Our Story

Hispaniola Medical Charity (HMC) isn't just an organization; it's the continuation of a deeply personal legacy of care. Our story began with Dr. Umbert Hart's father, a dedicated physician in the Dominican Republic. He was driven by an unwavering passion for patient care, striving to serve as many people as possible in his community. His commitment laid the groundwork for what HMC is today.

Inspired by his father's profound impact, Dr. Hart pursued his own medical education in the United States. Yet, his roots and the needs of his homeland were never far from his mind. He felt a strong calling to continue his father's vital work in helping their community.

With that vision, HMC was founded in 2012 by two University of Texas Medical Branch alumni and faculty members, Dr. Dennis Gore, a General Surgeon, and Dr. Umbert Hart, Jr., an Anesthesiologist. Dr. Gore strongly encouraged Dr. Hart to pursue his passion and to continue his father’s legacy.

Together, they established HMC in loving memory of his father, whose profound commitment to patient care in the Dominican Republic laid the foundation for our work today.

HMC is proud to carry forward a tradition of compassionate service by bringing together medical professionals from various specialties to transform lives.

What We Do

Since 2012, Hispaniola Medical Charity (HMC) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing essential medical care and resources to impoverished communities in Hispaniola. HMC provides comprehensive care to the people of the Dominican Republic through:

Surgical and Dental Missions: Delivering vital medical, surgical, and dental procedures.
Education: Providing medical education and training to local healthcare professionals.
Medical School Scholarships: Supporting aspiring medical students from the region.
Procurement of Supplies and Equipment: Donating essential medical supplies and equipment to hospitals.

We primarily work at Hospital Ricardo Limardo in Puerto Plata, where we have donated over $120,000 worth of supplies and equipment over the years, significantly enhancing their capacity to serve the community.

Our Impact

Since 2012, HMC has conducted numerous impactful missions, providing care to thousands of patients. Here's a look at some of our key missions:

2021 - 2023

COVID-19 Pandemic paused HMC’s ability to travel, but did not cease operations.
2020

January 2020
Impact 62 patients. General Surgery performed 31 procedures, including 1 syndactyly repair. Vascular access for Dialysis was provided to 29 patients, and our team assisted local surgeons with 1 bowel obstruction.
2019

January 2019
ENT performed 49 procedures, General Surgery completed 36, and our team assisted local MDs with 2 cases.
July 2019
Impact 50 patients served. General Surgery completed 34 procedures, GYN 15, and our team assisted HRL with 1 case.
2018

January 2018
ENT performed 41 cases, and General Surgery completed 25 procedures.
August 2018
GYN performed 14 procedures, General Surgery completed 31, and Plastics performed 19. Donations included suture, chest tubes, pleurovac kits, and dialysis catheters to Ricardo Limardo.
2017

January 2017
ENT team performed 42 tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies.
August 2017
Gynecology performed 18 surgeries and assisted with multiple C-sections and vaginal deliveries. Dental cleanings were provided to 310 children, and baby supplies were distributed to over 100 new mothers.
2016

August 2016
Ob-Gyn at Ricardo Limardo performed 18 Gynecological surgeries and provided instruction to staff on fetal monitoring. General Surgery at Clinica Gregorio Hernandez completed 24 surgeries.
2015

June 2015
ENT and General Surgery teams performed 36 Tonsillectomies, 2 Thyroid surgeries, 1 Parotidectomy, 7 Gallbladder removals, 6 Hernia repairs, 3 minor surgeries, and 39 Vein sclerotherapies.
2014

August 2014
Due to construction at Ricardo Limardo, we focused on ENT, General Surgery, and Dentistry. The dental team treated 265 pediatric patients, ENT performed 37 surgeries and 25 consultations, and General Surgery conducted 2 procedures and 26 consultations for the next mission
November 2014
Our team completed 27 General Surgery procedures and 11 Gynecological procedures. An Ophthalmology Team at Gregorio Hernandez performed 30 cataract surgeries.
2013

October 2013
Focused on ENT and General Surgery. We completed 32 ENT procedures, 30 General Surgeries (with 4 assists to local surgeons), and 81 vein procedures at Centro Medico.
2012

November 2012
Focused on ENT, General Surgery, and Dentistry. Our teams performed 77 surgeries, 56 vein procedures, and 193 dental procedures.

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Support the Mission Of HMC

Every year, our volunteer teams deliver essential medical and dental care to communities in need, and your support is crucial to making these life-changing trips possible.

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