Utah Medical Outreach

05/02/2025

CHAHAL, Guatemala April 2025. Riding the bus back to Guatemala City is a natural time to reflect on the surgical humanitarian mission we have just finished. I must admit that when we go to a new area, there is a bit of anxiety if the new destination will work out, if the local health center will have advertised our arrival, if there will be local Q’eqchi translators that show up, or if there will be problems with electricity. But I NEVER worry about the quality of humans that comprise this group of earthly medical and surgical angels. It is fun to see the wonder of the first-timers as they see the empty rooms of a cinderblock building rise up to include OR beds, anesthesia machines, operating microscopes, instrument sterile processing rooms, preop and postop areas, and all the equipment in our clinical areas. This time we performed about 65 surgeries (hernias, neck masses, diabetic feet, eye problems, and sleep apnea surgeries to name a few). Between ENT, ophthalmology, general surgery, OB/GYN, podiatry, family medicine, and dentistry we saw almost 3,000 patients in clinic in 3 days. The days were hot and long; fatigue and swollen ankles were commonplace. But joy ran deep as we served them and they loved us. We wouldn’t trade these times for anything! Until next time, Guatemala!

10/26/2023

On this trip more than any other, we have faced the challenges of operating without electricity. The health facility in Tucurú has not had much electrical maintenance or upgrades in the last 30 years. During our initial surgeries the power flickered on and off nearly 30 times in the first few hours of operating. And despite all of the backup safety measures that the anesthesiologists have for such instances, it was still enough to raise anxiety. Two local generators were procured and put to use, but they could only run for 2 hours and then needed a 1 hour rest. Knowing that the following day was a planned power outage from 8-5 for the entire nearby area, we made a decision to pay $800 to haul in an industrial generator on a truck bed from 2 hours away to be able to continue our services. The large generator was an improvement, but not perfect. And then, as if to mock us on a day that was already way too stressful, a ceiling panel suddenly collapsed from one of the OR ceilings and hung suspended above the patient, showering the team and patient with dust and cobwebs. (Fortunately the surgical wound had been closed at the time of the dust bath). These challenges force us to be creative and think outside the box. It is part of what makes coming to these remote areas of Guatemala so difficult, yet so rewarding.

10/25/2023

The time has come for another trip to Guatemala. There was some uncertainty if our medical mission trip would even happen because of news over the last few weeks of Guatemala road blockades as they protest national politics. But so far we have been blessed to avoid such conflicts. On this trip we have general surgery, OB/GYN, ENT, podiatry, and anesthesiology physicians. We have nurses, surgical technicians, a dietitian, dental specialists, and many helpers.

04/24/2023

If you know any of the 30 people in this picture (mostly from Davis County, UT), you know someone who has given their time, talents, and money to bless lives in Guatemala. We are currently in need of some help for a new anesthesia machine.

We are in need of some help to fundraise to get a more modern, more reliable ane… Ryan Meacham needs your support for Medical and surgical care for Guatemala

04/24/2023

City of Lanquin, Guatemala prepared music and dancing to thank us for the medical care that we provided. In three days of clinic we saw 1,100 patients and performed 70+ surgeries. Our hearts connected with theirs, and we saw a glimpse of God’s love for all humankind.

04/21/2023

Each of our participants in April 2023 donated $800 plus the cost of their flight to come and bless the lives of those in Guatemala. We are in need of an updated anesthesia machine along with an ophthalmology ultrasound probe (to help plan some eye surgeries). Would you consider helping us?

04/16/2023

After leaving Utah on a red eye, having flight delays, a plane struck by lightning, and a missed hotel stay, our group has all safely arrived to Guatemala in preparation for April’s humanitarian mission. We are currently on a 7 hour bus ride to reach the remote mountains of Guatemala where hopefully we can crash for some sleep tonight.