As a fire chief in Long Beach, CA, I developed a pre-hospital system that trained paramedics and firefighters, so I had a very strong background in the medical system and thought I knew how it all worked. However, I am now retired and living in Guatemala.  When I found out I had prostate cancer I chose to listen to my family doctor who recommended a urologist, who literally butchered my urinary canal with a laser, instead of going directly to a cancer specialist.

After the cancer spread to my left femur, I turned everything over to my pal, Lori.  She took me by the hand and led me through what was, to me, uncharted water. She has done a masterful job of learning all about the doctors and their skills.  Needless to say, I owe her my life, or at least my undying gratitude.

-- G.D. Morgan, Rio Dulce

I can only imagine that I hurt my back 30 years ago while doing a navy divers course.  In my spine, I have a lumbar vertebra which is crushed, or still being crushed by disks both above and below.  This bone and the nerves to my legs were being attacked by a bacteria.  

After five months of deterioration, my daughter came to visit me and immediately called Guatemala Medical Travel.  Lori gave her directions to the top Guatemala City hospital and instructions to have me there as soon as possible.  Lori met us there on Sunday afternoon and had me admitted immediately.  After five days intensive care and seven days of further hospitalization, I went to stay at Lori's place.  Here, I was visited twice daily by a nurse for intravenous antibiotic medication and received personal care by Lori herself.  For two months I was either unable to walk or barely getting around.  I’ve been back on my boat for some months and getting better slowly.  I’m walking again now but it still might be some time before I can go sailing again.  But, without Lori I might not be writing to you.

-- JPB, Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Lori runs a small but very professional service to make it easy to get some of the best medical care in the world.  She understands and anticipates your needs and concerns before you even do yourself.   My doctor (Dr. Emilio Mishaan) was extremely competent.  He found another problem and combined fixing it with my hernia repair.  He scheduled me between transplant operations and came to visit me before and after surgery, and again to check on me the next day.  Staying at Casa Muriel is like being part of a family where everyone helped with everything.

--Ian W. – Bahamas and Vancouver, BC.

On September 8, 2012, after a celebratory birthday lunch in the city of Antigua, we headed back to our village.  Upon leaving the bus, my family heirloom wedding rings caught on something as I took the last step down, and my right-handed ring finger was “de-gloved.”

Billy and I discussed our alternatives and decided to phone Lori Shea from Guatemala Medical Travel.  She jumped into action, contacted Dr. Galindo - a hand surgeon and President of the Plastic Surgery Association - and arranged for a consultation in Guatemala City that afternoon.

My dominant hand was injured and I could not fill out the paperwork myself so Lori took all my medical history.  She accompanied us into the office, chatted with the doctor, and helped get us a better price for services by keeping me out of the hospital. … That evening after seeing the surgeon and having oxygen therapy, Lori drove us home.  Over the next six weeks, I had ten hyperbaric chamber treatments and eleven visits with Dr. Galindo – three of which were on weekends or the National holiday, and two for which we were not charged.

Instead of an amputation, I have a living finger expected to be rehabbed into full working order.  On every level of assistance, people were personable and supportive of my condition.  I was not a patient number or someone’s car payment and not once was I rushed.  Here in Guatemala, treatment was both affordable and accessible.

Read the full story on Akaisha's website.

We have lived in Belize for several years now and we have often heard people say that we should go to Guatemala City if we get sick, but really had no idea of how to go about that.  So, being able to contact you is a big comfort for me.  Thank you again for your prompt response and caring attitude. It really means a lot to us.

-- Betty J. – Belize.

This past January 2012, I was diagnosed with tonsil/tongue cancer and had surgery in the U.S. at an exorbitant price, and with extremely unsatisfactory results. The doctor knew I had no insurance, so he neglected to offer any after-surgery care (chemo/radiation therapy) and 2 months later, the cancer came roaring back involving my neck and lymph glands.

In the Rio Dulce, Guatemala, I remembered folks talking about an outfit called Guatemala Medical Travel, and the excellent care/prices they received while there, so I emailed them.  Happily, I’m still here to share the story.  After corresponding with Lori, the director of this service, I flew to Guatemala and was picked up at the airport and whisked off to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua and my home for the next 2 1/2 months.  Within 24 hours, I had CT scans, blood work, EKG, meetings with the ENT team and the radiology specialist, and two days later had surgery on my neck and lymph glands.  Then came 6 weeks of radiation therapy.  The hospital was 1st class, the doctors (all fluent in English) graduates of schools/hospitals such as Johns-Hopkins, Sloane- Kettering, etc., and the radiology facility/equipment was brand new and state of the art.

The cost of surgery/treatment was 1/6 of that of the U.S. but, most importantly, the level of care was incredible; the doctors/nurses treated me as a person not a number and I can honestly say that these people are now among my friends---something I cannot say of their U.S. counterparts who seemed more interested in the depth (or lack of) my bank account.

-- Peter, aboard Nomad, Bahamas

I would like you to thank both doctors for me.  The lung doctor especially (Drs. Castellanos and Moralejo).  It seems I have a mass in the mediastinum, the area between the heart and lungs.  It is a cancer … My internist says it "was a gift from God" that it was found (by the specialists in Guatemala).  All the doctors (specialists and department heads in Chicago) are interested in knowing how it was it found, etc.  It seems this is not too usual a place to have a mass.  I'll keep you posted on progress.

-- Barbara K., Chicago, USA

I am a part-year resident of Antigua and have been for several years; enjoying the weather, the people, and the culture. I met Lori Shea and became familiar with GMT several years ago, but did not enlist Lori’s assistance until this year when it became apparent that some dental issues needed attention and ought not be delayed any longer.

Lori and I discussed my general needs ... She then arranged an initial appointment for me and managed my treatment. All treatment was highly professional, quickly accomplished; absolutely pain free and, most amazing to me, waiting time at each appointment was non-existent. I arrived and was in the chair almost immediately upon arrival. A short number of days later another colleague and implant specialist from the city (Dr. Bonilla) arrived to do the two dental implants in the lower jaw. This was accomplished, again without wait or delay, in a little more than an hour.

The lab did an excellent job and additional appointments for adjustments over an additional week resulted in a comfortable, stable, final fit. At one early point in this process Dr. Sami made some changes and then said, “try this for a little bit and then come back in an hour and a half, and I will make additional adjustments.” No appointment a day or two later, just come back a little later and we will fine tune it some more. What service and professionalism!

Altogether my cost for Lori’s management services and three excellent dental specialists was about US$4300—roughly one-third (or perhaps even a little less) of what this work would have cost in the States. The service and care from Dr. Sami and his colleagues was of the highest professional skill and quality and, given my dental history, I have multiple frames of reference by which to judge! I am more than satisfied; I was delighted by the experience and recommend Lori, GMT, and Dr. Sami without hesitation or reservation.

-- M. Donley, Seattle, WA.

-- Amy, Massachusetts

While trying to research local doctors to treat my infection and injury, I found Guatemala Medical Travel.  With years of research behind them, GMT knows all the best doctors in Guatemala.  They set up my appointments, drove me into the city, helped in the recovery process, and invited me to stay in their beautiful guest house.  I had probably $15,000 worth of laboratory tests done, saw 7 doctors, and began physical therapy, all for about $2,000 in the week I was in Antigua.  Every doctor treated me like a human, took interest in my case, and spoke English fluently.  The doctors were up to par if not better than ones I have experienced in the US.  I got an hour with each for a fraction of the price I would have paid in the States. 

Lori and the rest of the staff at GMT made me feel safe, welcome, and healthy again.  GMT is an amazing agency here in Antigua- a quaint city that is surrounded by the most beautiful volcanoes!  After doing some research about GMT I found that they mostly do major surgeries and other massively expensive medical procedures that are plaguing the US.  What a genius idea!  I had a great experience here at GMT and would highly recommend their services to anyone- traveler or not- who needs to get high quality health care at a low price.

-- S.H., Boulder, CO

(Working with GMT) … is a wonderful way to experience top notch medical care within budget and enjoy a unique cultural emersion with sites of ancient and historical value.  Both aspects of GMT offer a cohesive relationship for physical and spiritual healing.  The staff is well versed in the locations and a wealth of information to set your mind at ease for security, safety and knowledge.  You are in caring, responsible hands.  Everyone is most accommodating, and the serene setting makes the transition of culture very comfortable and enjoyable.  I hope to make annual returns for check-ups and to see more of this breathtaking country.

-- Kathleen B., Cayman Islands