What’s KORE Haiti? A non-profit organization based in Haiti started by future physicians Dany Accilien, Stevenson Chery and Samuel Jean-Baptiste. Follow as the founders (who are in their third year of rotation at Florida International University’s Medical School) discuss their organization, its mission, and why they started it in the first place.

Kreyolicious: How did KORE Haiti come about?
SAMUEL JEAN-BAPTISTE: KORE Haiti Inc came about because three students, Dany, Sam and Stevenson, shared a common passion for helping our people. Having all spent several years of our childhood in Haiti, we knew the dire medical needs of the population because we lived those circumstances. We wanted to apply the medical knowledge we learn in the US to help our own people. We did not have many alternatives in terms of organized medical mission trip to Haiti. We started discussing the option of organizing our own mission trip in December of 2014. We decided to carve our own path where there was none. We recruited the help of Projects for Haiti, another community based non-profit focused on education. We used them as a medium to provide medical care to the Cap-Haitian community where they did not have a local hospital. In the first trip in spring of 2015, we were able to see and treat 368 patients in two days with 17 volunteers.

When we came back, there was a general consensus that we had to do more. We felt it was our duty. Soon after, we founded KORE Haiti Inc as a 501(c)3. We realized that we could accomplish more in terms of a lasting impact as an organization representing an idea as opposed to individuals who shared a passion.

Kreyolicious: At this point, do you feel that most of the goals you have for it have been achieved?
SAM JEAN-BAPTISTE: Although we have had a considerable impact on the health of several communities in Haiti, we still feel there is a great deal left unaddressed. We want to accomplish more than just providing medical care to communities. We want to empower them to manage their own health and this is a process we know will take time. That is why education is a major component of our mission.

Kreyolicious: The word Kore means to support in Creole. What role do teams play in the success of the organization?
STEVENSON CHERY: Teamwork is at the core of our philosophy as an organization. From the beginning, we, as founders, understood the importance of working together in order to achieve our goals. That is why we worked with many established partners in the areas that we seek to provide help. Furthermore, it is essential to come together as a team during our mission trips to be effective and efficient. Thus, our mission team members go through an application and interview before being selected to travel with us. We look for people who value and understand the importance of teamwork.

Kreyolicious: Have you come across any obstacles?
DANY ACCILIEN: All three of our founding members, as well as many of our board members, are either pursuing graduate degrees or developing their own businesses. The main obstacle has been finding a way to coordinate all the things necessary to progress the organization while everyone is attending to their education. With the support of family, friends, and an amazing group, we’ve been able to overcome the issue of time management and coordination .

Kreyolicious: What are you most proud of?
DANY ACCILIEN: When we meet young individuals, whether through educational programs or clinics, we hope to instill the idea that it’s possible to become whatever you’d like in life. A number of children have told us that after seeing people who come from their own country returning and doing such great things, they too wish to become physicians, nurses, engineers, and educators in order to improve the country. It’s difficult to be prouder than that upon hearing such statements. It’s truly been a blessing.

[Photos: KORE Haiti]

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It’s almost as if it was a given that Nadeige Elie would create a medically-related venture if she ever became an entrepreneur. Growing up, the New Jersey-born student was surrounded by relatives who worked in the healthcare industry. The daughter of Haitian immigrant parents, Elie herself became a nurse and is now a key player in the multi-million dollar luxury medical concierge industry as the founder and CEO of California-based Vie Cachee. Vie Cachee has offices in Vienna and Dubai, and in addition to Los Angeles, the firm has offices in Florida and New York.

Kreyolicious: How did your company take shape?
The concept of my company, Vie Cachee, was first inspired by an experience I had, as a patient. At that point, I came to understand the importance of patient advocacy and having a knowledgeable support system to ensure you get the standard of care you are entitled to. During my hospitalization, my loved ones were always there to monitor the nurses’ interactions with me, they would intervene on my behalf in the event that the professionals were rendering sub-par care. There was a certain level of respect that the nurses and physicians had for me as a patient, knowing I came from a medical background and had my knowledgeable loved ones present to advocate for me and safeguard my health. Vie Cachee provides the ability for our clients to take control of their health and to have input in their treatment options. We also serve as support for loved ones, aiding our busy clients in protecting their children, aging parents, and ill family members. As a parent, being unable to be everywhere at once, we ensure your family is given the best care available. For example, my mother, a nurse, would take my child to the doctor’s office when I was unable. Having a knowledgeable and trustworthy support system is paramount. We are the knowledgeable family member.

Kreyolicious: What shepreneurs do you look up to?
Oprah Winfrey. She is compassionate, but still strong-willed. She sets a standard and expects her team to see it through without any compromise. She encourages the growth of others, providing them with opportunities to meet their highest potential. She see’s greatness around her and cultivates it. I am always in favor of leaving the world a far better place than the way I found it, and extending that same fortune to others.

Kreyolicious: Books are a great source of motivation for entrepreneurs. Which books and authors have inspired you in your journey?
T.D. Jakes, particularly one of his latest works, Destiny. I find him inspirational. His approach is not typically from a Biblical brow-beating stance, but rather from a very personable and honest standpoint. He seems to find a way to reach people where ever they may be presently in life, and guiding their growth from that point. He speaks to inspire greatness, and empower those listening. He never uses faith in a way to diminish other’s sense of self-worth, but to encourage confidence through his teachings.

Kreyolicious: What counsel do you have for an aspiring medical industry entrepreneur?
Allow the realization that we all inevitably become patients at some point in our lives to become your driving force, enabling you to push past your moments of discomfort, fear, and anxiety. You may be tired, but consider as to whether you would allow that excuse from someone when you’re not receiving the care you deserve. Compassion is what motivates me to get out of bed at 3 am to personally establish care plans for my clients, it’s what drives me to be uncompromising in the quality of care and attention to every last detail. The genuine concern for the well-being of our clients is the force behind Vie Cachee’s success.

Kreyolicious: Do you think that entrepreneurship is easier this century, compared with the other centuries before us?
Definitely. We are in the age of the self-taught, a path typically stridden by entrepreneurs. As a generation, to have access to such a wide span of knowledge is unprecedented. The amount of knowledge available is only surpassed by reach and influence. This age, albeit taken for granted, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Kreyolicious: Technology plays a big role in Vie Cachee?
Yes. Although we are an entity with viable presence and real employees, we are technology-based. Our entire business model is formed around accessibility. The only way we could possibly cater to an international client base is via the latest advancements in technology. All it takes is a phone call.

Kreyolicious: Is it hard “living” while running a business? How do you create balance?
What is this “balance” you speak of?

Kreyolicious: Hah!
All jokes aside, entrepreneurs must have an understanding of creating work life balance, emphasis on the term “creating”. You’re no good to others if you neglect yourself.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE OF MEDICAL CONCIERGE FIRM VIE CACHEE.

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