Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center has adopted the Dominican Republic as the official country of its international mission work. The Hospital's Mission Statement is, "Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ", and this international mission effort provides a channel for us, as U.S. citizens and healthcare professionals, to share our resources and personal care with those in need beyond our borders.



In August 2010, a team of 13 physicians, nurses and others went to the Dominican Republic and performed 60 surgeries in two and a half days. The experiences that were generated and the people served, made lasting impressions on each team member; memories that will never be forgotten. Indeed, on the way home, some reflected on how their own perspective on life had been changed forever.

This year's trip took a larger team of 24 participants to a slightly larger town, Sanchez, which is close to the clinic visited last year. In just over three days, May 17-20, 2011 Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center’s Medical Mission Team accomplished 73 surgeries, more than 90 Emergency Room consultations, over 200 general medical consultations and other procedures including dental care at the clinic in Sanchez.

Florida Hospital’s Lake Placid Administrator Warren Santander and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD will be making a follow-up trip to the clinic in August to plan for future support and missions including possible construction efforts, medical equipment donations, and other improvements that will enhance the quality of care available to those whom the clinic serves.

The missions have been coordinated with the collaboration of the following entities in the Dominican Republic and others:

• Dominican Union of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church
• Centro Medico Vista del Jardin (Adventist Hospital in Santo Domingo, DR)
• Medical Missionaries International (Rental equipment, supplies, transportation and personnel)
• Sanchez Clinic Director Dr. Sarah Green, MD
• Warren Santander, Administrator, Florida Hospital at Lake Placid