How it all started...
We are David and Barbara Swan, both retired physicians, and co-founders of Del Rey Medico. We first traveled to Dominican Republic with Meeting God in Missions (MGM) in 2016 as members of a group from Sewickley Presbyterian Church. This was our first medical mission trip together.
For several years, we ran pop-up clinics in villages in the sugarcane fields. After the first year, we did these in conjunction with Dr Yasquina Benjamin. We came to realize that these were not the most effective way to provide medical care. We now encourage patients to be seen at the clinic. Our village visits are geared toward much needed health education.
For several years, we ran pop-up clinics in villages in the sugarcane fields. After the first year, we did these in conjunction with Dr Yasquina Benjamin. We came to realize that these were not the most effective way to provide medical care. We now encourage patients to be seen at the clinic. Our village visits are geared toward much needed health education.
Expanding the vision...
Over the years, we have continued to support Dr Benjamin's mission and her clinic in Margarita. A second clinic, located in Consuelo, was added in 2023. This clinic is staffed by Dr Gavina Quinterio. Consuelo is a less rural area, but still home to many people who lack access to routine medical care.
Del Rey Medico began as part of Del Rey Ministries, an organization that supports and trains pastors in Dominican Republic. In 2023, we began the process of establishing a separate non-profit in the US. Del Rey Medico received approval as a 501(c)3 from the IRS in 2025. We also have sister organization, Fundacion Medicos Del Rey, in the Dominican Republic.
Since we retired in 2021, we have been able to travel to DR more frequently. We meet annually with the staff in DR to plan and strategize for the upcoming year. Our mission trips concentrate on providing much-needed medical education to Dominicans. We hold health education expos in the bateys and the clinics. We also identify those who need ongoing medical care and connect them with one of the clinics.
Del Rey Medico began as part of Del Rey Ministries, an organization that supports and trains pastors in Dominican Republic. In 2023, we began the process of establishing a separate non-profit in the US. Del Rey Medico received approval as a 501(c)3 from the IRS in 2025. We also have sister organization, Fundacion Medicos Del Rey, in the Dominican Republic.
Since we retired in 2021, we have been able to travel to DR more frequently. We meet annually with the staff in DR to plan and strategize for the upcoming year. Our mission trips concentrate on providing much-needed medical education to Dominicans. We hold health education expos in the bateys and the clinics. We also identify those who need ongoing medical care and connect them with one of the clinics.
Where we are headed...
Thus far, all our trips have been in conjunction with Del Rey Ministries and Meeting God in Missions. Our goal for 2026 is to host our own mission trip and invite interested individuals to participate in the medical mission of Del Rey Medico. We would also like to expand the services offered at the clinics to include dental care and basic laboratory services. Finally, we are exploring electronic health records in order to facilitate communication between clinics.
