RVUCOM Faculty Member Leads Guatemalan Medical Outreach

Guatemala Receptionphotos courtesy of outreach volunteer
Jean Claude Guardia and Dr. Camille Bentley

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.

RVUCOM Community Medicine Chair Dr. Camille Bentley returned from her 14th 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 10-day 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.

This year was a lot different than previous years, said Dr. Bentley.

Guatemala Girls“When we arrived at the airport, we were greeted by photographers, video cameras and the first lady of Guatemala’s personal assistant,” she said. “It was the first time they publicly recognized our efforts.”

Several days after arriving in Guatemala, the group, made up of 20 health care providers, 15 students and nine community volunteers, were welcomed into the country during a press conference and ceremony conducted by the country’s first lady, Sandra Torres de Colom.

“She thanked us for coming to the country and she expressed the great need for Guatemalan medical care,” said Dr. Bentley. “As the wife of the newly elected president of the republic, she is making health care one of her top priorities.”

While in Guatemala, the group of medical volunteers traveled around the area visiting some of the most remote areas of the country. They saw and treated up to 23 patients a day, often in makeshift clinics.

“Occasionally there is a healthcare center available, but we usually end up working out of school buildings and community centers,” said Dr. Bentley.

This is RVUCOM’s inaugural year as a chapter of DO Care International, but outreach 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.

“We always need donations,” said Dr. Bentley. “We use the money to purchase medications, supplies and items to help improve the Guatemalans’ quality of life, such as multi-vitamins, over-the-counter medications, shampoo, lotion, soap and towels.”

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.