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Reflections from a Medical Student That Went to Belize

When most people think of Belize , C.A. they imagine a tropical paradise – shady beaches and outstanding reefs for SCUBA diving.  While Belize does boast these features, there is much more to the country of Belize than its cayes; this I know after my experience at the Hillside Clinic in Punta Gorda.  I am a 4^th year medical student at the University of Washington in Seattle.  As part of my elective curriculum, I chose to pursue an international medical experience through the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Before working in the Hillside Clinic, I had never been to Belize , or anywhere in Central America for that matter.  Although I did my reading, nothing could prepare me for the eye-opening experience that was in store for me!

The clinic is located 5 miles outside the  small town of Punta Gorda (“PG”) in Southern Belize.  This location is ideal, for we are able to care for the people of PG, as well as venture out and help rural villagers.  The clinic is situated in dense, tropical rainforest on a gravel road.  Temperatures range from 80 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit and drenching, episodic storms are common.

One of the most striking things about Belizeans is their rich ethnic diversity.  The people we care for are Creole, Mayan and Ketchi Indian, Garifuna, East Indian, Hispanic, Mennonite, and Chinese… each group uniquely beautiful and fascinating.  The everyday challenges Belizeans face seem endless – many live in primitive homes without electricity or a clean water supply, and many face financial hardships.  The tropical environment presents unique medical concerns for patients, such as parasite infections, malaria, Dengue fever, insect and animal bites/stings and trauma.  On any given day, I might find myself extracting a tick or roach from the ear of a child who sleeping in a feed sack on a dirt floor, or suturing a gash on a farmer’s foot from the blade of his machete.

Our medical efforts seem to go a long way – from basic patient education on hygiene and nutrition, to antibiotics to treat infections, simple remedies for asthma, clean dressing supplies for wounds and proper equipment to examine patients.  Nothing goes unused or unappreciated here.  I will never forget the mobile clinic we held in San Jose, a rural Ketchi village reached after a grueling 2 ½ hour drive on a rugged dirt/rock road.  By noon, we had examined over 50 patients, and used ALL of the supplies in our medical kit.

I have been impressed by the warmth and gratitude of the people served.  Nothing compares to how I feel when I can help comfort a family in need.  As I reflect on the time I spent in Belize , two things stand out in my mind.  First, I have come to appreciate, firsthand, the challenges that people face living in a developing nation – and that, in fact, this is how most of our global population lives.  Second, I have renewed my commitment to service.  After endless studying and hundreds of exams, it is easy for a medical student to lose sight of her initial draw to the service aspect of medicine. 

This experience – the immediate impact one person can make on the life of another – and how reciprocal it is, has redirected my energies at a critical time in my career.  I thank Hillside Healthcare Center and the Medical College of Wisconsin for making the experience possible, and even more importantly, I thank the people of Belize for revealing to me the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

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