Getting a license to practice medicine in Belize

[000069269872]

I realize this is a very specific question, not pertinent to the majority of people who are considering living in Belize, but I wanted to know if any of you have knowledge about US physicians practicing medicine in Belize? I know in some countries, they will not issue a license unless you are in an under served area or have a specialty that is needed in the country. Mine happens to be hospice. Thanks for any help or info you can give. Rod

[COUNTRY EXPERT ANN KUFFNER]

Rod,

It is difficult to obtain a medical license as a non-Belizean physician in Belize. Many expat doctors who are visiting, or are living here, work on a voluntary basis. So if you are serious the first step would be to join a volunteer group or mission and come to visit and get to know the medical community.

I know of one American doctor who did obtain a license in Belize. She had written several books on her specialty and was willing to start teaching other doctors aspects of her specialty. She approached the largest private hospital in Belize (Belize Medical Associates) and started giving free health related seminars to the community that were well received. (She specialized in hormonal issues, for both women and men.)

Healthcare at government hospitals is free for Belizeans, but I have not heard of hospice. So I assume that there is a need. But the government probably doesn’t have funding for it. And most Belizeans would not be able to afford out of pocket care.

[000069269872]

Ann,
Thanks for the info. I suspect based on an international hospice site, there is a strong need for hospice in the country, especially for the poor (and for the expats as they age). I certainly can give educational seminars to local physicians, nurses etc. I’ll see if I can get in touch with the person identified by the international hospice organization and see what they say. Thanks for your help.
Rod

[COUNTRY EXPERT ANN KUFFNER]

Rod,

I’m sure that Belize would benefit from education on the hospice methods. Nurses are not paid well in Belize, other than in hospitals. So some would probably be open to specializing in hospice if they can earn a better salary working as a caretaker for ailing expats.

The traditional physicians are more similar to those in the USA when we were young. They tend to be general practitioners, having to deal with all types of health issues. So they would very likely appreciate learning about what works in a hospice situation. The number of medical specialists in Belize are increasing. But with only 330,000 people in the entire country, it makes sense that we wouldn’t have as many choices.

Let me know what you learn as you progress with your research. I have had a few friends who had cancer here in Belize and were successfully treated here, or in Merida, Mexico. But none have been terminal to date. So I haven’t seen anyone go through this process in Belize since I moved here. I have known a few people who had strokes and hired helpers to live with them during their recover. You can send me a direct message at Belize@internationalliving.com. And let me know when you visit. By the way, there is a medical school here on Ambergris Caye, about three blocks from our home. It would be a good idea for you to meet some of the doctors who teach there, to get their ideas, when you visit.

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