Los Médicos Voladores — The Flying Doctors

Los Médicos Voladores

Mission Statement

 About  Los Médicos Voladores

Los Médicos Voladores (LMV), Spanish for “The Flying Doctors”, is a all-volunteer based, non-religious, non-profit 501c3 organization that aims to improve the health and well-being of geographically diverse peoples through education and the provision of no-cost, high-quality medical, dental, and optometry clinics. Since 1975 LMV has offered short-term medical, dental, optometry, and other healthcare clinics, treating thousands of patients per year.

Who We Are

We are a small Northern California based nonprofit organization of medical professionals, pilots and volunteers dedicated to providing free medical, optometry, dental and other care services to impoverished communities in Mexico, California and Internationally. Communities with harsh living conditions and usually sparse health care facilities, many times LMV is often the difference between a healthy existence and life plagued by disease and hardship.

Where We Serve

LMV currently offers services in Mexico, Haiti, Guatemala and the under-served populations in California. LMV constantly receives requests from folks needing help in a number of areas, each is considered for feasibility and ability to provide service. 

In California we provide care for the under-served. Whether it be working with transient farm workers that raise and harvest the crops across the southern and central valleys, or Californians without adequate medical/dental/vision coverage. There no patient cost for any services we provide. Many times these clinics provide services such as vision exams and correction with glasses; dental cleanings, extractions, root canals and repairs; women’s health, breast exams & mammograms; hearing screening; HIV testing; chiropractic; vaccines; medical exams and referrals if needed. 

In Mexico we offer a number of clinics in rural areas of Northern Mexico & the Baja Peninsula. Depending on the type of clinic, we also offer medical / dental / vision in addition to physical therapy, dental education and free regular check-ups for the orphanage we serve. Dental and Vision serves can be difficult to find in rural areas, but both are important for the health and survival of these populations. Whether it be an infection from an abscessed tooth, vision correction for woman who can no longer see the detail needed to sew items to sell, or the diagnosis and treatment of an std, it is all in a day’s work.

In Haiti we offer clinics in rural areas providing highly skilled medical personnel and support staff. These trips are often done at least a couple times of year using four-wheel drive vehicles in remote areas not served by other agencies. Additionally, LMV with donor support, hires Haitian doctors and nurses to continue care of patients between clinics. LMV believes in the value of keeping funds in the areas we serve, hiring local doctors and nurses does that and helps the community.

In Guatemala LMV offers at least one clinic per year in the very rural area around Quetzalenango. Volunteers travel by local bus to and from the clinic. During the four-five day clinic over 1000 people will be seen for various dental, medical & vision services. 

How We Get There Los Médicos Voladores conducts three types of clinics, with travel arrangements varying by location. Clinic locations in California are reached by car or private aircraft, an appealing concept for the first time participants or those who cannot afford the longer international trips. Clinics conducted in rural Northern Mexico are reached by private or commercial aircraft if applicable. Locations in South, Central America and Haiti are traveled to by commercial flights.  

How We Help

Numerous times per year, LMV teams of physicians, dentists, optometrists, nurses, hygienists, pilots, interpreters and general volunteers travel to remote areas of Mexico, Haiti, Guatemala and under-served areas of California to spend on average three days to one week providing free health care services for different pueblos/communities. LMV often brings portable equipment and the supplies needed for diagnosing and treating an array of medical, dental and vision conditions. Many times the lines for service are long, expectations are high and the challenges are significant.  And while many people are helped, it is inevitable  that some are not.  Those who could not be treated are comforted by the fact that LMV is committed to returning to help on a regular basis.

In addition to our  visits, The Flying Doctors are also dedicated to improving the long-term health of the people of rural communities we serve by providing funds for local physicians and nurses.  This allows us to better diagnose, treat and provide ongoing care for the seriously ill.

LMV often collaborates with other organizations, such as the Lions, Rotary and the Buddhist organization Tzu Chi, to staff and equip the clinics served.  

How You Can Help

LMV is always looking for quality healthcare professionals, experienced pilots, knowledgeable translators and dedicated volunteers to join our team.  We encourage you to attend one of the LMV Chapter meetings held throughout the state () or reach out and learn more about who we are, how we work and what the best fit for you would be within our organization. The difference you can make is significant and immediate. 

If you are ready for Adventures while Giving, Meeting new Friends and Making Memories of a Lifetime please Contact Us
us for more information. 

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