Presbyterian Medical Clinic, Belize
Summary
The clinic is located in Belize, a small country on the Yucatan Peninsula just south of Mexico. Unlike the rest of Central America, English is the official language of Belize and is taught in schools. The Clinic is lead by American family physician, Dr. Wiley Smith, who served as faculty for a residency program prior to moving to Belize. His colleagues include two American RNs.
Students will have ample opportunity to interact with patients who have a variety of illnesses and needs, often ones related to poverty. Students will learn to rely heavily on history and physical exam, because diagnostic testing is very limited. Supervision and responsibility will be given to students according to their level of ability.
LocationPresbyterian Medical Clinic is located in the village of Patchakan in the northern most point of Belize, a small country on the Yucatan Peninsula just south of Mexico. The community a rural agricultural area dominated by Mayan people who largely subsist by growing sugar cane. Temperatures are moderate between December and February, hot and dry from March to June, and hot and rainy between July and November.
Transportation
Visitors fly into Belize City, with non-stop flights departing from Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami. A driver will pick up visitors at the airport for the two-hour drive to the clinic. Roads are rough, and so visitors prone to motion sickness may wish to pre-medicate.
Visa Requirement
Visitors from North America and Western Europe need only a valid passport to remain in Belize for up to one month. There is an exit tax of approximately US$37, which may or may not be paid as a part of one’s airline ticket.
Traveler’s Health & Safety
The greatest physical danger to visitors is motor vehicle accidents, and seatbelts should always be worn when traveling in Belize. Although malaria is rare, visitors are advised to consult with their personal physician regarding malaria prophylaxis. Insect repellant should be brought and worn, especially during the rainy season. Please check the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
Please regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel advisories: http://www.state.gov/travelandbusiness. Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding country specific travel information http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
Facility
Presbyterian Medical Clinic is an outpatient clinic opened in 1992 to serve the needs of residents of northern Belize, especially those that live in rural villages. The clinic is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Belize and Mission to the World, which is the international agency of the Presbyterian Church in America. The clinic serves people in need of all religions, ethnic groups and nationalities. The facility consists of two waiting rooms, four exam rooms, pharmacy, lab and a dental room. A home visitation service is available for patients who cannot come to the clinic.
Website
http://www.missionaryclinicbelize.org
Patients
The clinic provides primary care for approximately 7000 patients each year. Common health problems include diabetes, childhood infectious diseases, dermatological disorders and rarely “tropical” diseases. Patients arrive at the clinic by public transportation, private vehicle, and by catching a ride along the road. Although many patients speak English and are well educated, there are definite cultural distinctions. Mayans from the villages tend to be more emotionally reserved and quieter in group settings.
Medical Staff
The clinic is lead by an American family physician, Dr. Wiley Smith. He graduated from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and then a residency in family medicine at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu. Before retiring from the Army in 2000, he served in a variety of roles, including five years as faculty at a residency program. The clinic staff also includes two American RNs, and a national staff of about eight who provide support services.
Languages
English is the official language of Belize and is taught in schools. However, Spanish is the most common language for middle age to older village residents. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but the bilingual clinic staff can provide translation as needed.
Student Experience
Students will have ample opportunity to interact with patients who have a variety of illnesses and needs, often ones related to poverty. Students will learn to rely heavily on history and physical exam, because diagnostic testing is very limited. Supervision and responsibility will be given to students according to their level of ability.
Student Lodging & Meals
The clinic complex includes a kitchen, dining hall, and four bedrooms available for visitors. The buildings are not air-conditioned. If air conditioning is required, hotels are available seven miles away in Corozal Town. On weekdays, lunch is prepared and served by a Belizean cook. Visitors are provided with food to prepare other meals on their own. Restaurants are available in Corozal Town.
Outside Communication
The clinic is equipped with a broadband Internet connection that works most of the time. Students may use their own laptop computers, or use a computer supplied by the clinic. Regular telephone calls overseas are very expensive, while voice-over-internet calls (such as Skype) are possible at minimal cost.
Diversion
Nights and weekends are free time, and many people bring books to read. Weekends are usually free for journeys. Two popular destinations are the Mayan ruins at Lamanai and the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Island. The Lamanai tour leaves from Orange Walk town, involves a boat ride up a jungle river, and takes about 6 hours. The cost is around U.S. $40. San Pedro is famous for scuba and snorkeling about a beautiful coral reef. A short ride on a prop plane will take travelers from Corozal to San Pedro. Visitors are encouraged to attend church with the clinic staff on Sundays. Although the services are largely in Spanish, some English may be spoken for the sake of visitors.
Facility Support
INMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to donate to support the facility. This is not required but allows INMED participants to become involved in every aspect of medical missions.
Dress
Visitors should avoid wearing clothes with inappropriate slogans or pictures, such as profanity, sexual content, rock groups, tobacco, or beer advertisements. Please leave body-piercing jewelry at home.
Women: Dresses and skirts should be knee length or longer. Slacks should be modest and not tight fitting. Conservative shorts, for example 18″ shorts or near the knee are acceptable. Likewise, tops should be modest (not tight-fitting or low necklines). Tank tops should only be worn at home and never in mixed company. Tops and pants/skirt combination should not leave the abdomen exposed. Bathing suits are to be conservative one-piece suits. When swimming with a group, one may be asked to wear shorts and a tee shirt over the swimsuit.
Men: Slacks, tee shirts, polo shirts, short sleeve dress shirts, and conservative shorts - near knee length - are appropriate. Swimwear should be conservative as well. One may be asked to wear a tee shirt when swimming with a group, such as a youth group from a local church.
Church Attire
Women: Attire should consist of dresses or skirts below the knee, with shoulders covered. No spaghetti straps.
Men: Long pants with a collared shirt.
Clinic Attire
Women: Surgical scrubs or uniforms should be worn at the clinic. However, a skirt and short sleeve blouse is also acceptable. Lab coats are not necessary and not desirable due to the heat in Belize.
Men: Scrubs or slacks with a short sleeve collared shirt are acceptable. Lab coats are not necessary.
What To Pack
Visitors should pack light. A washing machine is available at the clinic. Bring sunscreen, insect repellant, favorite snacks, reading materials. Visitors can also help tremendously by gathering medicines and supplies that are listed on the clinic website to bring along with them. There are no restrictions to bringing in medicines to the country, except that they must not be expired.