We have some amazing pediatricians in the country. When my little David was ill, at deaths door actually, we went to Universal Health Services in Belize city and had 2 pediatricians on his case. One was an emergency care specialist and the other was a renal specialist - both of which we needed at the time. Once David was stablized we transported him to the US to a children's hospital in Tampa. The doctors there commended every move that the Belizean doctors had taken and told us that we should be aware that the docs in Belize had not only saved our baby's life, but taken the necessary steps to ensure that he would not suffer permanent damage to his brain, his kidneys and other organs.

Dr Rosado, the kidney specialist was in a tragic car accident and passed away a few years ago. What a great loss to this nation. Dr. Gringage continues to work in Belize and he has recently opened a pediatric specialty medical centre in the city. Dr Grinage comes to the island and works out of Dr. Giovanni's clinic.

What about Dr. Dan?

Dr. Danny is a an ob-gyn. I believe that is Dr. Tommy's specialty too - I don't think he is a pediatrician.

First of all, we have a pediatrician in Belize.
Second, the purpose of the volunteer law to to keep well meaning volunteers from taking jobs from Belizean citizens who depend on the work to survive. If it can be shown that there is an unfulfilled need, immigration can be open to writing a letter that allows a temporary work permit. We have done this at the library.
In terms of medical work, the medical board must approve local licensing to practice just like your federal and state licensing board in the states.

Sorry if I was mistaken about Dr Tommy's credentials he is Family Practice not sure about the board certified Pediatrician.

My point is that the community should be more open and encouraging for Medical professionals to practice here, especially since we are on an island and Belize City is not exactly a short trip (especially with a bad injury).

My observation is that, given the choice, most residents do travel out of the country for their health care services (Mexico is very popular). It appears that Ambergris Caye and Belize is not only losing the business (I am not so sure that taking jobs away from Belizeans comes into play here), but trying to recruit qualified retirees here will be more challenging without better services on the island.

I do have a clinical and administrative background in hospital/healthcare, so have a good understanding of how treatment response time can significantly impact patient outcomes.

There are some interesting cultural aspects to why some people - (women in particular) - travel to Mexico instead of seeking medical treatment on the island.
For many it is modesty - it's hard for them to submit to intimate examinations by somebody who lives in the same small community, sits next to them in church etc.

We absolutely need a good 24 hour clinic - and we need a more collaborative medical community in general.

I have a general practice and also practice OB including surgical obstetric procedures. Similar to doctor Danny's practice.

About 1/3 of my practice is OB, 1/3 pediatrics, and 1/3 is a general practice. Originally I planned to practice only OB and pediatrics but over time I have inherited the dads, grandparents, ect.

In the beginning I told some older folks I've known since childhood that I was only going to see OB and peds patients. I hurt some of their feelings in doing so. In hind sight I wish I could take that mistake back. Now when older folks come to me I have learned just to welcome them like everyone else.

I am board certified.

Sounds just like Dr. Danny's story.

Dr Dan is an OB Gyn and practices general medicine, but I would think at least half of his patients are general medicine. He sees everyone with anything.We also do lots of minor surgeries as well as OB and gyn surgeries.We deliver many babies.
You can probably tell I like him. I do. He is the best doctor I have ever worked with and I have worked with many,in the USA,UK,and Belize.

Agree with Nathalie about Dr. Dan.
He's smart, hardworking, well trained and talented.
Our insurance provider sometimes has trouble understanding why my husband is seeing an OB/GYN but they have sufficient experience in the region to get it if you explain.
:-)