Medical Fellow

My 13 months with GPSA taught me so much about myself and the world that I live in. I grew immensely and learned about Global Health through real world experience all while learning/practicing my Spanish.

The staff at GPSA is extremely supportive and really took any requests or suggestions to heart. They are all super caring people who want the best for both the program and Medical Fellows.

My host family was absolutely amazing. I lived in an indigenous community with a large family that included 10 grandchildren all under the age of 10 years. My relationship with my host family is something I will cherish my whole life and already can not wait to return to visit them (or maybe even for them to visit me).

My social scene consisted mostly of other Medical Fellows, Peace Corps Volunteers and Guatemalan natives. We would either meet up and spend time together in Xela or go on weekend trips (often times hiking and camping). However, Medical Fellows definitely have a lot of down time so I would recommend bringing books or other materials for hobbies (ie paints, yarns, tennis racket, soccer ball etc.)

In terms of work, the Medical Fellow will spend time working with a local, government-run clinic in their town. This is where initiative from the part of the Medical Fellow is really imperative. GPSA with introduce you to clinic staff and your main point of contact will be the clinic's Rural Health Technician. Your work will vary day to day- sometimes it will be taking blood pressure or height and weight of babies and other days it will be assisting with hygiene education in local schools or assisting with rural vaccination campaigns. Sometimes, you will not have a job unless you make one for yourself and projects will only get done if initiate them. Apart from this, Medical Fellows work week-long programs with high-school students. These are much more fast-paced, and you will be expected to live with, and mentor and teach these students.

Overall, I would definitely recommend being a Medical Fellow with GPSA. I was able to make connections from people all over the world as well as travel to Belize and West Virginia. My Spanish greatly improved with the Spanish lessons provided and of course speaking it with my host family and at work everyday.