He is a Mayan doctor who grew up during the Civil War and received protection from the Catholic Church. Dr. Mendez has a Masters in Public Health and completed a pediatrics internship at the University of Utah. He has served as a consultant for local and international organizations regarding reproductive health programs and maternal and child health programs. He lives and practices in the lakeside village of San Pedro. He has a broad vision for public and reproductive health. Dr. Mendez is fully Mayan and speaks all 3 native dialects; a skill set that makes him invaluable in the local community because there is mistrust when the indigenous population must share personal and medical histories through an interpreter. He and his wife Karina work together in the clinic. He also makes home visits and in collaboration with 2 other physicians, is building a 10-bed hospital in his home town.