2015 Dominican Republic Medical Mission
In the summer of 2015, 10 students from various medical schools were selected for a trip that involved a unique collaboration between Jose’s Hands, One to the Other Ministries (OTTOM), and medical officials in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Together we harnessed the expertise of dedicated health and medical professionals to address a myriad of challenges in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Meet your 2015 Jose’s Hands Ambassadors to the DR for our July 1-7 trip.
2015 Jose's Hands Ambassadors
Diana Lee
My name is Diana Lee and am from Canandaigua, NY and am a rising second year student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences! I attended Cornell University for college, where I studied Human Biology, Health and Society. Upon graduating in 2012, I joined an Americorps program in Boston, MA where I spent the year teaching and tutoring in a 5th grade classroom. I enjoy working with children and am interested in pursuing a career in Pediatrics. In addition, I am very interested in public health, and medical education. This is my first medical mission trip, and I feel extremely fortunate, and excited to have this opportunity! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, yoga, playing guitar and singing!
Jeff Dyo
My name is Jeff Dyo and I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I attended UCSD for undergrad and received my Master’s in Biology there as well. I just completed my first year of medical school at The George Washington University School of Medicine. I’m thrilled to go on my first medical mission and provide aid to underserved communities in the Dominican Republic. I hope this experience will further my compassion as a future physician and increase awareness to others about health disparities abroad.
Karilyn Medina
My name is Karilyn Medina Nales and I am currently a medical student at the Ponce Health Science University. I completed my undergraduate degree at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. At the moment, I am hoping to pursue a career in geriatric medicine because I have a strong commitment with the elderly patients . I feel very excited about my first medical mission trip!
Kimberly Robelin
Hello my name is Kimberly Robelin. I am a rising second year medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. I am originally from Orlando, Florida. I attended the University of Central Florida for undergrad and graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Tequilla Stanciel
Hello, my name is Tequilla Stanciel! I am a rising 2nd year medical student at the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Class of 2018. Before medical school, I worked in the business intelligence industry as a Consultant to financial entities. After medical school, I hope to practice in a surgical specialty and serve as faculty and on a hospital’s administration team. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such a compassionate mission. This will be the first of many medical missions trip I plan to journey. I think, as a soon-to-be physician, it is vastly important that I stay connected to the less fortunate, underserved, and underprivileged populations. There is no better way to do this than to serve others and collaborate with organizations like Jose’s Hands to address the health care challenges of those in need.
Laura Muñoz
My name is Laura Muñoz, a first year medical student at Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Since my childhood years, one of the most important things that I was taught was that we have one huge purpose in this world, to serve other and be an instrument in other peoples lives. When I was finally given the opportunity to pursue a career in Medicine I felt that I was on my way to fulfill this purpose. I have participated in many local community services activities which have filled my heart with joy but when the doors opened to be part of Jose’s Hands Missionary trip I knew this was something I wanted to do. At the moment I am hoping to pursue a career in Family Medicine and if possible dedicate a few years to work as a missionary doctor. In all, I am grateful to be chosen to be part of such a lovely cause.
Ngozi Okanu
My name is Ngozi Okanu and I’m currently a proud rising M2 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I’m also a proud Chicagoan whose family originates from eastern Nigeria. This will be my first medical mission trip and I look forward to the experiences I will gain with both my fellow ambassadors and the people of DR and Haiti. In my free time I enjoy cooking, music and have recently taken up wall climbing.
Nicole Woodson
My name is Nicole Woodson and I am currently a first year medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. I previously attended Luther College, located in Decorah, IA, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. In medical school, I have been involved in the Health Disparities Scholars Program where medical students learn how to better assist underserved communities. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin and listening to music. Jose’s Hands Grant has given me the opportunity to go on my first medical mission trip. I am so excited to help the underserved, gain new experiences, improve my clinical skills, and spread the love of God. This trip will be a great step towards my goal of providing service to the underserved communities as a physician.
Yuri Zermeno
My name is Yuri Zermeno and I am a rising M2 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I was born and raised in the southeast side of Chicago, the daughter of two immigrant parents. I attended Northwestern University and majored in Biological Sciences and minored in Chemistry. I have never traveled abroad and I see this medical mission trip as a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience healthcare issues faced by people outside of the U.S. I am looking forward to gaining insight on global health care disparities. Throughout my medical career, I look forward to embarking on many medical mission trips, as I hope to lead a life that is dedicated to serving others.
Jelissa MooYin
My name is Jelissa MooYin and I am a rising second year medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. I completed my undergraduate degree at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and my Master of Health Science at Meharry Medical College. Being the first American born child to parents of Jamaican and Chinese descent has given me cultural awareness and a yearning to help the underserved. I am extremely excited to be of service to others because I firmly believe that the choice to change the world begins with each small act of service to mankind. It is my hope that through Jose’s Hands Medical Missions Trip that I can be a vessel of change and positively impact the lives around me.