University medical graduates are expected to perform a one-year apprenticeship at one of the health centers around the country. From the largest hospitals to the tiniest rural clinics, the newly graduated doctors serve under very differing circumstances. Local universities churn out more than 1,200 new doctors each year, but the Ministry of Public Health only has 850 vacancies for the apprentices. Some doctors do not have a very good “bedside manner” and treat patients with lack of respect, while others find that their appointed health center is lacking everything they need in order to do their jobs. In Los Cocos, in Enriquillo, Barahona, one intern reports that rats are eating the medicines. Rafael Schiffino, the Primary Health Care Vice Minister, told El Caribe reporters that there are 625 rural clinics and 575 urban clinics in the Dominican Republic. Each one should have at least two medical interns. In order to receive the government exequatur and practice medicine legally in the country, new medical graduates must volunteer a year of their services. According to the Apprenticeship Law, the new medical graduates must work in rural clinics offering primary care to poor communities. The apprentices do not receive salaries, only a per diem or stipend. To offer improved service, the current Minister of Public Health, Dr Sabino Baez has requested 200 more placements for new medical graduates.