Guatemalan Medical Research Initiative
Learn.
Research.
Lead.
Building research capacity
for Guatemala’s
Health System
Welcome to Guate Med Research!
Mission
To strengthen medical research capacity in Guatemala through a structured group mentorship model that raises awareness about the value of research, supports medical students and physicians throughout the entire research cycle, and helps translate evidence into actions that improve access to and quality of health care.
Vision
A future where any motivated medical student or physician in Guatemala can access high-quality research mentorship and contribute to impactful, locally relevant evidence that shapes clinical practice, public health programs, and health policy in Latin America.
Meet the Team
Guate Med Research works through collaboration. Our core team brings together clinical practice, public health, and research mentorship across different specialties.
Bernardo López Samayoa, MD, MPH(c)
Founder & Program Lead – Primary Care and Public Health
Bernardo is a primary care and public health physician and health program designer. He founded Guate Med Research to create a structured group mentorship model that supports Guatemalan medical students and physicians in designing, publishing, and applying research to improve access to care. He coordinates cross-border collaborations between Guatemala and the United States and helps connect research teams with mentors, conferences, and funding opportunities.
Co-Founder & Radiology Mentor – Community Health Education
Mónica is a Guatemalan physician and co-founder of Guate Med Research. She earned her MD from the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and a Master’s degree in Health Management and Administration from the Universidad de La Rioja in Spain. She is currently a second-year resident in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging at Universidad Mariano Gálvez (Policlínica).
Within Guate Med Research, she mentors medical students and young doctors in imaging-based clinical research and co-leads the community and patient education pillar. Her clinical and managerial training helps teams keep their research both technically solid and closely aligned with real patient and health-system needs.
Ariadna Cifuentes MD, MSc
Orthobiologics & Rehabilitation – IGOBIR Lead Mentor
Dr. Ariadna is an orthopedic specialist and the driving force behind the Guatemalan Initiative for Orthobiologics and Rehabilitation (IGOBIR). She leads research on platelet-rich plasma and other orthobiologic approaches for patients with degenerative joint disease. Through Guate Med Research, she mentors teams in the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical projects that bridge orthopedics, rehabilitation, and public health.
María Mercedes Ancheta González MD, MSc
Maternal–Fetal Medicine & Fetal Therapy Mentor
Dr. María Mercedes is a maternal–fetal medicine specialist and a pioneer in the development of fetal therapy in Guatemala. She leads the NACER maternal–fetal unit. Within Guate Med Research, she mentors projects related to prenatal diagnosis, high-risk pregnancy, and the integration of research into new models of care and policy proposals for maternal and neonatal health.
Mentorship Model
Our mentorship model brings together medical students, specialist physicians, and public health mentors to engage in impactful research projects that address pressing health challenges. Join us in our mission to drive innovation and positive transformation within healthcare systems.
Our Collaborators
Research Insights
Impactful Stories
“Guate Med Research has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a medical student. The mentorship and research opportunities have significantly enriched my understanding of public health and clinical practice.”
Dr. Sofia Ramirez
“Being a mentor at Guate Med Research has allowed me to witness the passion and dedication of the next generation of healthcare professionals. It's truly inspiring to be a part of this transformative initiative.”
Dr. Carlos Vasquez
“As a public health mentor, I have had the privilege of guiding and collaborating with motivated individuals at Guate Med Research. Together, we are driving meaningful change in healthcare research and practice.”
Dr. Maria Fernandez