La Loma de Luz Adventist Hospital, Belize
La Loma de Luz Adventist Hospital
Santa Elena, Cayo District, Belize 
Summary
Belize is an especially attractive nation by virtue of its rain forests, huge Belize Barrier Reef, and close proximity to the United States. While incomes are low, its citizens are generally content and make their living from gardens and on sugar cane, pineapple and banana plantations. For health profession students, Belize offers a unique Latin American experience that does not require Spanish fluency.
La Loma de Luz Adventist Hospital is a general medical care facility that provides outpatient care, satellite clinics, obstetrics, and general surgery. Students from the United States, England and Australia frequently select the Hospital for their clinical experiences. Comfortable accommodations and a cafeteria are provided, along with a magnificent array of weekend diversions.
LocationBelize is located in Central America, east of Guatemala and south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The cool season is September through January, with rains in December and January. The hot season is February through August, with hurricane season in July and August. The community of Santa Elena is very near the border with Guatemala, directly west from Belize City on the Western Highway. The topography of Santa Elena is rain forest, with breaks of savannah, at an elevation of about 400 feet.
TransportationVisitors fly into Belize City, the capital of the country. Transportation from the Airport to La Loma de Luz Adventist Hospital may be via private taxi and then public bus, or via a hospital driver and car who can meet those whom are arriving. The trip from the Airport in Belize City to the Hospital is 85 miles. Pick up is not available on Saturdays, except in emergencies, so flights need to be scheduled accordingly.
Visa RequirementFor current information, please visit the Belize embassy website appropriate for your country. United States citizens are normally given a visitors visa at the airport upon arrival in Belize. Please visit http://www.embassyofbelize.org. All visitors to Belize are required, and should be prepared, to pay an airport tax in U.S. dollars when departing the country.
Traveler’s Health & SafetyPlease check the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx, and consult with your physician before traveling. Belize has few cases of malaria and most visitors do not take prophylactic medications.
Visitors are advised to 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
FacilitiesLa Loma de Luz Adventist Hospital is a general medical care facility opened in the 1970s that currently serves 3,200 regular patients. 40-60 outpatients are seen in the clinic each weekday, with 100-120 laboratory tests and 15-30 radiological tests performed daily. 1-2 major surgeries are performed each day, the most common being Cesarean sections, appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and herniorraphies. The hospital performs about 160 newborn deliveries each year. Several new satellite clinics in the outlying villages are being opened.
WebsiteDescriptions can be found at http://www.tagnet.org/mpi/lll.htm and http://www.llu.edu/news/scope/aut01/mission.html
PatientsMost patients coming to La Loma de Luz Adventist Hospital make a living by agriculture, either cultivating large home gardens or working in plantations that grow sugar cane, pineapples and bananas. The people of Belize are generally happy, with little sense of deprivation. Most people earn about $800 Belize dollars per month. Chronic disease, including hypertension and diabetes, are common, as are obstetrical complications.
Health Profession StaffThe medical staff includes a Guatemalan trained general surgeon, two Guatemalan trained obstetricians, one Guatemalan trained pediatrician, and a Cuban trained internal medicine specialist. An orthopedist, neurosurgeon, and rehabilitation specialist are available as needed. The hospital has a full-time pharmacist, but presently no dentist or dental services.
LanguagesEnglish is the most commonly spoken language in Belize. Fluency in Spanish is useful, but not essential.
Student ExperienceThe Hospital regularly receives students from several universities in the United States, England and Australia. Students accompany the medical staff throughout their duties in the clinics, hospital care, delivery and operating rooms, and on night duty. Students are encouraged to fully participate in patient care, depending upon the student’s skill and confidence.
Student BlogsJoshua & Ashley Durham
Student Lodging & MealsHousing is provided in the hospital complex in homes that have been converted to dormitories. These have private bathes, with bedding and towels provided. Vegetarian meals, an Adventist norm, are made available in a cafeteria to visiting students.
Outside CommunicationThe facility has satellite-based wireless Internet available. Most hospital computers also have Internet access, but it is preferable to bring one’s own laptop to access the wifi. Internet cafes are also available in the town. Telephone calls can readily be made using a locally-purchased phone card.
DiversionBelize has a fascinating assortment of attractions that can be visited on weekends or while traveling. These include Mayan ruins, caving, and camping. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, with easy access to swimming, skin diving and boating.
Facility SupportINMED 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.
DressIn light of the heat, most hospital personnel wear scrubs to work. Men wear long pants, and never a necktie. Women wear long pants and dress conservatively. Outside of work, short pants and tank tops commonly worn.
What To PackMost any item can be purchased in Belize. Visitors are encouraged to pack lightly and to leave to room pack souvenirs for the return trip.