Guatemalan Medical Outreach

Guatemala 2009

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine is working to not only change the lives of the medically underserved in the state of Colorado, it is also transforming the health of more than 900 people living in a country 2,000 miles away.

Guatemala GirlsRVUCOM Community Medicine Chair Dr. Camille Bentley returned from her 15th medical outreach trip to Guatemala in January where she worked with healthcare providers, students and volunteers to help meet the medical needs of Mayan villagers living near Lake Atitlan.

The group of outreach volunteers came together for the trip though the efforts of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and DO Care International NFP, a non-profit organization comprised of member volunteers who provide and support the delivery of needed health care to indigent and isolated people.

While in Guatemala, the group of medical volunteers traveled around the area visiting some of the most remote areas of the country, seeing patients, often in makeshift clinics.

Working in 2 teams, the group saw almost 900 patients. The towns visited have populations ranging from 300-12,000 and included Santa Catarina, San Antonio Palopo, El Sucun/Maria del Carmen, Patanatic, Xejuyu I, Xequistel, San Jose Chacaya and Agua Escondida. Most of the people receive health care from a public health physician who visits the area once a month for a few hours, which is typical for the locations the group visited. All stops are by invitation and visited in conjunction with the contact organization at Lake Atitlan, Asociación Caminar.

Guatemala 2009Outreach events such as this one are an integral part of the University's mission and the University hopes to support trips to Guatemala and other international locations annually.

Volunteers who participate in the trips not only pay their own way, but also help secure funds to purchase medications and supplies to be brought into the country.

The outreach program can always use donations which are used to purchase medications and supplies such as multi-vitamins, over-the-counter medications, shampoo, lotion, soap and towels. These items help improve the Guatemalans’ quality of life.

For more information about RVUCOM’s Guatemalan Outreach Program or to make a donation, contact Dr. Camille Bentley at (303) 373-2008 or e-mail her at cbentley@rockyvistauniversity.org.