San Francisco de Macorís is sometimes considered the third largest city in the Dominican Republic and also the capital of the Duarte Province. It has had a very active role in the shaping of Dominican history, as it is known as one of, if not the most, politically active cities in the country. It is located in the northeast portion of the island. The city was founded in 1777. The city is a commercial and processing center for the cacao, coffee, fruits, rice, beeswax, and hides produced in the hinterland. It is served by a short local railroad and by several secondary highways. The population in 2004 was estimted to be 132,700. The region is served by one hospital San Vincente de Paul.

The University of Florida students who attended the DR SALUD trip have a partnership with the Universidad de Catolica Nortesdano. The trip comprised of four medical faculty from UF, medical students, nursing students, pharmacy students and one qualitative researcher and translator. Over 2500 patients were treated in surrounding communities; La Maiga, Bijao Fuera de San Francisco, La Boca, and Santa Luisa. One day was spent in the more urban area called Pimentel who all the students in the same location based in a clinic and the pharmacy set up in a nearby church.