An animal welfare program started in 1992 by the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association on the Samana peninsula on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic.
The mission of the project is to improve the quality of life of the animals and by so doing we hope to also improve the conditions of the people of the region. Twice yearly a team of veterinarians, techs and students spend a week in the Samana region operating spay/neuter clinics for small animals and clinics for large animals, primarily equine.
A major goal of Project Samana is to provide training for both U.S. and Dominican students. It has been an extremely rewarding experience for students to learn that they can make a contribution without the sophistication inherent in the training and practice of veterinary medicine in the United States. It is our hope that the experience will encourage students to use their skills and knowledge in similar programs throughout their careers. For further information and an application please contact our office.
Dr. Bob Labdon, Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, 16 Commonwealth Ave., S. Yarmouth, Ma. 02664, Phone: 508-394-3566, Fax: 508-394-7320
Answers to Your Most Asked Questions!
How Do We Get There?
There are presently three airlines servicing Puerto Plata - American, TWA, and Continental. Schedules and rates in particular vary so keep checking the internet. As of 8/1/2000 American had the most flights but Continental had the best rates. You need to arrive in Puerto Plata as early as reasonable and not later than 3:OOPM. On the return be sure you coordinate your plans with others in the party so you have transportation to the airport. Do not book a return flight before 12:00. Also be sure the team leader has a copy of your itinerary. By the time we get through customs and immigration, rent the cars and drive for 3+ hours it is usually 7 - 8 before we reach the hotel. Check-in, food, and a brief team meeting completes the first day.
What About Car Rental?
Experience has proven that it is best to negotiate car rental when you arrive.
The best rate has run between $280 and $380(four wheel drive) and no additional insurance. Conditions warrant at least one four wheel drive vehicle . Four in a car is comfortable, five possible, and six if you are very friendly. Expenses are split by passengers and run about $60 - 80/person. You reimburse that person whom rented the car in which you leave the airport. The week gets hectic. so please reimburse the driver before you reach the hotel.
What Kind of Clothing Should I Bring?
Pack light and efficiently. One bag, one carry on. Trunk space in cars is small. Day temperatures will be in the 80's or more & humid, 65 - 75 F at night. Rain is usually a quick passing shower. Scrubs and shorts for surgery will be comfortable. Shorts, light shirts are appropriate and the norm for all meals at the hotel; but some do dress up a little more for dinner. Work shoes, walking shoes, beach wear, and hat are a definite and tennis rackets get a lot of use at the 6 AM team tournament! A Team Samaria scrub shirt will be provided for you - the rest is your responsibility.
What Documents Do I Need?
Have your passport. On the plane you will fill out a form for entrance into the D.R. (Check "tourist" as reason for visit). At the airport you will pay an entry fee of $10 and they will give you a document to keep with your passport. You will be asked to turn it in when you leave! Upon leaving you must pay a $10 U.S. cash departure tax.
What About Customs?
In most cases you pass right on through in the D.R. or U.S.A. On a recent trip they were suspicious of supplies packed in boxes and went through them. Probably best to pack veterinary supplies in suitcases as well. Airlines no longer accept boxes.
Are There Health Issues To Be Concerned About?
So far we have not lost anyone! However, we have had a few people become pretty weak from not paying enough attention to tourista It seems to occur after consuming local food and usually has manifested itself on the fourth of fifth day of the trip. Bring your favorite remedy as local pharmacies are limited. Early (even preemptive) use of Pepto-Bismol has been very helpful and seems to prevent any serious problems. On occasion we have had some team members come down with fevers , chills , etc. and a quinolone such as Ciprofloxin has been indicated. Metronidazole has also been used in some previous trips. A handout concerning this problem is enclosed. Immunizations are not required, but some have chosen to get hepatitis A and/or B. You may wish to consult Lenny Marcus, V.M.D., M.D.. Lenny is a specialist in travel medicine, infectious disease, and zoonoses and is a good friend of the MVMA. Be sure your tetanus is up to date.
What Is the Hotel Like and Is the Water and Food Safe?
The Gran Bahia Hotel is very nice and very comfortable; although it is not unusual to lose power and water and phone service is spotty. It has changed hands several times since Project Samana started coming in 1992 and is presently owned by a large European conglomerate. The guests are primarily German and French with a few Canadians and the rare American. The quality of the rooms varies but is always adequate and frequently excellent with private balconies that overlook the Bay of Samana. All rooms have a ceiling fan and an air conditioner - they sometimes work! On the premises there is a sandy beach, pool, tennis courts, and a funky 9-hole par 3 golf course. The hotel restaurant serves three meals a day, buffet style, all inclusive. The food is quite good with some new dishes to try. The hotel provides what we believe is sake drinking water. Bottled water is available in town.
So far we have been fortunate to receive a special rate which includes the room and all food and drink. The downside is we never know exactly what the rate is until we get there! The most recent rate was $73.50 pp/day.
Hotel Gran Bahia
Los Cacaos, Samana
Republica Dominicana
1-809-538-3111
1-809-538-2764 FAX
What About Shopping?
Samana is remote by its geography, only recently touched by tourism, therefore, there is not much shopping. But essentials you need (cold bottled water), or simple gifts for those back home, postcards, money exchanged... or the famous "El Presidente" is available along main street.
How Much Money Should I Bring?
On the average the trip costs between $1200 and $1400, travel included. (Funds are not provided by SAMANA, but see Corrie Brown about possible sources within the college.) It is very difficult to know the exact hotel cost until we arrive. Historically we have been given a 50% discount. Money can be conveniently exchanged at the airport, hotel or in Samana. The exchange rate is about the same. It is about $14.00 pesos to a dollar. The hotel accepts Visa, Master Card. Do not bring travelers checks as they are not generally accepted.
What Is the Work Schedule?
It may vary but usually we arrive on a Monday. Clinics start at 9 AM Tuesday. The first two days we generally work in Samana. Samana provides the best conditions by far and gives us a chance to get everyone organized and acclimated Thursday is a free day for local travel and R&R. Clinica on Friday and Saturday are in smaller villages and the conditions are poor to terrible. The actual schedule is put together by our contacts in Samaria and we usually don't know what to expect until we get there.
We are all there to work, but there will be time to relax as well, so brush up on your Spanish and get ready for a rewarding and challenging trip!
Additional questions?
For further information and an application please contact our office.
Dr. Bob Labdon, Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, 16 Commonwealth Ave., S. Yarmouth, Ma. 02664 508-394-3566, Fax 508-394 7320
MVMA INTERNATIONAL PROJECT SAMANA
Station Protocol
These stations or positions should be staffed both in Samana and the rural clinics.
Station 1: Reception
*Fluent Spanish speaker
*Record basic information assessment
*Answer questions and allay concerns
*No veterinary experience necessary if assisted by someone knowledgeable
*Keep order of animals going to Station 11 and be sure animals go to that station with proper instructions as to treatment (Not always surgical)
*Also assist in recovery and discharge instructions
*Trained junior member helpful in welcoming owners and pets
Station II: Prep., Pre-Op, Post-Op
*Best handled by Vet Tech and /or Veterinarian combination per the protocol
*Treat animal for non-surgical problem or refer to other vet to do so
*If surgical candidate
-Administer anesthetics as detailed on Station 11 sheet
-Intubate
-Clip, prep
-Ointment in eyes
-Atropine and penicillin
*Arrange for body builder to help move sedated patients to surgery tables
*Rotate through surgery and monitor patients
*Give post surgical injections - Torbugesic and Yohimbine
Station III: Supply Management and Inventory
*This is a dynamic station with lots of demands during set up, arranging sterile areas and resupplying tables
*Also called upon to pass surgeons suture, blades, etc. during surgery
*Make sure instruments are sterilized and available for use asap
In charge of a closing inventory to be done the last day so the next team will know what supplies are available when they arrive
Station IV: Surgery
*Obviously this is where we expect the action to be, but usually it is everywhere at once! All the more reason that this must run smoothly Four tables at once is probably too much. Having a "floater" to glove and assist during surgeries that suddenly become complicated is ideal and definitely saved a couple of bleeding patients. No such thing as a "routine spay" under there conditions
Station V: Surgical Technicians
*Help position animals on sand bag, tie legs to table, make sure head of animal is not hanging over the edge
*Monitor vitals, assist with fluids, etc., during surgery. This position can get suddenly busy
*Some technicians also are assigned to recovery to monitor animals at risk
*Good position for trained junior members
Station VI: Recovery
*Spanish speaking veterinarian helpful here as is careful monitoring of vitals and determining if/when to administer fluids. Determine when animal is to be discharged
*Spanish speaking Vet or other to explain condition and recovery process and after care
*Technicians can monitor vitals and the animals need to be petted and handled during this time with encouraged involvement from the owner. Good position for trained junior members
For further information and an application please contact our office.
Dr. Bob Labdon, Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, 16 Commonwealth Ave., S. Yarmouth, Ma. 02664 508-394-3566, Fax 508-394 7320
MVMA INTERNATIONAL PROJECT SAMANA
Small Animal
Anesthetic Procedure
Pre-Op / Post-Op Station
1. *Induction:
A. Give 50/50 solution of Ketamine-Diazepam @ 1 cc per 20 lbs. I.V.
B. Give Ketamine, Xylazine, Diazepam solution ** @ 1 cc per 20 lbs. I.M.
C. Intubate
D. Clip and prep surgical area
E. Put ointment in eyes
F. Give Atropine @ 1 cc per 30 lbs I.M.
G. Give Penicillin I.M.
11. Operate:
Surgery time is 30-50 minutes. The animals are pale with no eye movement and slow faint heart beat. There does seem to be a wide margin of safety. Cats are more difficult to monitor. I.V. fluids are per indication, case by case.
Ill. *Post-Operative:
A. Give Torbugesic @ .2 cc per 10 lbs. I.M.or SQ If given first, recovery is smoother.
B. Give Yohimbine @ .5 cc per 20 lbs IN.
C. SQ fluids for all cats and any dogs as needed.
IV. Recovery: Recovery period will be up to 2 hours. Monitor closely for signs of shock
SAGA | Project Samana - Dominican Republic