Gap Year Medical Fellows: Pre-Med/Global Health Program in Belize
- Belize
- San Ignacio
About Program
The Medical Fellows program gives recent graduates the opportunity to work alongside physicians, nurses and community health workers while experiencing the challenges and opportunities present in global settings.
The program is meant for college graduates interested in volunteering abroad in underserved healthcare settings. Fellows live and work in Belize but will travel occasionally to Guatemala and the USA. Our programs start in the summer and last 12 months or longer.
GPSA works in the villages around San Ignacio in the Cayo district. While English is the official language of the country, many families speak their mother tongue at home (e.g. Spanish, Maya, Kriol). Traditional Mayan medicine is very common in Cayo district and participants will likely have the opportunity to learn about it and visit medicinal gardens that exhibit a variety of native plants. Fellows will provide free health services to Belizean people, who are tremendously hospitable and courteous.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Get first-hand experience addressing health disparities in underserved areas
- Receive training, deliver medical care and implement health projects
- Be a leader and and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals
- Dive into the local culture and language, receive language training and live with a host family
- Work at local health center alongside community health workers, nurses and doctors.
