Addressing Quality Health Care in Indigenous Communities

Zestful Aging

Dr. Peter Rohloff is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Maya Health Alliance, a primary care organization working with indigenous Maya communities in rural Guatemala. He never intended to move to Guatemala, but when he went to visit on vacation and learn Spanish he found his calling.

Rohloff soon learned that Guatemala has one of the largest Indigenous populations in the Americas, and more than 20 Indigenous Mayan languages. These languages are becoming endangered there which affects the health and wellbeing of the Maya people who speak them. Most health care providers do not speak the Mayan dialects, and many indigenous people do not speak Spanish. Rohoff shares his time between his home in Guatemala and teaching at Harvard Medical School. He’s an avid hiker and birdwatcher. Find out more about Maya Health Alliance: https://www.wuqukawoq.org/

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com