Spring break in the Caribbean by Ronald E. Fritz, DDS, MPH Standing from left: Jennifer Park, Jared Nation, Dr. Ron Fritz, Eric Park, Lily Mendoza, Tesha Pragasam, Shannon Oh, Leesha Hoilette, Paul Larson, Marlo Jackson, Christopher Ehrbright, Edward Lopez. Kneeling from left: Cherisse Loo, Jackie Tran, Keren Espinoza, Karin De la Cruz. A group of nine dental students and five medical students traveled with me to the Dominican Republic during Spring break, to provide medical and dental services for underserved outlying areas. The Dominican Republic, along with Haiti to the west, is on the large island of Hispaniola, and is the largest in the Caribbean island chain. Some mountains reach 10,000 feet, and have been known to exhibit snow on their peaks, certainly unusual for the Caribbean tropics. It is one of three Spanish-speaking islands and is located between the other two, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Seven members of the group spoke Spanish, making patient rapport much easier. The trip was sponsored by SIMS (Students for International Mission Service), and local coordination and support was provided by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). The group stayed at the Adventist University in Bonao, an hour north of the capital, Santo Domingo, sleeping in the dorms and eating in the cafeteria with the local students. Most of the work consisted of exams, consults, and extractions. Most of the extractions were molars mutilated by extensive caries. All this was made more difficult by having to use flashlights to see; with patients seated on the floor, head on an operator's left thigh. The people were appreciative, and with Latin warmth, showed us they did not want us to leave. The food, the culture, the music, the sights, and the people were enjoyed by all, without exception. Two dental students even stayed on for a few days after the group left for home. The fulfillment felt and contributions given by each have faded into precious memories.   Jared Nation and Cherisse Loo examine a patient in the Dominican Republic. The sore backs and necks feel better now, but the warmth inside each individual will remain always. Our thanks go to all who gave from the heart: Christopher Ehrbright, SD'01; Chad Kimbrough, SD'02; Cherisse Loo, SD'01; Edward Lopez, SD'02; Jackie Tran, SD'01; Jared Nation, SD'02; Shannon Oh, SD'02; Eric Park, SD'01; Jennifer Park, SD'02. Others include Keren Espinoza, psychology department staff member; Karen De la Cruz, SM'03; Leesha Hoilette, SM'02; Marlo Murray-Jackson, SM'03; Paul Larson, SM'03; Lily Mendoza, SM'04; Tescha Pragasam, SM'03; Renan Moretta, Sr., MD; Renan Moretta, Jr., RPh. Thinking about these special students brings to mind some adjectives: committed, courteous, unselfish, willing, playful, consistent, accepting, adaptable, Christ-like. image from http://www.hispaniola.com/ University | Medical_Center | LLU&MC_home | Search | Employment | News_&_events | Academics | Our_mission | Admissions | Registration | Research | Alumni | Student_resources All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda University. All rights reserved. Revised Wednesday, February 28, 2001 2:17 PM Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu URL: http://www.llu.edu/