Program Overview

Family Medicine Cares International delivers medical education, patient care, and service to children for people in need around the world, most recently in Haiti and now in the Dominican Republic.

Annual Delegation Trip

The annual delegation trip is a one-week volunteer opportunity that includes both medical and non-medical individuals. The FMCI delegation members focus on many efforts during their time and are therefore divided into specific teams to accomplish multiple projects. Some focus on treating patients, others on delivering medical education and training, and others on facility improvements and connecting with the local children and youth.

The Delegation By the Numbers (Haiti)

The 2018 FMCI delegation consisted of 20 delegates:

• 8 returning volunteers
• 13 family physician volunteers
• 2 family medicine residents
• 5 non-medical volunteers

The impact:

799 patient visits at the clinic
320+ well-child exams performed
650 children received treat bags
3 schools received books and sporting equipment valued at over $2,000
90+ physicians and residents received training at a delegate-led symposium and/ faculty development sessions

Patient Care Team

The Patient Care program component allows licensed physicians and residents (under physician supervision) to attend to patients at community clinics in Haiti. A Patient Care Team is selected within the delegation prior to arriving in Haiti.

Medical Education Team

The Medical Education component provides resources and support for the development of family medicine in Haiti through relationships with the Ministry of Health in Haiti (MSPP) and other primary care organizations. In addition to supporting the development of family medicine, this program component provides continuing medical education for family physicians and general practice physicians in Haiti, faculty development, as well as Family Medicine curriculum and resources for medical schools and residency programs.

A Medical Education Team is selected in advance and prepares for the following in-country activities:

• Develops and presents a one-day symposium for family medicine residents, physicians, and medical students. The symposium includes an overview of family medicine and specific medical topics as identified by in-country medical partners (residency programs and medical schools).
• Develops and presents faculty development sessions at the two family medicine residency programs in Haiti.
• Meets with the medical schools in Port-au-Prince to discuss future symposia, curriculum, and resource needs, plus a long-term role in supporting the development of family medicine in Haiti.
• Meets with the MSPP to discuss the advancement of family medicine in Haiti.

Service Team

The Service Team focuses on children and youth and seeks to improve the quality of life and the health of children in Haiti, as well as provide health and hope to Haiti’s youth.

It also allows non-medical delegation members to participate in meaningful volunteer activities while in Haiti, including:

• Improving school facilities and resources.
• Delivering essential supplies and personal items for children in need.
• Providing special activities (parties, reading, playing soccer, etc.) for children in schools and orphanages, and
• Assisting with admitting and patient vitals in the clinics.

Medical Equipment and Supplies

The medical equipment and supplies component provides important resources (medical devices, pharmaceutical products, vitamins, etc.) for community clinics, medical schools and other entities related to Family Medicine Cares International.

• Much needed equipment is provided to the Family Medicine residency programs in Haiti such as AED machines, blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, etc.
• Companies have the opportunity to get involved through product support and participation.

Family Medicine Cares International Resident Scholarship

The AAFP Foundation provides scholarships for family medicine residents to be part of the Family Medicine Cares International annual delegation trip.

The scholarship covers the following expenses:

• Travel to Haiti and in-country, including housing and food.
• Resident scholar will give a presentation on the experience at the AAFP National Conference and expenses will be covered as part of the travel scholarship.
• Maximum amount travel scholarship is $5,000.

If you're interested in applying for a resident scholarship, first read the program overview and eligibility. 

Note: Watch for more information in the fall of 2022 related to the 2023 Dominican Republic delegation.

Funding is provided by the Dr. David and Karen Smith Humanitarian Fund.

Volunteer in the Dominican Republic

Note: Watch for more information later this year regarding the 2023 delegation to the Dominican Republic.

For more information about volunteering for a one-week deployment, please review the FMCI Delegation Overview(7 page PDF) or email the Family Medicine Cares International Staff.

Make a Donation

If you would like to be part of this rewarding work, please consider making a donation. Your donation makes a difference in the lives of those in need, at home and around the world.