Abigail Johnson, an OBHG Certified Nurse-Midwife, recently participated in a life-changing medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic through Hope International Ministries.
This annual initiative, which relies on year-round donations and preparation, brought together over 300 volunteers to deliver vital medical, dental, optical and community support to underserved populations.
A Highly Organized Effort
The mission’s level of organization was exceptional. With only about 15 medical, dental and optical providers, the team served more than 3,400 patients in just five clinic days. Each day, the volunteers traveled by buses packed with supplies, setting up clinics in remote villages. Schools served as the clinic locations, secured by fences and a dedicated security team to ensure the safety of volunteers and patients.
Families were guided through the stations by escorts who ensured they received the care they needed. After check-ins, children had their vitals measured and were plotted on growth charts before meeting with providers. Translators fluent in Spanish, Creole, and French enabled clear communication, ensuring no one was left unheard.
Addressing Vital Health Needs
One of Abigail’s most impactful moments was treating a malnourished infant with a severe tongue tie, performing a frenectomy that immediately improved the baby’s ability to breastfeed—a vital factor in survival in the region.
Pregnant women were also given the opportunity to hear their babies’ heartbeats for the first time, a very emotional experience. Meanwhile, the dental team focused on urgent care, like extractions, and the optical team provided custom reading and distance glasses on-site.
Families left with essential items and gifts such as diapers, flip-flops, and sunglasses, highlighting the mission’s holistic approach to addressing basic needs. The families’ demeanor greatly changed from the moment they arrived to when they happily departed with their gifts.
Mental Health and Community Support
Beyond medical care, the mission included mental health conferences led by experts for local police and military personnel. These sessions focused on managing traumatic events and domestic violence situations.
Children were also prioritized, with dedicated teams organizing activities and basketball clinics at schools. These programs gave parents peace of mind while they sought medical attention, creating a joyful and engaging environment for the kids.
A Collaborative Effort
The mission brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and other specialists. Volunteers supported one another by sharing expertise, fostering an environment of collaboration and camaraderie.
The mobile pharmacy played a key role in ensuring patients received their prescribed medications, while providers often stepped in to help during breaks.
A Legacy of Service
Hope International Ministries, Inc. (501c3) was founded in 2000 and has been organizing these trips for over 20 years, with many volunteers returning annually. Some participants have been involved for decades, underscoring the meaningful impact of the mission.
Abigail expressed admiration for the organization’s structure and dedication, noting plans to return next year and contribute to fundraising efforts throughout the year.
Reflection and Gratitude
The mission was a testament to the power of teamwork and compassion. From hearing a baby’s heartbeat for the first time to providing families with life-changing resources, every moment reinforced the value of the work being done.
This experience not only made a profound difference in the lives of patients but also left a lasting impact on the volunteers. It served as a reminder of the importance of addressing basic human needs and the incredible results that can be achieved when people come together to help others.
If you’re a clinician interested in OB/GYN or CNM mission work and you’d like to learn more about the OBHG lifestyle, contact our Recruiting team here.