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Siguatepeque, Honduras
Summary
Located in the city of Siguatepeque, Hospital Evangelico cares for approximately seventy inpatients and one hundred outpatients daily. People coming to Hospital Evangelico represent a broad spectrum of society, with many suffering from chronic diseases. The medical staff consists of sixteen Honduran physicians of various specialties.
Many American medical students and residents have worked at Hospital Evangelico over the years. They must be able to communicate independently in Spanish. Clinical responsibilities normally include outpatient clinic, inpatient care, obstetrics, and surgery. Students are constantly under the guidance of a staff physician. A weekly clinical conference is offered in which patient care is discussed in detail.
LocationSiguatepeque is a city of 65,000 is located in the northeastern part of Honduras, Central America. The elevation is about 3,500 feet, and the climate is moderate. March and April is the warmest, driest time of year. The best weather is in July through September.
TransportationInternational travelers should plan to enter Honduras via the international airport in San Pedro Sula. The alternative is to arrive in the capital city of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, but this is located too far away from Seguatepeque. It is usually possible to arrange for someone from the hospital to meet arriving travelers, and the drive them on the two-hour journey via paved roads to Seguatepeque. Plan to arrive in San Pedro Sula before noon, in order to avoid travel by road at night.
Visa RequirementAmericans are normally granted a visa upon arrival in Honduras to stay for up to 30day. An advanced visa application is not necessary. For the most up to date information, please check the Honduran embassy website: http://www.hondurasemb.org/
Traveler's Health & SafetyPlease check the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel advisories: http://www.state.gov/travel. Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding country specific travel information http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
FacilityHospital Evangelico has capacity for seventy inpatients, and usually runs about fifty to eighty percent full. Approximately 100 outpatients are seen daily. A nursing school is also part of the ministry of Hospital Evangelico. The facility was started in 1949 by the Dallas-based Central American Mission - a organization with roots in Dallas Theological Seminary. Today, Hospital Evangelico is owned and operated by a Honduran Christian non-profit organization. The hospital receives no government subsidy. All staff, including visiting medical students and physicians, are expected to abide by a code of moral conduct.
PatientsPeople coming to Hospital Evangelico represent a broad spectrum of society. Many suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Malaria is infrequent, and is sensitive to chloroquine for both treatment and prophylaxis. The hospital has an active obstetrics service.
Medical StaffThe medical staff of Hospital Evangelico consists of Honduran physicians, including eight family physicians, one general surgeon, two pediatricians, one internist, three gastroenterologists, one cardiologist, and two dentists. Two American physicians, an internist and ENT specialist, are scheduled to join the staff in 2006.
Language RequirementMedical students and residents must be able to work independently in Spanish. No translation is available. Those who are not sufficiently fluent in Spanish should select another training location.
Student ExperienceMany American medical students and residents have worked at Hospital Evangelico over the years. Clinical responsibilities will normally include outpatient clinic, inpatient care, obstetrics, and surgery. In addition, the hospital sponsors an active mobile clinic ministry. Students are constantly under the guidance of a staff physician. A weekly clinical conference is offered in which cases are discussed in detail.
Student Lodging & MealsVisiting students and residents are housed in the hospital compound, either in a hospital guest house or the hospital nursing school dormitory. Meals can be taken in the hospital cafeteria or at local restaurants. A grocery store is located near the hospital. Lake Yojoa is located nearby and has a nice beach to enjoy.
Facility SupportINMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to donate to support the facility. This is not required but allows INMED participants to become involved in every aspect of medical missions.
DressClothing for clinical work is similar to that worn in the United States. Slacks may be worn by women. Male physicians normally wear ties to work. Humidity is low in this area of Honduras.
What To PackBe sure to pack a carry on bag that has your essentials just in case your luggage becomes lost. Also, it's usually best to bring two suitcases, each half full, so you will have a place to pack souvenirs for the return trip. Recent INMED students also recommend packing A good camera, books, writing paper, a flashlight and batteries.