Chances are if you are living in Champaign-Urbana and have children, you know Dr. Malcolm Hill. Dr. Hill, a pediatrician at Carle Foundation Hospital has been caring for children in CU for many years. He was even my pediatrician when I was growing up. Dr. Hill has also used his expertise to bring healthcare to children living in poverty in Guatemala for over 5 years now with the nongovernmental, nonprofit organization Wuqu’ Kawoq. Smile Politely was lucky enough to get an interview with Dr. Hill about his work and experiences abroad.
Smile Politely: Dr. Hill, when did you first start working in Guatemala?
Dr Hill: I was first introduced to the health conditions and needs of the indigenous `inhabitants of Guatemala by Peter Rohloff during his third year pediatric rotation at the U of I. After showing some interest I had the good fortune of joining Peter at rural sites in 2005. Peter indicated that there was a need for pediatric care and I spent a week seeing kids that he had concerns or questions about. I was overwhelmed with the significant poverty and the medical and dental problems that existed and made a decision to return in the future.
Smile Politely: What is your favorite part about Guatemala?
Dr Hill: My favorite thing about Guatemala…. Guatemala is a country that is rich in culture and history. I really found the history of the Maya very interesting and visiting some of the architectural sites was fascinating. There are beautiful lakes, mountains and volcanoes but most of all I really enjoy getting to know the children and families that we work with.
Smile Politely: Have you always work with Dr. Rohloff and Wuqu’ Kawoq in these volunteer efforts?
Dr Hill: I have always worked with Peter, but his initial involvement in Guatemala was with Partners in Development and he was the coordinator of the medical clinic. Realizing that the need for care was greater than that which could be provided by Partners he, with the help of several individuals, formed the NGO Wuqu’ Kawoq. The emphasis of this new organization was put on bringing health care to the Maya in Guatemala and being sensitive to the culture and languages of the Maya. Peter, as well as most of the individuals in the NGO, is fluent in the native tongue in the region where we work, which is Kaqchikel. It’s amazing to see the Maya open up when they realize that you speak their language.
Smile Politely: What kinds of things do you encounter in working abroad that you don’t see in your work here in the states?
Dr Hill: Malnutrition is a major problem in Guatemala. Malnutrition is responsible for many problems including stunted growth, delayed development, anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. Dental care is also a huge problem. The lack of clean water also contributes to the disease burden as diarrhea and intestinal infections are common. Wuqu’ Kawoq is focusing in on nutritional programs and is involved in providing water purification solutions. This has resulted in improvement in growth in treated populations, increases in the hemoglobin of children that are being provided supplements and a reduction in diarrheal disease.
Smile Politely: What is your favorite part of volunteering?
Dr Hill: I have really enjoyed working with the Wuqu’ Kawoq and feel like I am part of a growing family of providers and staff. I have also found it very rewarding to be able to come back to these villages and see the families that I have been able to get to know over the past 6 years. I am always greeted with a warm smile and often a big hug. I have also been very excited about the progress that we have made in the areas that we are focusing on.
Smile Politely: What do you find most difficult about this kind of work?
Dr Hill: The most difficult part of the job is realizing that we do not have the resources to take care of many of the problems that we are facing in Guatemala. It’s overwhelming sometimes. I have learned to do the best that you can with the resources that you have but never give up trying to find new resources for these very special people. I am thankful for the generosity of the volunteers and for those individuals that have donated their time and energy as also thankful for the financial support that makes our mission possible.
Smile Politely: What kinds of goals do you hope to reach with this kind of work?
Dr Hill: My goals regarding my work in Guatemala would be to work for longer stretches which is hard to do when you have an active pediatric practice. This would be a retirement goal!
Smile Politely: What do you see for the future of Guatemala and Wuqu’ Kawoq?
Dr Hill: Wuqu’ continues to grow in Guatemala. The organization’s strength centers on its unique ability to integrate itself into the communities it serves. Individuals in these communities are educated and trained as field staff so that there is always someone on the ground. There is also a very close working relationship with the midwives in the region that provide the OB services for these villages.
Smile Politely: Do you think that these experiences have impacted the work you do here in the states?
Dr Hill: Guatemala has really heightened my awareness of how really lucky we are to live in the United States and have access to clean drinking water, healthy food, safe streets and good health care. When I start complaining about little things I sometimes stop and remind myself of the conditions in Guatemala. Did I mention a stable government?
Smile Politely: How do you continue to promote the work that you and others do abroad here in the states?
Dr Hill: I have been extremely impressed with Wuqu’ Kawoq and continue to volunteer as a pediatrician and consultant. I also introduced several of my partners to the work and they are now active and travel on a regular basis to Guatemala to care for women and children. Wuqu’ Kawoq’s work is supported by the generous contribution of individuals and volunteers. There is a website* that goes into detail regarding the projects that we are undertaking.
Smile Politely: How do you hope that others with respond to your experiences?
Dr Hill: I hope that your readers will take a few minutes to become more familiar with Wuqu and the work that we are doing in Guatemala. We are hoping to give a few talks in the near future as well**.
Smile Politely: Well thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. The work you do is so inspiring and will surely motivate others with similar interests to take action.
*You can find out more information on the work that Wuqu’ Kawoq does, make a donation, and join our mailing list at www.wuqukawoq.org, or check us out on facebook at www.facebook.com/wuqu.kawoq
**Dr. Hill will be speaking with a member of Engineers Without Borders and Dr. Ryan Shosted (a linguist that studies Q’anjob’al, a Mayan language) on September 29 at the Medical Sciences Building in a presentation about the work Wuqu’ Kawoq does in Guatemala.