The Dominican Republic trip is a unique opportunity open to all pharmacy students. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Ryan and faculty
from the College of William and Mary, students and health care providers set up a free clinic in a school for the residents of Villa Mella, an indigent community in the Dominican Republic.
When is the trip?
1) Winter trip – first week of January
2) Summer trip – first 2 weeks of June (in coordination with HOMBRE trip to Honduras)
What will students do in the Dominican Republic?
Students will be placed in the pharmacy and distribute prescriptions as they come in. Based on the students’ Spanish skill, they
can counsel on prescriptions, take vitals and translate for physicians.
How can a student prepare to go?
Students can take Spanish during the fall semester in order to be comfortable with patient counseling. It is also required that
students know how to measure blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
How much will it cost?
The total cost of the trip is about $1,000.
- The cost of the flight is roughly $500.
- It is advised to have $500 for lodging, food and personal expenses, if you stay in the recommended hostel, called Bettye’s
Hostel. This hostel is located in the Colonial City district of Santo Domingo adjacent to La Plaza de Toledo. There are
other lodging options including hotels, Hodelpa Caribe Colonial and Mercure Comercial, which are close to the hostel. These
lodging options tend to be more expensive.
- Transportation is provided from the hostel to the practice site. There is a small fee involved.
Is there more information on the Dominican Republic?
See links for more information.