Overview
Clinica Esperanza was established to provide affordable, accessible healthcare for underserved communities in Honduras. Through a combination of primary care services, preventive medicine, and community outreach, the clinic works to improve health outcomes while addressing barriers that often limit access to care.
Learners gain experience in outpatient medicine, health education, preventive care, and community-based healthcare. The clinic’s emphasis on relationship-centered care and service to vulnerable populations provides valuable exposure to primary care and public health in a low-resource setting.
Location Information
Location & Community
The largest and most populous of the Bay Islands, Roatan is located 35 miles off the northern coast of the Honduras mainland. The island is 30 miles long and 2 miles wide, with a population of some 110,000 people. Roatan boasts immense cultural diversity, with inhabitants of Hispanic, European, Garifuna, Caribbean, and Indian descent. Despite its pristine beaches, beautiful weather, and economic growth, Roatan still lacks modern infrastructure. Many residents subsist in sustained poverty and face daily hardships resulting from insufficient running water and electricity.
Become familiar with Honduran culture, history and economy by reviewing the Wikipedia Honduras Profile. Rich resources for Honduras health information include the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation IHME Honduras Country Profile and the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory Honduras Data.
People Served
Clinica Esperanza currently sees a total of 29% male population and 71% female population across all ages. From that, 17% are children under 12, 10% are pregnant women, 13% are enrolled in their diabetic program, and 60% fall into the “other” category. The most common illnesses among children include upper respiratory infection, asthma, intestinal parasites (ascaris, hookworm, giardia), bacterial skin infections, scabies, diarrhea/dehydration, malaria, and dengue. The most common illnesses among adults include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, intestinal parasites, bacterial skin infections, musculoskeletal complaints, and pregnancy concerns. In addition, people are also encountered at Clinica Esperanza who suffer from malnutrition, HIV, burns, abscesses, lacerations, lower respiratory infections, and sexually transmitted illnesses.
Languages
About 92 percent of patients speak Spanish and 8 percent speak English. For maximum effectiveness, volunteers should be able to function independently in Spanish.
Healthcare Facilities
Roatan’s medical care system consists of overburdened government facilities, which are available to the poor but lack in the most basic resources, and privately owned facilities that are generally unaffordable. In this context, Clinica Esperanza brings a vision to provide the finest medical care possible to all Roatan residents, regardless of income status. The clinic was launched in 2001 by the Bay Islands Community Health Association; a nonprofit, tax-exempt, non-denominational Christian organization certified both in Honduras and in the United States.
The clinic currently performs over 2,500 consultations a month. In addition to outpatient consultations, the clinic also provides dental care, obstetrics, and outpatient procedures such as suturing and ultrasound. Basic laboratory is available on site. Since patients are of humble means and are paying for their care out of pocket, new clinicians frequently discover how to their reliance on technology and hone their history and physical examination skills.
Public Health Initiatives
Most of the health challenges experienced on the island of Roatan are due to preventable or rather easily treatable diseases, including air-borne, water-borne, and insect vector-borne pathogens. Malnutrition, both under-nutrition and over-nutrition, is a very prominent risk factor the chronic conditions of diabetes, hypertension, respiratory distress, and musculoskeletal complaints. Injuries related to burns, fall, and motor vehicle trauma remain frightfully common.
In response to these health challenges Clinica Esperanza places strong emphasis on health education and patient teaching. The pace of the clinic usually provides ample opportunity for one-on-one patient counseling. Group educational sessions are also provided for the more common concerns such as over-nutrition and diabetes management. Prenatal care and well-child care are also offered. Students are invited to participate in all aspects of public health at Clinica Esperanza.
Healthcare Profession Staff
Day to day leadership of Clinica Esperanza is provided by Kallie Vallecillo RN MSN, newly appointed CEO. Health profession staff and regular visitors include physicians from Honduras and the United States, a dentist and dental hygienists, a pharmacist, and community health nurses. Learners are encouraged to work with the entire spectrum of Clinica Esperanza healthcare professionals.
Facility Support
INMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to financially support this facility. While such efforts are not required, they provide opportunity for INMED learners to become involved in this important aspect of international healthcare.
Communication
Wireless Internet is available at the clinic and at Internet cafes on the island. Telephone service is also accessible.
Travel and Logistics
Visa Matters
For current information please visit the United States embassy website appropriate for one’s home nationality.
Traveler's Health & Safety
Travelers should consult with a personal physician before embarking. All routine vaccinations must be up to date. Refer to the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information.
Travelers are advised to refer to the United States State Department website for the most up-to-date general travel information, and to regularly view current travel advisories.
Learners Experience
Clinica Esperanza is committed to assisting healthcare professional learners who wish to experience and learn the nuances of providing healthcare to the people of the Bay Islands. Learner roles will be in proportion to their skill and scope of training, all the time ensuring that patients receive the best care available. Learner responsibilities may include taking histories, vital signs, wound care, pharmacy and working alongside the physician. The emphasis is on learning about local health patterns, health behaviors, and disease management. Previous INMED Learners who served at this training site include these Graduates.
Transportation
Roatan International Airport is served by several airlines. The Clinic can arrange for pickup from the airport, and taxi service is readily available.
Lodging & Meals
Several low-cost lodging options are available in the area, including hotels and apartments. Apartments are fully furnished with two bedrooms, A/C, hot water and complete kitchen. Some of these also provide meals. Grocery stores and restaurants are plentiful. The clinic will provide transportation to and from the clinic daily.
Behavior & Dress
Volunteers are counseled to be careful concerning their behavior on the island after working hours. As representatives of the Clinic, volunteers’ actions are immediately noted by local residents and influence the reputation of the clinic. At the clinic, is sharp-casual or nice scrubs. No sleeveless tops or shorts. The culture is conservative, so dress should be appropriate.
Recreation
Clinic duties usually end by 4 PM, after which there are many options for fun. Diving is beautiful in Roatan and said to be the least expensive anywhere in the world. There are several dive shops that cater to clinic volunteers and offer a nice discount to those wishing to become certified divers. Roatan also offers abundant opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beaches.
What to Pack
Visitors should bring copies of all healthcare profession licenses, diplomas, or certifications. A carry-on bag should be packed that contains essentials items just in case one’s luggage becomes lost. Bring clothes appropriate for the weather. Volunteers need to bring a stethoscope, medical handbooks, laptop computer, USB drive, and flashlight. If one intends to do any snorkeling, bring snorkel mask and fins, for rentals are expensive.