Yusef Perez, public health, Dominican Republic
Yusef Perez interned at a regional OB/GYN hospital in the Dominican Republic (Contributed photo)
This summer was not Yusef Perez’s first visit to the Dominican Republic, but it was definitely a new experience for the public health major at East Carolina University.
The senior interned at a regional OB/GYN hospital in the Dominican Republic. Perez assisted doctors and nurses in caring for patients, in addition to experiencing community health education and participating in clinic activities.
“This was the first time I got to experience the health care system firsthand, and it made the trip very worthwhile,” Perez said. “For me, the most rewarding aspect was to work with the physicians and understand the value of maternal-child health care globally. I also valued the opportunity to interact with the local community and the patients and health professionals.”
Perez gained a better understanding about how to develop practical solutions to challenges faced by patients. Perez also left the Caribbean nation motivated to continue studying public health with a path toward graduation and career plans.
“I also learned a great deal about public health medicine, which, along with the experience, has helped me better understand my aspiration to serve patients from all backgrounds,” Perez said