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SAN ANTONIO
MEDICINE

memories of thousands of patients, hundreds of fellow Quijotes, more
hardships and laughs and smiles and hugs and great meals than I can
remember, and always looking forward to next year when we have an-
other opportunity to serve.”
Our devoted medical leader, a well-known and caring gynecologist
in San Antonio, Leticia Vargas, points out three reasons how her service
with Los Quijotes has personally benefited her: 1) It made her a better
doctor by going back to the basics; 2) She has had the best dinners and
open, judgement-free conversations with colleagues in different spe-
cialties about our challenges, fears and obstacles over the years; and 3)
Involving the University of Incarnate Word professional schools has
enabled us to pass the torch forward in stewardship, and it brings so
much happiness to watch the excitement of the younger generations as
they learn and offer service.
of a fabulous, bustling, colorful plaza with music and dancing, and an Miguel Mendez, RN, ICU Director, quoted St. Francis of Assisi, “It
ornate gazebo at its center as is customary in Mexican towns. Many is in giving that we receive.” He said this year and the past 25 years have
great restaurants are within walking distance, serving the renowned given him the opportunity to serve the underserved as a nurse without
Oaxacan food. Interesting sites such as a world-class museums, markets compensation. In return, he has received much gratitude through kind
and cathedrals are also within walking distance. Though we worked words of thanks and hugs of appreciation. (If I may add, certainly God’s
hard, there was ample time to walk to Santa Domingo de Guzman blessings). Miguel states that the organization builds positive relation-
Cathedral, view art displayed along the cobble-stoned streets, and em- ships from both sides of the border. This year he was refueled physically
bark on guided travel tours to archeologic ruins and historical sites in and spiritually, enabling him to provide better patient-centered care
the region such as Monte Alban, El Arbol de Tule, Mitla and Hierve here in San Antonio and beyond the walls of the hospital.
de Agua. The food and drinks in Oaxaca are famous, with enchiladas I would especially like to recognize other fellow Quijotes, not men-
alongside mole negro and mezcal, and the chance to sample tasty cha- tioned above, without which the Quijotes would not have formed and
pulines (grasshoppers), one of Oaxaca’s signature dishes. Oaxaca’s mar- grown. First is the biggest dreamer, the Don Quijote, Dr. Hugo Cas-
kets are fabulous, busy and colorful, and thrilling to explore. taneda, who has retired. The second, and the most alive, energetic and
Yet it should be noted that despite Oaxaca’s vibrant city and culture, superb ICU nurse that I refer to as the Dulcinea of the Quijotes,
along with their treasured folk art traditions admired the world over, Yolanda Perez. And third is Dr. Diana Ballesteros, who is on the faculty
of Mexico’s 15 poorest municipalities where more than 98 percent of of the Family Practice Program at Christus Health Center and has pro-
the population lives in poverty, eight of those municipalities are in the vided several residents to serve with us. Also, Dr. Ricardo Riojas, his
state of Oaxaca, according to a study by the National Council for the wife, Beatriz, and family, who have served the Quijotes over the years.
1
Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL). Our decision But most of all I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
to serve the people of Oaxaca since 1997 was based primarily on the who showed us the dream 34 years ago at a prayer breakfast on a Thurs-
recommendation by Dr. Hugo Castaneda who recognized the medical day morning at the old downtown Santa Rosa Hospital.
needs of the indigenous peoples of the area. If you would like to help the Quijotes Medical Mission group, you
The spirit, sentiments and memories of the people who went on this can make a non-taxable donation on their website: www.quijotesof-
trip were expressed to me in several conversations. I will pass on just a few. sanantonio.com
Pharmacist, Jim Stultz, who made the decision to join the Quijotes
medical mission trips in 1993, said, “Looking back now, it’s hard to Reference:
fathom all the experiences and memories that came from that decision https://www.coneval.org.mx/InformesPublicaciones/FolletosInsti-
to join. From the first mission in Mexico City, Los Quijotes missions tucionales/Documents/Multidemensional-Measurement-of-poverty-
quickly became a passion for me. The shared efforts with the Los Qui- in-Mexico.pdf
jotes team, the interaction with the local volunteers, and the opportu-
nity to learn about Mexico, its culture and its people was something Carlos Raul Orozco, MD, is a Pulmonologist and a 5th grade
that drew me back year after year. I now find myself 30 years later with math teacher. Proverbs 17:22

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