Giving Back, One Patient at a Time: Tareen Dermatology’s Mission Trip to Jamaica 🌍

At Tareen Dermatology, we believe in not only providing excellent care to our patients at home but also extending that care to communities in need. This week, our team had the incredible opportunity to serve in Jamaica, partnering with Mission Jamaica, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in underserved communities.

Bringing Compassion and Healing to Jamaica 

Our team, led by Dr. Tareen, was joined by her family and senior medical assistants for this rewarding mission. We were fortunate to treat nearly 300 patients across various clinics, including Westhaven Children’s Home – an orphanage that cares for children with disabilities. Our team focused on providing both primary care and dermatology services, addressing a wide array of health concerns while ensuring that all care was completely free of charge. In addition to treating patients, we dispensed thousands of prescriptions, ensuring that the medications they needed were accessible without cost.

While the medical care was critical, it was the bonds we created with the community that made the experience truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth, gratitude, and an eagerness to receive care, even when resources were limited.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Mission Jamaica, and we look forward to continuing our mission to bring healing and hope to communities in need.

Reflections from Dr. Tareen’s Sons 

Our mission was not only impactful for the patients we served, but also for the members of our team and Dr. Tareen’s family members. Dr. Tareen’s sons, Kamran (11) and Kai (13), joined on this trip and had the chance to share their experiences. Their reflections highlight the meaningful impact of service and the lessons they learned during their time in Jamaica.

Kamran Tareen’s Mission Jamaica Reflection (Age 11)

“My experience in Jamaica was interesting but also a little sad. I got to meet lots of people and go to many places. My job was registering patients. This meant that I gave people numbers and got them set up to see the Doctor. Many people that I registered were old and poor. There were many people that waited a very long time because that was their only option. It was interesting that most of the adults also wanted an eye exam because this is usually very expensive for them. They were very happy to get reading glasses from us. It made me happy when we could be kind to them and help their problems. I had a great time in Jamaica and I learned a lot while helping people!“

Kai Tareen’s Mission Jamaica Reflection (Age 13)

“During my mission trip to Jamaica, I gained an appreciation for how fortunate I am and how much impact even small acts of service can have. The trip lasted three days, each spent at a different clinic, where I saw firsthand the challenges people face due to limited access to healthcare. My personal job was registering all of the patients and their diagnoses and medicines. I was able to really see what everyone was affected by and the treatments prescribed to them. 

On the first day, we visited a clinic where most patients had minor health concerns. However, one woman stood out—she was nearly blind due to cataracts but could not afford the surgery to restore her vision. It was sad to see how something so treatable remained out of reach for her. I was still happy because our Team was able to help with routine problems for over 84 people! Also, our Team received so many hugs and prayers, we left with happy hearts. 

The second day we went to a small village in the mountains. While most people had manageable health issues, one elderly woman had cancer, She had no way to afford treatment. It was very sad that we could not give her anything that could help.  Seeing her courage in the face of this hardship left a strong impression on me.

On the third day, we worked at a larger clinic in the city slums of Montego Bay.  At this clinic there were many patients and this made it difficult to manage the crowd. My brother, who was helping control the flow of patients, needed two extra volunteers to assist him. What struck me most here was that many of the people here were not suffering from rare diseases. They just could not afford basic healthcare, and our free clinic was their only option. You should have seen the look on their eyes when their blood pressure medicines were filled at no cost or they got simple reading glasses. It was better than Christmas! 

This experience opened my eyes to the inequalities of healthcare. It also reinforced to me how important it is to help others whenever possible – even in simple ways. My mission trip to Jamaica not only made me grateful for what I have but also inspired me to continue finding ways to serve those in need.“

A Bright Future Ahead 

Tareen Dermatology is proud to have been part of this mission to Jamaica, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. As we reflect on the trip, we are reminded of how small acts of kindness can create ripple effects that change lives. We are committed to continuing our mission work and look forward to future opportunities to serve communities in need.

To learn more about Mission Jamaica and how you can get involved, visit their website.

Thank you for your continued support in our journey to give back, one patient at a time. 

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