Who we are looking for
Every trip brings together medical and non-medical volunteers. These are the roles we fill most often — if you do not see yours, tell us about it in the form below.
Somos Amigos doesn't seek to change the people of Naranjito so much as it frees them to reach their full potential. I think it has the same effect on its volunteers. I'm not sure which is more powerful.
— Marcus Jimenez, Physician Volunteer
Physicians
Our physicians have at their disposal an on-site laboratory, ultrasound machine, ECG, and other diagnostic tools. We also maintain an impressively stocked pharmacy. We offer our female patients a complete GYN exam and send PAP specimens to a lab in the city. Most of our physicians work outside of their specialty area and treat a variety of patients and illnesses. We strive to include at least one pediatrician or family practice physician in our groups, and we like to have cardiologists, internal medicine physicians, and other specialists.
Dentists
Oral health professionals will be impressed by the equipment and supplies we have in our clinic. We have eight operatories, and in each of our volunteer groups we try to have one or two hygienists, general dentists, an endodontist, an oral surgeon, and a pediatric dentist. We also have a fully-equipped denture lab on site.
Nurses
Our nurses do intake, draw blood, check vitals and assist the physicians. Some nurses interpret for physicians if they are bilingual or fluent in Spanish.
Translators and Other Volunteers
We always seek volunteers who are fluent in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole. ¿Puedes ayudarnos? ¿Eske ou ka ede nou, souple? Translators work directly alongside physicians and dentists. Other non-medical volunteers are often needed to work in our Pharmacy, Intake, Records, and the Laboratory.
Students
Medical, dental, nursing and other healthcare professional school students are also welcome and often fill important roles in our clinic. Our minimum age for volunteering is 18.