Samuel Zidovetzki, MD
Samuel Zidovetzki, MD
Emergency Medicine · Madison, WI



Healthcare in the Guatemalan Highlands


July 27th
San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala

Project Description

Twice a year, our team travels to San Lucas Toliman to set up temporary clinics in the neighboring villages. We work in collaboration with local health promoters who are deeply committed to the well-being of their communities. These clinics focus on providing primary health care, chronic disease management, and connecting patients to necessary specialty and hospital referrals.

Population Served

The highlands of Guatemala are home to underserved communities where access to medical care is often a significant challenge. By focusing on these areas, our program addresses critical healthcare gaps, providing services that are otherwise inaccessible.

Expected Impact

The expected impact includes improved health outcomes through consistent medical care, education in disease prevention, and the creation of a sustainable health care model through the training of local health promoters. Our engagement also fosters a deeper understanding and connection between visiting medical teams and the local communities, building trust and cooperation.


Trip Photos & Recap

During our time in the highlands of Guatemala, we worked closely with communities that often have limited access to healthcare. The people we encountered were resilient, kind, and deeply grateful for the care they received. Many patients came from remote villages, often walking long distances to reach the clinics. The communities are largely indigenous, with many speaking local languages, and they face challenges related to chronic conditions, malnutrition, and limited healthcare resources. It was clear that even small interventions could make a lasting impact on their health and quality of life.