Viva Medicine
Viva Medicine is a pre health organization at Florida International University that was founded in 2025 with the goal of preparing students for careers in healthcare through service, education, and hands on experience.
A Shared Mission
Viva Medicine is focused on preparing future healthcare providers through community service, education, and hands-on experience. Through our Spanish medical terminology events, skills workshops, and guest speakers, we aim to better understand and serve diverse patient populations. Supporting the St. John Bosco Clinic is a direct extension of these values, allowing us to contribute to meaningful care within our own community. It gives purpose to what we do and connects our learning to real impact.
Our Personal Connection with the Clinic
Viva Medicine was first introduced to the St. John Bosco Clinic (SJBC) by 2026 Co-President, Richard Amaro. A Miami native, Amaro was raised in a Hispanic community, appreciating the culture and values instilled in him by his family. When his cousin immigrated from Cuba in the 90s, she was a patient at SJBC, attributing her access to healthcare to the generosity of the clinic.
“I remember her telling me how much that clinic meant to her,” Amaro recalls. “She had just arrived, didn’t have insurance, and didn’t know where to go. SJBC gave her care when she needed it most, and they treated her with kindness and compassion. That always stayed with me.”
Richard was later personally introduced to the clinic through his sister, who served as Project Manager for the Department of Community Service (DOCS) specialty clinic night. Through her involvement, he was able to see firsthand the work being done at SJBC and the impact it has on the community.
Our Visit to the Clinic
Richard Amaro, Co-Founder & Co-President, Viva Medicine
Amaro recalls feeling a sense of warmth at his first visit. “I immediately felt welcomed by everyone there. The environment itself felt inviting and purposeful. Even just being in the space, you could tell how much effort and care goes into making the clinic.”
Shadrach Waugh, Co-Founder & Co-President, Viva Medicine
“Visiting the clinic was really eye opening. It was inspiring to see how hard the staff worked to make sure patients had access to checkups, medications, and support programs. I could tell they genuinely cared, which showed me how much of a difference compassionate care can make.” — Shadrach Waugh
Clinic Impact
The St. John Bosco Clinic improves patients’ health and overall quality of life by providing comprehensive and accessible care. It helps patients manage chronic conditions, address health concerns early, and receive proper, timely treatment. By reducing barriers to medications, testing, and specialist referrals, the clinic makes care more manageable and consistent for patients. This support allows patients to stay on track with their health, better understand their conditions, and work toward more stable, long term outcomes.
Shaping Our Perspectives as Future Providers
Working with St. John Bosco Clinic has shaped how we see healthcare by showing us what it truly means to care for patients who do not always have access to it. It reminds us why we want to become physicians and pushes us to be more patient, understanding, and focused on serving the underserved. Our experience has reinforced the importance of community service in medicine, showing us that being a physician goes beyond treating illness. It means being actively involved in the community and advocating for those who need care the most. This has shaped how we see ourselves as future doctors, committed to serving the underserved and making a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.
