Clinics and Community: Our Medical Brigade in Guatemala

Publication Date

2026

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

Each year, Belmont Global Medical Brigades partners with underserved communities in Central America to provide medical care and health education to people with limited access to healthcare. During our recent brigade to Guatemala, a team of 53 Belmont students and faculty members worked alongside local healthcare professionals to set up student-led medical clinics, serving hundreds of patients in rural communities. This presentation will explore the year of preparation that makes a medical brigade possible, the partnerships that make it happen, and the impact it has on both patients and volunteers.

Drawing from our recent brigade to Guatemala, I will discuss how the Belmont team prepared to serve in rural communities. The presentation will cover the logistical planning required to organize a brigade, including volunteer training, fundraising, medical preparation, collaboration with local healthcare providers, and more. I will also share what a typical clinic day looks like, from patient intake and triage to consultations with doctors and the distribution of medications.

In addition to discussing the number of patients treated and the services provided, this talk will highlight the importance of sustainable care. Through stories from the clinic and reflections from the team, I will explore how experiences like these help deepen our understanding of global health inequity. Ultimately, this presentation aims to give a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to build a medical brigade and the lessons learned along the way.

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