O U R F O U N D E R

Meet Dr. Eugene.

When you ask Dr. Eugene Maklin why he does what he does, he will likely smile his characteristic, joyful smile, and say, “to serve my country.”

Tracing through his story, it becomes clear that this has always been on Dr. Eugene’s heart. In high school, he remembers the moment he decided to become a doctor; while reading a paper, he learned that, in Haiti, there was on average 1 doctor for every 10,000 people.

“I thought, ‘No! There is such a big need. I knew I needed to become a doctor to better serve my country,” he said.

In May of 2014, I went with my boyfriend on a trip to northern Haiti, as he shadowed a doctor he had previously met in the clinics for an internship he was doing. I brought my camera along, hoping to capture some pictures along the way. During my time there, I was so impressed by Dr. Maklin not only as a physician but as a servant to his community. Haiti isn't an easy place to live, and it would be so easy for Dr. Maklin to come to the US with his family, where he would make a better salary and work in better conditions. But Dr. Maklin shows how much he cares for his fellow Haitians by his choice to stay. In a place where people are constantly coming and going to bring help, I love the Dr. Maklin stays for the long haul. He doesn't see himself and his degree as being superior to his fellow Haitians, but uses it as an opportunity to serve them. This is what being a doctor is truly about. Music licensed by The Music Bed "Two" by Analog Heart

Video created by Regan Elizabeth Films

This is exactly what he did. Dr. Eugene studied medicine at Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince and graduated with his Doctorate in Medicine. Today, he has been practicing medicine for twelve years, serving in the Northern region of Haiti. In addition to providing medical care, you can easily find Dr. Eugene supporting plenty of other community causes:  cholera prevention, clean water wells, medical training, and mobile clinics. Most recently, he worked to build New Hope Hospital, which provides care for over 250,000 Haitians who otherwise would not have easy access to medical care.

 
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Dr. Eugene’s fierce commitment to his country and his people can be seen in every aspect of his life. Many of his peers from medicine school leave Haiti, and he has been offered an opportunity to practice medicine in the U.S., Canada, or Europe multiple times. Each time, he turns them down.

“I love my country and it is my commitment to keep serving my fellow Haitians,” he said.

Most shockingly, in December of 2018, Dr. Eugene was shot in both arms by a group of men aiming to bring negativity against the hospital. He was in danger of losing use of his arms without immediate surgery. Thanks to your support, Partners 4 New Hope was able to arrange an emergency flight to the U.S. where he underwent surgery by wonderful US doctors and Novant Healthcare System to save his arms.

After he recovered, he was back on a plane to Haiti to keep working.

“Everything I do, I do to make people have a better life in Haiti. I will serve them whatever it cost me. Whatever it cost.”
— Dr. Eugene Maklin

“When I say I’m going back to Haiti, some of my friends say, ‘No!’” Dr. Eugene said, laughing. “But everything I do, I do to make people have a better life in Haiti. I will serve them whatever it cost me. Whatever it cost.”

Dr. Eugene is constantly looking for others with a heart to support his beloved home country of Haiti. Join him in empowering Haiti by clicking the button below.

You can also stay updated on Dr. Eugene’s work by joining the “Friends of Dr. Maklin” Facebook page, here.

Join Dr. Eugene
Join Dr. Eugene