Steven E. Chavoustie, M.D., FACOG - Medical Director, MSA
I am graduate of the University of Miami Medical School and a Miami native. While teaching at the medical school, one of my 1st year medical students, Mikel Llanes, needed a physician to staff a medical mission that he was creating in the impoverished villages of the Dominican Republic. I invited my good friend, Dr. Ron Sancetta, to travel with me on this initial trip. My past military training as a combat casualty officer; in conjunction with my specialty as an obstetrician gynecologist prepared me well for providing the necessary medical care. Providing basic primary care, dental care, antenatal care, and gynecologic screening to the impoverished communities has become a passion of mine and has inspired me to seek the help of others with expanding our organization. Our goal is to raise funds to build a sustainable clinic for our employed Dominican doctor to staff throughout the year. The impact of implementing simple changes in behaviors and hygiene, along with health education can save lives.
Donato Arguelles, M.D., FACC - Co-Medical Director
A graduate of Emory University Medical School in 1981. I completed my internal medicine and cardiology fellowship at JMH and entered private practice in Coral Gables. My practice is dedicated to cardiology and preventive care. My dedication to the Medcial mission has become a life long dream. I love giving back and providing the much needed care and education to the underserved communities of the DR.
Mikel Llanes, M.D. - Founder- MSA 2003
“Medical Students in Action” is an organization spear headed by family medicine resident Mikel Llanes. Mikel attended Belen Jesuit High School in Miami, Florida and it was during his high school years that he first was exposed to missionary work in the DR. He spent one year in the DR after high school with a Jesuit priest and it was through these past experiences that he made a commitment to create an organization to help the people of the DR.
Bernard Schrager, M.D.,FACC - Assistant Physician Advisor
I graduated from the University of Miami
Medical School in 1977. After completing my internal medicine and cardiology training I returned to the University of Miami as faculty and director of the Coronary Care Unit at the Veteran Administration Hospital of Miami before entering private Practice . I have practiced clinical and invasive cardiology for many years and now enjoy teaching and learning from the dedicated UM medical students who attend to our medical mission. Providing the much needed medical care to the impoverished people of the DR is professionally rewarding. "No matter how tiring the days are, you really feel good."
Ron Sancetta, M.D., FACOG - OBGYN Medical Director
I am a graduate of Georgetown Medical School and worked for the public health department after completing my residency in OBGYN. My private practice in Miami, is dedicated to practicing obstetrics and gynecology and performing innovative gynecological procedures. Giving my time and skills to the impoversihed people of the DR is very fulfilling.
Jatin Anand, M.D. - Ex-officio Director, 2010-2011
Jatin fell in love with MSA the day he began medical school. Climbing the ladder in leadership, he ultimately directed what was unanimously agreed to have been the "best trip ever."
In 2010/2011, the MSA team was likely one of the best the group has ever experienced. The first ever student executive board was formed: Dane Cohen led IT; Michael Spertus and Janki Amin led public health; Evan Loewy led pharmacy; Boris Kiriazov led supplies and logistics; Karen Manotas led international communications; Jessica Kaltman led finances and maintained involvement at all levels in anticipation of future leadership; Eric Chavoustie acted as co-Director.
Our team accomplished incredible feats. Aside from running the most productive and smooth clinic trip, we began the first Community Health Worker program that will ultimately expand and lead MSA into a new era of Global Health initiatives; we diagnosed and facilitated the surgical repair of a young girl's ventricular septal defect and aortic valve defect in her heart, allowing her the newfound potential for a long and healthy life; we diagnosed a family with advanced HIV and plugged them into the local system that is now carefully managing their health needs; we integrated the group with the local Ministry of Health, allowing for an evolution into ethical and sustainable directions for MSA's future efforts; and we had an incredible amount of fun while literally saving lives.