Travel, Volunteer, Learn
Travel, Volunteer, Learn
Students will work under the direct supervision of licensed Guatemalan physicians and with oversight from Tufts faculty. The program emphasizes primary care delivery in underserved communities, with a focus on:
Chronic disease management (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)
Infectious diseases
Maternal and infant health
Social determinants of health
Beyond clinic work, students will also engage in home visits, community outreach, and culturally sensitive patient education. This immersive experience is designed to build clinical skills, strengthen cross-cultural communication, and foster a deep understanding of global health challenges.
The Tufts Global Health Elective in Guatemala is designed to:
Strengthen clinical skills in primary care delivery within low-resource, underserved communities.
Deepen understanding of the burden of disease in marginalized populations and the role of local context in healthcare access.
Promote ethical engagement through collaboration with Guatemalan health providers and community leaders.
Encourage reflection on health disparities, public health systems, and issues of social justice in healthcare.
By the end of the 4-week rotation, students will be able to:
Perform complete patient histories and clinical assessments.
Apply clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses suited for low-resource settings.
Identify and manage common conditions in the region (hypertension, diabetes, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications).
Understand the local referral system and its limitations.
Students will also:
Participate in community-based care through supervised home visits.
Analyze how social determinants of health (income, access to care, literacy, community context) influence outcomes.
Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and openness to local practices.
Collaborate effectively with Guatemalan health professionals and community members.
Reflect on ethical dilemmas encountered in global health service delivery.
Identify systemic challenges affecting health equity in low- and middle-income countries.
Analyze the impact of poverty, language barriers, and access to care on patient outcomes.
Strive to enhance adaptability, resilience, and build a strong professional identity in global health.
Students participate in full-time, supervised clinical activities Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The program is designed for meaningful immersion in both clinical and community health settings.
Clinic Days (4 per week): Students join Guatemalan physicians at the nonprofit health center in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas. Activities include patient intake, supervised assessments, case reviews, and collaborative care planning.
Home Visits (1 per week): Students conduct supervised home visits to patients unable to attend the clinic due to mobility, chronic illness, or economic barriers. These visits provide valuable insights into family dynamics, living conditions, and public health challenges.
Inpatient Rotation (upcoming): Pending availability, students may rotate at a regional hospital (Internal Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN, Pediatrics) to gain exposure to hospital-based care and patient rounds.
Patient Consultations: Conduct histories, physical exams, and present assessments and plans to attending physicians.
Medical Record Keeping: Gain experience using locally adapted electronic medical records (EMRs).
Pharmacy Support: Assist with verifying prescriptions, ensuring correct dosage and duration, and providing patient counseling when appropriate.
Health Education: Participate in community-centered education on medication adherence, disease prevention, and hygiene practices.
Students will receive direct supervision from Guatemalan physicians in addition to Tufts faculty oversight throughout the rotation. Mentorship, feedback, and learning support are integrated into weekly clinical debriefings through:
An orientation talk on arrival and student guidelines book.
Weekly check-ins with clinical mentors.
A final reflection session to consolidate learning and provide feedback to the program.
This elective is open to:
Tufts University medical students in their final year (4th-year MD students).
Students with a strong interest in global health, primary care, and underserved communities.
Spanish proficiency is not required, though it may enhance the experience.
During the rotation, students are expected to:
Practice within the scope of their training and always under supervision.
Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and respect for local practices.
Participate fully in clinical activities, home visits, and community health initiatives.
Uphold Kalan Kuxtal’s core values of service, compassion, and community-centered care.
Students can begin their application by clicking here. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but we recommend applying at least 3 months before the intended start date.
Complete and submit the online application form.
After submitting your form, you will receive a follow-up email from Kalan Kuxtal with:
Instructions for program fee payment.
A packet of required documents.
Send the following documents by email:
Immunization Form
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy (signed)
Student Agreement (signed)
Student Waiver (signed)
Publicity Release Form (signed)
Copy of valid passport (including all pages)
Once your documents and fee are received, your spot in the program will be officially confirmed. You will also receive:
A donation receipt (issued by the Guatemalan Superintendency of Tax Administration).
Orientation materials and pre-travel guidance.
The total fee for the 4-week rotation is $650 USD, which covers:
Clinical supervision and mentorship
Program coordination and orientation materials
Community outreach activities
Certificate of completion
Pre-travel and on-site assistance if needed
Note: Students are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and insurance. A detailed info pack with travel tips and recommended accommodations will be provided.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kalankuxtalgt.org
Phone (Guatemala): +502 2220-3064
Program Director: Mynor R. Bracamonte, M.D. ([email protected])
Kalan Kuxtal Guatemala, non-profit organization
6th Street, Zone 1, Guatemala City
Central America, 01001
Please read our frequently asked questions section to solve most of your queries
Go to our Application Form to begin your process right away!