Final Traveler Reflection

Project & Host Organization Overview

During my time in Belize my partnering organization, InternHQ, introduced me to the Belizean Ministry of Health which I directly communicated with throughout my internship in Belize. The major facility I volunteered with was the San Ignacio Community Hospital which is a facility owned by the Belizean government and is a public hospital. Public hospitals provide free-of-charge services as a result of taxpayer dollars. The hospital resources range from general consults, specialty visits, radiology, and pharmacy. I was able to learn from many different departments during my time here and experience the challenges regarding technology and access in Belize. While interning at the San Ignacio Community Hospital I was able to rotate through emergency medicine, maternity, primary care, pharmacy, public health, and social work. I was made aware of the major crises in Belize and the efforts being made for their citizens. Not only that, but I was able to work with physicians from other countries which only expanded my understanding of healthcare from a global view. The most humbling thing I experienced in Belize as a hospital intern, was seeing my patients outside of the hospital and being approached and spoken to with kindness. Additionally, having the medical directors from the Belizean Ministry of Health tell me that I can come back to their facilities at anytime was beyond what I ever imagined.

Other organizations I partnered with along the way also included the Octavia Waight Help Age center which expanded my knowledge into geriatrics and even more so, I was able to connect my field of specialty in neuroscience to many patients that had neurological conditions. I also volunteered at the Victorious Nazarene School during my stay in Belize which allowed me to give local students a lesson on health and encourage them to look into a career in the medical field. Mary Open Doors was the local shelter I was able to learn community-needs from and give out basic medical supplies as well as healthy food throughout the district. The Santa Elena Library serves the local children in the San Ignacio and Santa Elena area by not only providing literature, but having after school programs and activities. I was graciously invited to attend and meet the children and staff of this library through their after school activities.

Cultural & Community Insights

The culture in Belize reminded me very closely to my own. Being able to freely speak in both my languages (English and Spanish) interchangeably and being seeing as a physician in Belize due to my bachelor of science degree was a very unique experience I had never encountered before in my life. The cultural influence in Belize is both Latin and Caribbean which I did not expect. When you think of a melting pot of cultures and customs, Belize should be one of the first few countries you have in mind. Their infrastructure reminded me very closely of the Dominican Republic, but it was also very influenced by nearby countries and people who have immigrated into Belize such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

The community in Belize is very loving and close knit to each other. Since there is only a population of about 400,000, it is very likely that whoever you meet knows someone else you know or may very well be related to them. As soon as I integrated myself to the community, I felt included and loved. Even after leaving I have kept communicating with my Belizean family! This, of course, made it very hard to leave because it felt as if I was leaving a piece of me behind. Even my last visit to immigration for my visitor renewal consisted of the immigration officers asking if I was sure I wanted to leave Belize or if I wanted them to help me obtain residency.

When I first arrived in Belize, I had immediate culture shock. The infrastructure is not similar to the United States and for the first couple days I wondered how I would get used to limited supplies in store and the humidity. However, after a week of living in Belize, everything became normal to me. Occasional water and electricity outages and limited access to air conditioning became second nature.

Key Experiences & Stories

There are so many moments in Belize that were beyond meaningful to me that I cherish. One of the most beautiful experiences I had was gaining an entire family within the community. Everyone treated me and acted like I had always lived in our little San Ignacio, overlooking that I was new and temporary. I was constantly taken care of and celebrated by the community around me. I even created an amazing relationship with a resident at Octavia Waight that became my Belizean grandma! Another thing I am grateful for are my friends that I gained during my stay in Belize. Whether it be a cake on my birthday, stopping by to check in. or helping me fight being home sick- my friends always showed up for me. Friends and family in a new country not only shaped my time abroad- but it also made it hard to leave.

Growth & Learning

My time in Belize allowed me to not only experience healthcare across new departments, but also gave me the opportunity to understand healthcare from a global perspective. Physician and supply shortages to a greater extreme are the reality other countries face that has became their normality. Seeing this new perspective will allow me to not only be grateful for the amount of resources we have in the USA, but to maximize on our resources and someday help our neighboring countries with much needed aid. Personally, living in Belize was a healing experience for me, living a new type of life where time slows down and you are surrounded by people that love you constantly was a healing journey that I didn’t even know I needed.

Impact & Outcomes

The impact of my work is seen within the community. During my time in Belize many locals told me that my heart for service was seen by everyone and that it would take me very far in life, especially in healthcare. The outcomes of my project were my patients finally getting answers and relief to their medical diagnoses. I was able to firsthand help diagnose patients and prescribe medications that would significantly impact their quality of life. Whether it be diabetes, heart disease, dengue, seizures or amputations. I was part of lifelong change as well as acute intervention for hundreds of people’s lives during this time.

Recommendations For Future Travelers

To future travelers, I encourage you to enjoy every moment in the country you end up in. When you first arrive, it may seem like long ways away to return home, but the reality is the time will slip away and you will be wanting to stay longer. Grow roots in your new community, make lifelong relationships with locals, and don’t be afraid to be in a new environment with new people. The world is yours.

Photos

We had an adventure day on a Sunday during my time in Belize and visited Aguacate lagoon in Spanish Lookout which is one of the most industrialized communities in Belize.

My closest friends (left to right): Taneisha, Arlen, and Jose

Being included, and local friends wanting you to see the beauty in the country they call home not only holds significance, but value in your friendship.

Getting to serve such a beautiful community and being recognized as the “doctor” from the hospital was one of the most heart felt moments I had during my time in Belize. Being able to learn by serving a community through healthcare was such a great experience and truly showed me how much having a heart for service can impact your life.

My Belizean grandma, with endless hugs and never ending advice regarding life. She was one of the biggest reasons I looked forward to visiting the Octavia Waight center.

My local friends, setting apart time to get to know me and spend time with me.

Walks. So many walks during my time in Belize. This is one of my favorite photos walking because it shows that no matter the season or climate, walking is a normality in Belize- but it also brings us joy.

Having a seat at the table, this is a heavy one. During thanksgiving I was invited to a friendsgiving lunch with many of my local friends. Even though I was not able to spend the holiday with my family, there was a seat at the table for me thousands of miles away from home. Not only was this a sweet gesture, but it brought me peace knowing that wherever I go, there are people who care about me.

The hospital, where I met all of my mentors and met hundreds of patients. Although everyone told me it must be small compared to what I’m used to, this little building does so much for the community and being a part of it for a little while was significant to my life.

Normality, adapting to a new normality in a new country far away that is also very different from your own can seem scary and challenging at times, but having an open mind and willing heart will transform your life. My time in Belize not only gave me a global perspective on healthcare and community, it opened the doors to a new reality.