September 2022 Guatemala Surgical/Dental Mission
September 4 – September 11, 2022

We are extremely excited to announce that we are returning to Guatemala to continue our efforts to improve the lives of the citizens and the hospital conditions in Amatitlan.  Due to the Covid pandemic, our last formal surgical/dental mission to Amatitlan was March 2020.  The hospital and its staff were particularly hard hit due to the severe paucity of PPE’s, medications, ventilators and available hospital beds.  Happily, the situation has improved dramatically and our return visit has been scheduled for September 2022.  Guatemala is rich in history and tradition and the people are warm and inviting; it is the only Central American country where the indigenous population is in the majority.  The country is stunningly beautiful with 18 ecosystems and over 300 different micro climates which include beautiful mountains, lush jungles, black sand volcanic beaches, and several active volcanoes in the area where we will practice.

We have been working in the Nacional Hospital de Amatitlan since 2015 and have made many wonderful friendships and have demonstrated our commitment to the community.  The Mayor and hospital administration are very open and inviting and very appreciative of our efforts.  We have been able to identify the needs of the patients and hospital and have sent several large shipments of equipment and materials that have helped improve the conditions in the wards and the operating rooms as well as the lives of the patients in Amatitlan.  Our previous missions have been incredibly rewarding; much of the fulfillment we experience comes from seeing the immense appreciation of the patients for the care they receive.  We are in particular need of Gynecologists, Orthopedic and General Surgeons and Dentists as well as OR Nurses and Surgical Technicians.  There is ample opportunity for non-medical volunteers to participate as well.

We invite you to assist us in caring for these very special people of Guatemala

Itinerary

Sunday, September 4^rd :  Arrive Guatemala City and travel by coach to our hotel in Amatitlan. We will stay in the beautiful, eclectic Hotel Kawilal.  Visit the hospital to meet patients identified by our advance team.  Welcome Dinner.

Monday – Thursday, September 5^th – 8^th : Surgical days.

Friday – Saturday, September 9^th – 10^th : Check out of hotel, round on patients and sign out to hospital staff.   Travel to the colonial city of Antiqua and check in to the Camino Real, a 5 star hotel.  This is a free day and day trips can be arranged to visit the majestic and magical Mayan ruins of Tikal, the black volcanic sand beaches at Soleil Pacifico or the still very active Volcan Pacaya.  Perhaps you’d rather spend your day lounging by the pool or take the day exploring the nooks and crannies and cathedral ruins in the beautiful city of Antigua.  Farewell dinner at the Casa de Santo Domingo, a beautiful hotel built on and incorporating the ruins of a 16th century monastery. 

Sunday, September 11^th : Leave Guatemala for the United States.  Many members elect to stay an extra day or so to enjoy Antigua.

Mission Fee $1,450.  Includes all in-country travel, transfers, lodging, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, tips, fees, medical supplies and medications.

I assure you that you will leave Guatemala longing to return at your first opportunity!  I look foward to having you join us on this very rewarding mission!

Ed Atwell, M.D,
ed@moramerica.com
atwelle@gmail.com
(770) 655-5268