The VCOM Verón Rural Clinic in the Dominican Republic provides medical care for an impoverished community with a surrounding population of approximately 20,000. Dominican and Haitian residents in the area are uninsured and have limited access to healthcare and sanitation services.
The Verón Rural Clinic is an ongoing endeavor launched in 2006 through a collaborative partnership among VCOM administration, the Punta Cana Foundation, and the Secretary of Public Health and Social Assistance in the Dominican Republic.
Since the Verón Rural Clinic was established, new services such as prenatal care, immunizations for children, and emergency services have been added. VCOM faculty and staff operate this year-round clinic, providing compassionate, sustainable healthcare for the community now cares for more than 100 patients a day. The college also shares resources with the nearby hospital in Higuey and continuing medical education with in-country physicians.
Professional Collaboration
One great milestone in VCOM’s Dominican Republic outreach was establishing a partnership with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACOP). ACOP hired a full-time pharmacist for the Verón Rural Clinic and continues to educate pharmacy students on international rotations.
First Responder Training and Emergency Medicine
As part of VCOM’s partnership with the Punta Cana Foundation, faculty and students provide yearly First Responder training to Punta Cana Resort and Club employees, as well as Basic Disaster Life Support for community and airport emergency services.