Caring beyond our borders

Nine nursing students, under the leadership of Dr. Rhonda Goodman, recently saw 530 patients in two Guatemalan communities as part of their study abroad program. While working in partnership with non-government organizations, such as Nursing Heart, Inc. and being supervised by practicing physicans in Guatemala, these students set up rural health clinics in El Sauce and San Antonio Aguas Calientes, and provided medical care to patients ranging in age from newborn to 101 years old. Along with providing primary care services, the students screened approximately 200 women for cervical cancer. They learned about the healthcare practices of the indigenous Guatemala Maya population and the social determinants of health in Guatemala. Dr. Goodman will return to Guatemala in December with 18 students, who will conduct school health and wellness checks at two schools and a foot care clinic. What a wonderful experience!