS and one earlier in the year in Jamaica left a bigger imprint on me than almost anything else I have done in nursing, and made my calling as a nurse even louder and more clear. These missions have been the highlight of my time at the University of Miami. Getting to know my colleagues and professors while helping people has made me want to do this full time. I felt I was the most authentic version of myself. It's easy to feel isolated in a metropolis like Miami. Going to places where people are so kind, so warm, and so grateful has changed my life. I'm not sure I can ever fully express my gratitude for that.”

"Traveling with SONHS to Jamaica over spring recess, I learned to appreciate the true value and impact of primary care medicine and patient education in a rural setting, lessons I will take with me for the rest of my career. I also cultivated relationships with my peers, mentors, and Jamaican patients (whom I still have contact with), so when the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic with SONHS presented itself, I was so excited I definitely had a couple PVCs [premature ventricular contractions]. It was interesting to compare the rural medicine lessons from Jamaica to our private medicine encounters in the D.R. The doctors and directors at La Unión Médica greeted me with immense hospitality and a passion for medicine and teaching. This experience also strengthened my medical Spanish in a way no other clinical rotation has—it was like a medical terminology boot camp. Not only did the Jamaica and D.R. missions shape me as a provider, they fostered unparalleled personal growth, awakening a newfound passion for humanitarian outreach. This experience was a powerful reminder of the beauty of medicine and patient care—the core reason I became a nurse at the age of 18. Truly the best way to serve God is to serve His people. Although there are many health needs in our own backyards, it is important not to neglect global efforts. As I near the end of my FNP program at UM, I am eternally grateful for these opportunities and for the relationships I cultivated along the way. As Hippocrates said, ‘Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.’”

“The D.R. experience was incredible—above and beyond my expectations. Words are not enough; to appreciate it fully, you have to live it. Seeing cultural values applied from another country’s medical perspective was amazing. Experiencing different health care priorities, structure, and methods opened my mind and made me more appreciative, both personally and professionally. I loved being able to encounter scenarios from different perspectives. In addition, living as a team with students from different NP specialties for a week was priceless. Last but not least, these trips would not have been the same without the guidance, care, and kindness of Dr. Ortega, our main leader and health care professional. He ensured we were safe and had the best medical experience possible, giving each of us the chance to focus on our particular interests. I would recommend a SONHS mission trip to any NP student. You won’t regret it; it will expand your horizons as a health care provider.” 

“The Dominican Republic trip with the University of Miami was an unforgettable experience. La Unión Médica in Santiago welcomed us with open arms to learn about their practices and culture. After spending a week working with different specialties and medical providers, what stood out to me most was the warmth, optimism, and humbleness in every interaction. La Unión Médica has a strong spirit of joy, passion, and teamwork that leaves a lasting impression. I am grateful I could be part of this trip. I hope to incorporate the same passion I observed in D.R. into my own nursing practice.” 

“The mission trip to the Dominican Republic was not what I expected, but it turned out to be everything I didn't know I needed. I learned something new I can incorporate into my daily practice. I had the opportunity to do things I never could in the U.S., such as scrub in on surgeries. I am grateful for the doctors, directors, and nurses at Unión Médica. They not only shared their kindness and wealth of knowledge, but also provided me with a fresh perspective on how to approach health care. I am thankful for this trip, the students who shared this mission with me, and Dr. Ortega. I’ve come home with a reignited excitement for the medical field. I'm certain my peers and I will cherish these memories forever.” 

“I have sincere gratitude for the learning experience I had in D.R. I had been a nurse for over 20 years when I decided to return to school to become a family nurse practitioner. Having never practiced outside of the U.S, this allowed me to compare and contrast. I now appreciate how clinical skills develop when diagnostic testing is limited. I was very impressed at how psychiatric care is being incorporated clinically, despite the many taboos and cultural barriers. I believe the holistic approach to medicine we witnessed a La Unión Médica breaks down barriers and invites compliance. Above all, the residents’ and physicians’ warm welcome, along with their eagerness to teach us, reminded me why I fell in love with nursing. This experience reignited my passion for patient care and served as an opportunity for introspection and reflection. Without Dr. Ortega’s coordination, guidance, and encouragement, I would not have had so many ‘aha’ moments. I cannot thank him enough.”