History of SMP

In March of 2002, Ross University School of Medicine professor Dr. Worrell Sanford poised a challenge to students in his Problem-Based Learning (PBL) group. He asked them to organize a clinic in the Carib Territory for people in need. Despite the demands of their academic pursuits, the group of students took on the challenge and gave birth to the Salybia Mission Project (SMP).

The inspired, founding members of that group included Mark Thompson (Director), Challie Minton (Assistant Director), Slyvia Marcos (Treasurer), Kevin Price (Membership Coordinator), Brad Chastant (Membership Coordinator), Daniel Marrero (Donations Coordinator), and Angie Foley (Clinical Coordinator). They worked closely with Dr. Sanford and Nurse Sylvie Warrington and began the first of the clinics that are now the backbone of SMP.

In April of the same year, founding members organized a fundraising barbeque that enabled them to hire a transports and much needed equipment. Soon after they were able to enhance the clinic site by painting the interior, tiling the floor, rebuilding storage spaces, installing fans and fluorescent lights, purchasing a new refrigerator, and more. Subsequent fundraising banquets were held as well.

Under the leadership of Mr. Thompson and SMP’s active members, students continued to conduct clinic visits twice a month for over a year. In October of 2002, construction on the new Salybia Health Clinic began.

On November 24, 2003, Mr. Thompson organized and called for a meeting in Roseau with the intention of officially solidifying SMP as an organization. Those who attended and contributed included Medical Director Dr. Worrell Sanford, several other Ross University School of Medicine professors, professionals from the Dominican community, and Mr. John Hawley (former Director of Habitat for Humanity in Duluth, Minnesota). In that meeting, a formal Board of Directors was created, Articles of Incorporation were adopted, and Bylaws were distributed to members. Mr. Hawley subsequently became the Chair of SMP.

In 2003, the organization also added fun fund-raising events such as the 5K Run/Walk. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), also created in 2003, began addressing the needs of a particularly vulnerable population in the Carib Territory. In late 2004, the first edition of the Kalinago Column, the official newsletter of SMP, circulated among members. The Finian Project, developed in mid-2005, has had a more specific aim and successfully added to the community outreach provided by SMP.

In addition to these community benefits, SMP has continued to provide medical students of Ross University School of Medicine with invaluable, hands-on clinical experience. Stories and accounts of unique, touching, and fulfilling experiences continually emerge.

SMP looks forward to a day when it can continue to spread its services to more and more people in Dominica. With the creative energy of its student members, excellent leadership by the Chair and Executive Committee, and charitable spirit of its medical team, SMP shall hold true to its mission: to help provide medical care to the indigenous peoples of Dominica.