Volunteer interpreters for doctors and med students

The organisers of a visit by medical students and doctors from the US to the Punta Cana area are looking for volunteers to help translate during clinics in local communities like Ver?n during the week of March 26-30. Volunteers need to have a good command of Spanish and English. A basic knowledge of medical terminology is helpful, as is a tactful and sensitive manner and a lack of squeamishness.

Please send me a PM and I will forward your details to the organisers.

Update from the organisers:
V Com outreach medical mission is back. Itinerary and locations below.
Translators and organizers needed… English, Creole, Spanish:

Monday March 26th, Hoyo de Friusa 9-3
Tues March 27th - Ver?n (near Manzanillo Supermarket) 9-3
Weds March 28th - Ver?n (Cristinita area) 9-3
Thurs March 29th - Ver?n (near the Polit?cnico) 9-3
Fri March 30th - Ver?n (Polit?cnico Ann and Ted Kheel) 9-3

Ending time may change each day, it depends on the number of patients.
The activity at Ann & Ted Kheel Polytechnic School (on Friday 30th) will be focused on the parents of students.

Wear comfortable clothing. Bring 'manitas limpias', water and a snack – sandwiches for yourself.
The community and the doctors and students appreciate your help.

Send me a PM and I will put you in direct contact with the organisers.

Aw HB - my heart leapt at the thought that you might be offering your services!!!

They have several years of experience - they do this at least twice a year and always manage to recruit a decent crop of volunteers, both expats and Dominican residents. In addition, Punta Cana International and Cap Cana Heritage schools send a group of their high-school students. I was at the last one interpreting and it was a very rewarding experience.

Posting on DR1 is intended to offer the option to anyone new to the area who may want to join the volunteers.

Chip said:

I would look at any of the local foreign Christian missions because typically they sponsor similar events and of course are full of gringos willing to help.

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Chip, believe it or not this is a non-religious initiative, although all are welcome.

gringostudent said:

you might want to try valuemd.com in the UNIBE and other Dominican medical schools forum. There are many bilingual medical students that might like to help. The closest med school to there is UCE but they dont have any real website with a forum.

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Clarification - the doctors and med students come from Virginia Tech. The organisers here recruit volunteers to help with interpreting during the consultations and general organisation.

gringostudent said:

I understand that, but there are many medical students that are bilingual in the DR and studying to be a doctor in the states someday, and they love to help out in this sort of thing. It is a good way for them to get contacts in the states.

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I wouldn't want to tread on the toes of this particular initiative, but if I get the chance I'll suggest it to the organisers - Punta Cana Foundation, or maybe something could be organised via the local branch of Unibe (Recinto Cap Cana).

KateP said:

Heard about them the last time they were hear and everyone was impressed with the great work they did. It's too bad it's during work hours I would have loved to go help.

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Maybe your boss would let you loose for one morning? I've committed to one morning so far but aim to do more depending on my workload that week.