A Family on a Mission: How the Salvan Family Found Purpose and Renewal Volunteering with One World Surgery

When Dr. Claudiu and Monika Salvan signed up for their first One World Surgery (OWS) medical mission to the Dominican Republic, they hoped to share an unforgettable family experience while helping others in need. What they didn’t expect was how profoundly the trip would transform them—and their two teenage sons, Sebastian and Cristian. From treating patients in rural bateys to packing medications in the pharmacy, each family member discovered new skills, deeper gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their story is a testament to the power of serving together—and the lasting impact it can have on both communities and families. 

Could you briefly describe your roles and responsibilities during your time volunteering with OWS? 

Dr. Claudiu Salvan: As an internal medicine physician, I handled daily patient consultations and evaluations, created treatment plans, prescribed medications, educated patients and families on their health conditions, and conducted home visits for bedridden individuals. 

Monika Salvan: As a general volunteer, I supported the medical team by sorting and packaging donated medications, entering vital signs and lab results into the EMR system, checking patients in and out, dispensing medicines under the pharmacist’s guidance, and helping pack and unpack the supply truck for daily batey visits. 

Sebastian Salvan: I was a general medical volunteer, performing tasks on a rotating schedule that included registering patients, taking vitals, and ferrying patients between stations and providers. 

Cristian Salvan: As a 16 year old general volunteer, I spent my time cycling through the different clinical areas, especially pharmacy, where I monitored the computer system for prescription requests, located and packed medication, and distributed it amongst the appropriate patients. 

What inspired your family to get involved with OWS, and what keeps you coming back for multiple volunteer experiences? 

Dr. Salvan: A fundamental value we instilled in our two sons is the importance of altruism and actively helping others. Even small actions can make a significant difference for those less fortunate. Discovering that OWS not only welcomed but encouraged family participation in week-long volunteer missions made joining this noble cause a straightforward decision. Our first mission to the Dominican Republic in November 2023 was a very rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, prompting our return as a family in January 2025.  

Monika: We were inspired by the opportunity to volunteer as a family for longer than a few hours here and there at our church. We hoped to create in our children a deeper sense of gratitude for what they have and for the opportunity to make a positive impact on other’s lives.   

Can you share a memorable experience or patient case that left a lasting impact on you? 

Dr. Salvan: I treated a patient in November 2023 and unexpectedly saw him again over a year later at a batey clinic. He recognized me immediately, hugged me, and thanked me for the care he received. The scene was quite emotional. It was deeply moving to witness the gratitude for OWS’s impact on the community and to personally experience the effect of our work.  

Cristian: A moment that stuck with me was when an older patient was given his first pair of prescription glasses. For the first time in his life, he was able to see clearly. He immediately raised his hands up to praise god. This show of immense gratitude–from something many take for granted–is forever ingrained in my memory. It made me realize that no matter what field I go into, the core of meaningful work is the same: showing up for people and being reliable when it counts. Watching the team adapt under pressure and seeing that patient’s joy reminded me that being sharp, steady, and human matters everywhere. These lessons don’t just apply to volunteering or healthcare, and they will follow me wherever I go. 

Sebastian, you mentioned that you’re interested in going into medicine. What was your experience like volunteering and caring for patients, and how did it influence your perspective on healthcare, education, and your future? 

Sebastian: As a pre-medical undergraduate student, this experience was incredibly satisfying. Being able to directly work with and help patients so early on in my education was an amazing opportunity, and one that helped solidify my interest in medicine. In the U.S, we often take access to care, and even basic health education, for granted. But in the Dominican Republic, some patients had gone years suffering from avoidable pain because they didn’t have the means to access care. It made me see how powerful even small interventions can be, and how interconnected healthcare and education are. Lastly, this experience taught me cultural competence, and humbled me— I am grateful for the amazing opportunity I had to serve alongside such wonderful people at OWS. 

Monika, what was your experience like as a general volunteer, and getting to see Claudiu and your sons in action in clinical settings? 

Monika: Going on these missions gave me a unique opportunity to see my husband at work and witness his skill and professional persona I don’t see at home. I had a profound sense of pride in watching him help others with so much compassion and respect. My oldest son, Sebastian, who is a student at Northeastern University in Boston, was thrilled to get the chance to work in the vitals and labs station and practice those skills. My youngest, Cristian, was amazed at how easily he was able to speak Spanish in real life situations. Overall, witnessing my family work together in these missions gave me a new appreciation for my husband and children who acted wise beyond their years. They had the chance to experience a new culture and gain perspectives beyond their day-to-day scope of life back home. I hope this experience will continue to motivate future acts of kindness and giving back. 

Sebastian and Cristian, what was it like getting to see your dad in action taking care of patients? Is that something you had ever gotten to see before? 

Sebastian: While I had shadowed my dad  a few times before, I hadn’t truly seen the scope of his work before OWS. I don’t get to see “Dr. Salvan” too often, and when I do, it reminds me why I wanted to go into medicine in the first place– to help people like my dad does. 

Cristian: I had never seen my dad in action before, so witnessing him lead with calm under pressure and be in his element was truly inspiring. He moved from area to area purposefully, doing his job effortlessly. At home or with family friends, I’ve always known him to have quite the sense of humor. But seeing that same sense of humor used in a clinical setting, to put patients at ease and make them smile, was something entirely new. It showed me how much care he puts into what he does. 

What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your volunteer work with OWS, both personally and as a family? 

Dr. Salvan: Burnout is a widespread issue in healthcare systems all around the globe, and I, like many colleagues, was not immune. Volunteering my clinical expertise offered a refreshing perspective and renewed my energy, enhancing my practice in Massachusetts and reigniting my sense of purpose. As a family, this experience brought greater unity and deepened our bonds.  

Sebastian: The most rewarding feeling you can get as a volunteer is when a patient walks out with a big smile on their face and thanks you personally. It makes you realize that even with a small role, everyone plays a part in making a difference. 

In what way do you believe your contributions have made a positive impact on the communities you’ve served? 

Dr. Salvan: Beyond providing essential medical care that would otherwise be inaccessible, a significant part of our time was dedicated to basic patient education. We offered vital instruction on managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, including potential complications, and addressed other routine medical concerns. This educational component was a crucial part of our mission, aiming to plant seeds of knowledge in a region where it is greatly needed.  

Cristian: Being part of OWS allowed me to see how service, when rooted in family values, becomes something deeper. I was surrounded by people I admire: my dad, my mom, my brother, and others fully committed to helping patients. It was the first time I really saw how our different roles, working together, could make the entire operation stronger. Through providing critical healthcare clinics, we helped improve access to medical services that many patients otherwise wouldn’t have. It was powerful to witness the tangible difference made in the lives of many for people’s health and hope for the future that it provided. 

For those considering volunteering with OWS, what advice would you give them based on your own experiences? 

Dr. Salvan: Don’t hesitate and don’t overthink it – simply sign up. I would strongly recommend you bring your family, especially teenagers. You will return with a revitalized perspective on daily life, a profound sense of purpose uniquely found through missions like OWS, and quite likely a rekindled passion for the medical profession. This experience benefits everyone involved, creating a truly positive outcome. 

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