A day at the medical clinic - Zacapa, Guatemala

You arrive and there are people waiting, for some this is the first time they have seen a doctor. 

The doctors, pharmacists and helpers start unloading the medicine and organizing their stations

The dentists prepare their tools, and find a somewhat private area to pull teeth

You start to realize that their are dogs everywhere, but nobody is petting them. You let the nice ones sit under your chair while you see patients.

You see little kids with sore throats and allergies...

and mothers who could really just use some tylenol.

You see men who work hard in the melon fields even though they have crippling arthritis. You give them something to alleviate the pain, but it will only last for a month.

Sometimes you have to tell a person to eat less salt, but keep the fact that they are in heart failure to yourself because there is nothing to be done without proper testing and medication; something we weren't prepared to do and she can't afford.

Sometimes the only thing you can offer people is a lollipop, and they are grateful.

Sometimes there are emergencies...

...and other times it is purely fun. 

And sometimes a person comes in because they cant see...

...and if you are really lucky, you can actually help them...

...and you thank this woman for giving you the opportunity to give opportunities to someone else.