Amanda Labib, DO: Overlook Medical Center, Family Medicine– PGY-2

Dominican Republic: April 2026

 During my medical mission trip to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, I had the privilege of serving alongside a dedicated team of physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and healthcare students, and volunteer interpreters to provide medical care in several underserved villages. We established temporary clinics in each community and cared for patients of all ages, from young children to elderly adults. The majority of our work focused on chronic disease management, including conditions such as hypertension and diabetes while also addressing a wide range of acute medical concerns. Working in resource-limited settings challenged me to rely on strong clinical judgment, creativity, and teamwork to deliver effective and compassionate care. Despite having access to fewer diagnostic tools and medications than are typically available in the United States, we learned to maximize the resources we had and identify practical solutions that could improve patients’ health and quality of life.

  Beyond treating individual illnesses, we emphasized patient education and preventive care to help patients better manage their conditions. One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was witnessing the profound gratitude expressed by the patients and their families. Many community members depend on these visiting clinics as a primary source of healthcare, medical advice, and essential medications. Their appreciation reinforced the importance of service and reminded me that quality healthcare extends far beyond technology and advanced resources.

  This mission strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations. It also demonstrated the impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have when they work collaboratively to meet the needs of a community and improve access to essential medical services.