Medical groups come to San Lucas Mission to volunteer, learn and participate in the cross-cultural experience the mission offers.
Working alongside Guatemalans and observing the local culture, groups learn about the Mission clinic, rural healthcare program, and healthcare in Guatemala.
Volunteer Work
Medical volunteers, after orientation and a tour of the programs, accompany a team of Health Promoters into the communities. Medical teams eat breakfast at the Mission and pack a lunch to carry with them to the communities they’re visiting. A Health Promoter will meet you at the Mission, and transportation will be provided to the clinic where medications/supplies for the day can be prepared and picked. Then you will be transported to one of the surrounding communities.
It is required that medical groups bring a licensed physician and observe physician-student ratio protocols in order to provide medical service in the communities.
Surgical groups are based in the clinic and need to coordinate their visit through the Healthcare Committee and Dr. Tun.
Language
Interpreters can be provided, although many groups choose to bring their own. Visitors are not required to speak Spanish, although being able to converse with Guatemalans – particularly in a medical context – will greatly facilitate the experience. Remember that Spanish will be the second language for most, therefore Health Promoters will be available to translate from Spanish to Kaqchickel when needed.
Medical Supplies
Medications for your time in San Lucas, need to be either brought to Guatemala or purchased through the clinic prior to your trip. We will need to share details of the medications, amount and expiration dates with the clinic to facilitate bringing them into the country.
Room & Board
Groups stay in one of the many hotels in the San Lucas area. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are eaten at the mission. All volunteers and staff members share meals. WiFi is readily available.
Contribution
Visiting groups are asked to offer a donation of $100/day per professional and $65/day per student. This pays for room and board at the Mission, transportation to and from the airport in Guatemala City, and costs associated with the medical infrastructure required to host your group (daily transportation, promoters, administration costs at the clinic, etc). Money can be exchanged in the Mission Office with a personal check.
Pre-Arrival Orientation
Cultural sensitivity and openness to the local culture is paramount in ensuring that this cross-cultural experience is as fruitful and as mutually dignifying as possible. New groups are required to connect with Dr. Paul Wise of the Healthcare Committee to receive an orientation and ensure volunteer requirements are met. Returning groups are encouraged to connect to with the Healthcare Committee.
It is recommended that medical volunteers come with an open mind and willingness to do a variety of medical activities – needs of the Mission healthcare program vary from season to season and groups should plan to be flexible, humble, and open to learning.
Travel Information: Up-to-date information about traveling to and from Guatemala can be found at the Department of State’s Guatemalan Travel Information Page.