Partners for Rural Health in the Dominican Republic

Awesome experience! PRHDR is doing such great work in so many remote mountainous villages in the DR. Just being a small part of this exceptional team was as humbling as it was rewarding. At the conclusion of 8 straight days of clinics I felt so energized that I could have done even more days of clinics! Hopefully I will be able to assist PRHDR in the DR again, God willing.
There is such a need for health and wellness care for these warm, hospitable, genuine, and grateful villagers that I hope PRHDR will be afforded the opportunity to expand their services.

As a volunteer with PRHDR for over 10 years, it has been my pleasure and desire to give back to the good people of the world. At 60 years of age, still working in my practice of Physical Therapy, I was drawn to all I had heard about the idea of student involvement and clinical practice. Each year brings me closer to understanding the role of health care needs throughout the world. I find the people of the DR to be receptive and eager to be well, not unlike myself! I have made many new friends over the years and enjoy the camaraderie and laughter on each trip.

Clinic days are hectic, busy, with much to do. As few Physical Therapists have been involved, I have taken a role of initiating education and treatment of the chronic and acute conditions I encounter. Education is usually very basic, but life changing for people who have never been exposed to education around their medical or physical condition. I admire the villagers for their fortitude, sense of humor and hard work to get through their day-to-day tasks primarily of housekeeping and farming. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to be offered a peeled orange as a thank you for a home visit, or a cup of Dominican coffee…the best!

Fusimana is a lovely place to lay my weary head at night, sharing my room and experiences with others of like mind. Listening to frogs and birds in the morning is an added bonus. Each mission is unique, based on the students, leaders, and volunteers. Each mission has its own set of rewards that keep drawing me back for more. I feel safe when there, knowing the facility of Fusimana is well care for, organized and no worries about the food!! A Dominican kitchen staff prepares delicious meals.

Give PRHDR two weeks and marvel at how much good you can do in that time.

I joined the Winter 2016 trip as a volunteer interpreter. It was my first time to the DR and my first time interpreting. At first, I wondered how to do my part. But right away, I had all kinds of ways to do a part; unpacking the pharmacy, organizing the eyeglasses, loading the trucks, putting up the tent, carrying the water, etc. By the time I sat down with a patient and nursing student on the first day of clinics, we had built a bond from all the shared experiences. The student and I were eager to be there, excited to take a history, check vitals, give instructions; and we banished the trepidation and dove in.

That day set the tone for the trip and each day was even better than the one before. The people that we served showed us such gratitude for seeing them and for what we gave, even when it was just a toothbrush, aspirin, or vitamins.

Being around these people, surrounded by a dramatic landscape, and hosted by a warm community; all in the company of like minded folks, packed this trip with meaning. Those twelve days were some of the most fulfilling in memory.

Going to the Dominican Republic was the scariest decision I've ever made in my life. It also turned out to be absolutely the most rewarding thing I've ever done.

I went in Winter of 2016 as a student RN. I was so impressed with the team that I had the pleasure to work with, the kindness of the staff who worked where we stayed and the amazing volunteers (drivers, nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors and interpreters) who made the trip possible.

When we began to see patients in the clinics, it was apparent that I had made the right decision and exactly why I was there. The men, women and children who we serviced were loving, kind, grateful people who showed me what appreciation really looked like.

The company that I traveled with made this experience amazing and I will absolutely be making this trip again as an RN. PRHDR introduced me to an amazing life of service to others and I look forward to my next adventure with them!

I've had the absolute pleasure of attending two trips with PRHDR as an interpreter and the experience changed my life. The whole set-up of the program is a moving experience for an interpreter. On one side, I am an advocate for patients, listening to them tell their stories and ensuring their concerns are heard and understood. When I expressed interest in a home visit, I was able to spend a day with the home visit team. With this group, I had the opportunity to see the real impact of the medical teams. The gratitude the patients express highlights the importance of the medications and care PRHDR brings to the region.

On the other side, as an interpreter, I got to witness students grow into nurses as they practice their assessment skills daily at clinic. This is moving in a completely different way. It's an honor to witness the compassion that each student exudes as they put years of nursing school classes into practice while trying to communicate across a cultural and language barrier. A real pleasure to watch!

Before going on my first trip with PRHDR, the trip leaders were extremely accommodating! I was concerned about my level of Spanish before my first trip, but all of my emails were answered promptly and patiently. In the DR as well, the organizers were approachable and would happily address any question I had. For good measure, I would also like to note that never in my life have I eaten so many delicious avocados! Plus, each day it seems like clinic is in a more beautiful location than the day before...the scenery is breath-taking!

I highly recommend this program!