US Medical Team Ministers to the Dominican Republic

A recent Venture Team brought medical professionals from Washington, California, Maine, and Florida to minister in the Dominican Republic this October.

The team was led by Dr. Michael Jungkeit from Poulsbo, Washington. Dr. Jungkeit, who has led several medical teams to the Dominican Republic, was accompanied by a team of fourteen people. The team members had a variety of medical specialties and experience—surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and emergency medicine. Three team members who do not normally work in the medical field also joined the team.

In the process of the nine-day trip, more than ninety surgeries were performed, including tonsillectomies, hernia repairs, and plastic surgeries to repair cleft lips and cleft palates. All the surgeries were provided at no cost to the individuals who received them.

Five-year-old Aris Feliz from Los Robles received a hernia operation. “The surgery was a great blessing because I knew my son needed it, but I could not afford it on my own,” said Aris’ mother.

“This was my fifth trip with a medical team to the DR,” team member Kathy Jungkeit said. “The needs in the DR are great, and one could easily be overwhelmed by it. But I’ve been amazed at the growth I’ve seen there in just the six years I’ve been associated with COTN. Going on these trips has given me the opportunity and joy to see that growth with my own eyes.”

For more information on COTN’s Medical Venture Teams click here.

by Aimee Henderson, COTN–USA Communications Assistant