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working in heathcare

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enigmamed
  8/16/2021 06:59 EST

Hello, I have tried reaching out to the minister of health, and searched the forum. can anyone verify that once I have permanent residence I can work as a physician? My specialty is family medicine. thank you
Judd

bobbyveee
  8/16/2021 10:33 EST

We rented our bungalow to a US Dr. and his family , he said he was going to practice in Belize, which greatly surprised us, within a few months they went home, no way were the Belizian Gov going to give him a licence to practice in the Country. Im sure the same will apply to you, your not a Belizian by birth.

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WMiller77
  8/16/2021 13:39 EST

Not totally true - there are several Cuban doctors here but Belize does have a relationship with Cuba. Also, there are independent clinics, run by Americans, that have set up shop in the Toledo District.

However, after only being here for a couple of months, did you Dr. guest really give it a good shot?

Also, you really should have a vested interest in the country. They aren't just going to let somebody come in, take work from another individual without the foreigner making some kind of "commitment."

hrlee7804
  8/16/2021 14:34 EST

Bobbyveee we had a Dr. on here for years. I don't know why he is not active on this site anymore. Last I knew he was living in Mexico. but he did work in Belize. Maybe his service was volunteer. I don't remember the details. I will try to find his posts in the 'search area; of this site.

hrlee7804
  8/16/2021 14:42 EST

his name here was "5allen1"...We have not heard from him in a while. He had interesting posts. I hope he is well. Last he spoke he was in Merida, I believe.

bobbyveee
  8/16/2021 15:31 EST

Hi Hrlee, trust is well with you and yours, yes i remember him well , he worked directly for the Gov, on a special contract, not for himself , i also know there are Cuban docs, i know Belizean students studied medicine in Cuba. I also know American specialists come to Belize yearly to give specialist treatment free. But the chances of getting a work permit to open your own practice is im told zero.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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enigmamed
  8/17/2021 07:01 EST

Thank you all, I am in it to win it and am willing to put in the time to be a permanent resident if that is what it takes. My hope is that in a place that sounds like it has a need I can fill that after jumping through the hoops I would be able to do just that. I am not quite at the retirement stage of life so need some income as well, not USA levels, I have already researched salary in Belize.

hrlee7804
  8/17/2021 09:44 EST

I always thought I would retire in Belize. I traveled there many times and loved it. When it came time to actually do it too many red flags popped up. Belize may be the worlds best vacation spot but too unstable for actually living there. The only draw really for Belize is the English language. I ended up in Sonora Mexico. Here you can work actually easily with a Permanent Residency card. Mexico is a lot more stable IMHO. Basically no shopping in Belize and no medical. For that most go to Mexico. A pretty long travel unless you are in the Corozal area. Good luck.

Celtexan
  8/17/2021 11:31 EST

Hi, Doc.
I've been in Placencia for a month now and loving it in spite of the scary healthcare situation- I've had 4 MI's and a quad bypass. The healthcare situation here will not improve unless folks with expertise, connections, diligence and compassion step up. My background is in Radiology. 50+ years as a technologist on the mostly sales and educational side. I found out that there is not an x-ray machine on the Peninsula and have heard a couple horror stories. I'm happily semi-retired, but as someone who is mission oriented, I'm going to see what I might do to help solve this problem. Perhaps assist some locals to set up a mobile imaging service.
Kokopelli

bobbyveee
  8/17/2021 14:09 EST

Hi Celtexan, Im a Celt and wife a Texan. I wish you all the luck available in your endeavour to help set up some form of Xray. The biggest problem in Belize is money, not how much youve got but how much you have to bribe/ influence Gov. officials. Seems dear departed George Price was the only straight politician this nation has had. Wishing you all rge very best

enigmamed
  8/17/2021 21:33 EST

hrlee
I had written Mexico off because it sounded like we would not be able to get a work visa there unless we were directly related to a Mexican born person. is that not the case?

William RussellWilliam Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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hrlee7804
  8/19/2021 12:01 EST

I don't know the details but don't believe that to be true. There are gringos here with business not tied to a Mexican as best I know. Do some more research. I have an attorney I can ask for you. Belize scares me to invest in. I am in Sonora Mexico 4 hours from Tucson which is great if you need some US shopping. I have a little hot tub business here and parts not available locally. US is my life line. We are also in the 'free zone' mostly a plus for tourists. One of the things I like about here is we are on the Sea of Cortez and when you go inland it is desert. Here folks have jeeps, motos, side x sides, etc because they can play in the desert. In Belize away from the water you take a machete and go for a walk pretty much only. Check out "whatsupsancarlos.com"

hrlee7804
  8/19/2021 12:24 EST

This is what my attorney here in San Carlos told me. "Yes, he can have a work permit, not exactly sure if he can do medical, prescriptions, and all that he will have to validate his schooling. Yes, he can also ask his questions. I wouldn't go to Belize either."

hrlee7804
  8/19/2021 12:28 EST

You can contact him by Whatsapp for details. He is Richardo Vasquez. +52 1 662 142 0063

enigmamed
  8/20/2021 07:02 EST

thank you for taking the time to ask your attorney. much appreciated.

DeeDeeC5591
  8/21/2021 00:38 EST

As an RN, I was told I could Volunteer only. No paid position open to US citizens. They will take Belizean Nationals 1st.

gamelin
  8/21/2021 12:16 EST

Wow when was the last time you were in Belize?? Away from the water take a machete and you can only go for a walk? I live in Santa Familia, about halfway between San Ignacio and Spanish Lookout. Lots of roads here. Western Highway, Hummingbird Highway, George Price Highway - do any of those sound familiar?

hrlee7804
  8/21/2021 13:12 EST

Gamelin, I was talking about recreation.

gamelin
  8/21/2021 23:27 EST

Noted, my apologies, that was not at all clear from your post.

texitalian
  8/21/2021 23:54 EST

Oh yeah, harlee. Wonderful Mexico!
Let's forget about those pesky Cartels, shall we?

hrlee7804
  8/22/2021 11:36 EST

Cartels may be scary for sure. As an expat they do not impact my daily life in a negative. Please don't think that Belize is without drug cartel issues. I found more petty crime issues in Belize that I find here in my area. For the few thousand of us that live here petty crime and cartels are not an issue. True I don't travel by car after dark to other towns. Here is San Carlos is very safe. One town 18 miles from me, Empalme, daily killings are not reported. I was told the police and medical services don't even respond. I have no idea what they do with the bodies. Although we have a big desert. As a whole I am convinced Mexico is head and shoulders above Belize for living.

bobbyveee
  8/22/2021 13:06 EST

A state of emergency has been declared in southern Belize City due to out of control spiraling gang warfare. And this is all about drugs, just the same as Mexico. Huge drug problem in Belize, its about the only way to make money for poor Belizeans during Covid.

gkwylie
  8/22/2021 14:18 EST

Give San Pedro Urgent Care a call or message -

Opening Hours: +501 280-SPUC (7782)

After Hours & WhatApp: +501 610-SPUC (7782)

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Renae is from North Dakota, so I'm sure she (or her staff) could tell you what the procedure is for licensing here.

There is definitely a need for trained physicians here, so I'm sure there's a way.

Kim

enigmamed
  8/22/2021 15:15 EST

that is a fantastic message with fantastic help. Thank you

bobbyveee
  8/22/2021 17:24 EST

Nice post Kim.
The big problem is the Gov. have to offer these positions to Belizeans or Caribbean affiliates. But really the biggest problem is MONEY, whose going to pay a well qualified physician a proper wage , not the Belize Gov. they have no money and Belizean patients most certainly dont have the money.

enigmamed
  8/23/2021 20:53 EST

given the cluster that is the United
States right now I would be happy with a Belize Physician wage. I want my kids to grow up without a computer in front of them the whole time.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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