In a few sentences, how would you describe your experience?
Going to the Dominican Republic on a service-learning trip with my school was one of the best, if not the best, decisions I have made in my career and education. It was amazing to be culturally immersed in the beautiful country while also helping provide PT services to families and athletes, as well as rebuild a home. We were able to learn cultural dances, eat amazing food, and see the work that Comunidad Connect does in various places, such as the school for the deaf, construction, and various families who need medical assistance. It challenged me as a developing clinician to use clinical reasoning while finding effective ways to communicate through a language barrier. I was able to practice speaking and understanding another language while finding other ways, through available resources, to prescribe rehab plans or education to different family members in need. I truly want to go back because this trip changed my life.
What was a highlight or moment that stood out to you?
The highlight of my trip was being able to help families, whether it was providing rehab plans based on their presentation, being a listening ear for other families who needed to just be heard, or helping rebuild a home that was damaged due to a flood. If I had to pick a moment, it would be every time I would leave a family and see the gratitude and appreciation for even the smallest help I could give. That memory will stick with me forever because I could see how much it meant to each family I interacted with.
How did this experience impact you personally?
This experience has sparked a new drive and passion in me. I am half Dominican, and being able to be culturally immersed in my mom’s side of the family was an amazing feeling. I was able to practice some of my Spanish, with a new desire to be fluent so that I can help more people without a language barrier. I also recognize the lack of access to physical therapy in the country and the need for this service. I realized how big of a difference could be made in such a short time, with the thought that if I had more time, so many more people could be helped. I have a more profound appreciation for the services and access there are in the United States, and I recognize that this is not the same in the DR. Because of this, I have a huge desire to return to the DR, especially Puerto Plata, to provide services and help more families, maybe for longer than just one week. I also want to see if this could be something I do yearly to give back to this country of my heritage, because I love the people and I love giving back to help others, which is one of the reasons why I chose this profession.
Is there a story, interaction, or person you’ll remember?
There was a particular family we treated with a son who had a complex condition requiring a lot of caregiving from his mother. Ultimately, they needed better equipment in the house to help ease her burden. However, as our treatment and evaluation moved forward, we recognized that she needed our help as well, not just her son, who had a medically complex condition caused by an accident. She also needed care due to a developing medical condition of her own. We assessed her and gave her exercises to complete, while encouraging her to exercise even if it was just 30 minutes a day. After a bit, she opened up to us about the mental struggles she had and the burden she carries taking care of her son and her mother while working 8 to 5 every day. She expressed her fear that her mother would not be able to take care of her son due to a recent medical diagnosis and restricted abilities due to age. We encouraged her, gave her a hug as she opened up to us, and offered to find resources and a community that could check in with her. I realized how much load many of these families carry, due to how they live, medical diagnoses, taking care of everyone around them, and working to earn income. She was so grateful as we were leaving and invited us to visit at any time. The fact that she opened up to us, and that we were able to help not only her son but her as well, was encouraging to me as a clinician. Sometimes providing care is not only physical therapy, but listening to people because they just want to be heard. Once again, it made me realize that many of the problems I may face do not compare to what so many people live through every day in the country, and it fueled my drive to go back and help so many more people.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining a trip?
This trip will be a life-changing experience and an amazing one as you continue to develop into a future clinician. It will challenge you to think of ways to provide physical therapy services using the resources available, communicate effectively despite a language barrier, and clinically reason on the spot to evaluate and treat various conditions.