The Moca Clinic is Open: Introducing Sayuri
Dr. Sayuri Tovar treats a patient at the World Spine Care clinic in Moca, Dominican Republic.
World Spine Care is pleased to announce that after nearly 3 years of closure during the COVID pandemic, we have reopened the clinic in Moca, Dominican Republic. Leading the clinical charge is a chiropractor from Mexico who leaped forward with courage and passion. Dr. Sayuri Tovar has not only resumed patient care at the Patronato Cibao de Rehabiltación but has also opened a satellite clinic in Cayetano Germosén one day per week.
World Spine Care Director of Clinics, Dr. Patricia Tavares, is excited to reopen the Moca clinic again. “I was hearing from people there that we missed and that people were glad to have us back. Sayuri has already translated all of our clinic forms and she is using the new GSCI model of care in the clinic. Because she speaks Spanish she may be able to see patients in an efficient manner as no translation is necessary.”
World Spine Care Director of Communications, Nathan Cashion, checked in with Dr. Tovar after her first couple of months in the clinic.
“My inspiration has always been the patients. For me, the patients are my life.”
Nathan Cashion: Tell us about your background and clinical education.
Sayuri Tovar: I studied Chiropractic at the first University of Chiropractic in Mexico, UNEVE. I was in the student exchange at the Madrid College of Chiropractic in El Escorial. I have also visited offices in México, Paris, Lisbon, Canada, and Spain to observe and learn. I continued to update techniques, congresses, courses, and diplomas in Mexico, such as courses in emergency radiology and primary care, chest radiology, metabolism, cases chiropractic clinics, and electromyography studies. I have been working as a Chiropractor since 2019, first as an intern and then with my professional license.
What inspired you to take on the role of Clinical Supervisor at the WSC Moca Clinic in the Dominican Republic?
My inspiration has always been the patients. For me, the patients are my life. I get to let go of my problems to solve the problems of others and show the best of myself, having the opportunity to care for another population in another part of the world, but with the same goal of providing health conservatively and with great benefits. I believe everyone should have the right and the opportunity to live a full and pain-free life. HUMANITY, HONESTY and HUMILITY.
What have been the most significant challenges while preparing to volunteer in the Dominican Republic?
The most important challenge is self-confidence, the ability to solve problems in the best possible way without affecting third parties but letting them know what is wrong. Volunteering has helped me evolve personally and professionally.
What do you hope to achieve while in the Dominican Republic?
My main objective is to achieve good treatments that work for patients in the medium and long term. I would like to educate them about their health and provide them with the necessary tools so that when I am gone, they know what to do and the path they should take. Likewise, I will grow and develop as a person and in clinical chiropractic, which is what I love to do, leaving a good mark on my work.
What has been your initial experience with patients and fellow healthcare providers?
All the staff at the clinic in Moca and (Cayetano Germosén) Guanabano are very friendly. I feel very happy with all of them.
What is something exciting or surprising you’ve learned since arriving in the DR?
My experience is good and bad. Everyone here thinks I'm American. I don't understand why – I'm completely Mexican! People ask me all the time if I speak Spanish! Haha.
The most exciting thing for me is traveling while doing chiropractic. I know that there are wonderful places and that at some point I can visit the beaches or rivers. Everything here is eaten using a banana like a spoon! It’s impressive.
I have also seen interesting clinical cases that help me learn more daily.
Have there been any memorable moments or lessons so far?
Now that I've been a volunteer, I believe that all people at some point in their lives should be volunteers. This develops skills, abilities, and adaptation, makes you more sensitive and empathetic, and teaches you to coexist harmoniously. I am sure that this is what the world and humanity need to learn, more than any class in the school of ethics, values, or human relations. Generosity generates abundance. Knowing that I can help these people.
Every time I return from giving consultation in these places, I return rich – not monetarily, but spiritually – and it is an extraordinary feeling. It is part of the great evolution of the human being for anything that arises in the future; if you learn this, you learn everything.
A few days ago, I saw some patients who were very, very poor and who cried with happiness for not having neck and back pain after their treatment. That moment probably lasted only 2 minutes, but it changed my life forever.
Ready to join Sayuri in the Dominican Republic?
World Spine Care is looking for qualified applicants for another Clinic Supervisor and Volunteer Associates in the Dominican Republic. Learn more about the opportunities to provide spine care in underserved communities and apply today.
