Margo Shanks, MPH, is a Senior Lecturer for the Department of Public Health. In this Q&A, Shanks shares about her trip with the BUMissions: AED & AMWA Dominican Republic program.
What did the BUMissions: AED & AMWA Dominican Republic program accomplish during its trip in May 2023?
Our group traveled for a medical mission to Azua, Dominican Republic. We served in a community, in partnership with a church, to offer support in local clinics and schools. We assisted in a door-to-door vaccine effort, toured a local hospital, and shadowed physicians. We were also able to aid community clinics with supplies and provide health education in the schools. In addition, we hosted Vacation Bible School and a children’s vitamin collection and distribution.
Please tell us about the teams you worked with.
I went with pre-med organizations on campus, so the trip was not specific to public health students. The two Baylor groups that went were Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society (AED) and American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). We partnered with an organization called One More Child. They were great hosts and have really great partnerships with local organizations. They also host a child sponsorship program that allows students and their families to sponsor a child that they have spent their week with!
Although you traveled with pre-med students, was there anything from a public health standpoint that stood out to you?
As a public health instructor, I am encouraged and inspired by the work the local clinics do to ensure that everyone in the community has access to care. It was interesting to see vaccine programs that go door-to-door and are also in the schools. It became evident that this only works because of the relationship and trust that people in the community have for the clinic and its nurses and doctors.
What do you think was most memorable for the AED and AMWA students?
Observing a hospital setting that included surgeries and labor and delivery was very memorable for students, especially for our pre-health students.
How does BUMissions plan to continue its partnership in the Dominican Republic?
Our organizations hope to be able to continue to support the clinic by providing needed supplies and equipment. Many students have sponsored a child in the community, so they will continue to give throughout the year. Also, the organizations have already started planning for next year’s trip!
Can students within the Department of Public Health look forward to participating in these mission efforts? If so, how can they get involved?
There are SO many opportunities for mission work at Baylor University, but the AED & AMWA group was unique in that there was a medical and health focus. I recommend any student who is interested in medical mission work to visit Baylor’s Center for Global Engagement so you can find a trip that works for you! Even if you are not part of a program’s organization, they are always excited to add new students to their group!