You are probably familiar with the HVO mission. Our organization is dedicated to improving the quality and availability of health care in resource-scarce countries by providing education, training and professional development opportunities to the local health workforce in those countries.…
This year on World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) seeks to draw attention to the global burden of diabetes. In recent years, diabetes has been on the rise in low- and middle-income countries. This is due in large…
Last month, NPR’s Goats & Soda blog discussed programs offering short-term experiences in global health (STEGH) for medical students, highlighting “The Risks (And Unexpected Benefits) Of Sending Health Students Abroad.” The post discussed the challenges of ensuring that global health…
This experience challenged me both medically and on a fundamental level of leadership and how to influence change. It certainly grounded me and has made me a better doctor, anesthesiologist and person.” – HVO volunteer Theresa Northern, DO, MPH As…
A recent Global Burden of Disease Study conducted internationally over the course of 20 years found that untreated tooth decay was the most common out of 291 diseases studied. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that untreated tooth decay impacts…
International Women’s Day is an opportunity both to celebrate progress, and to advocate for change. The International Women’s Day 2016 Pledge for Parity campaign urges supporters to choose at least one way in which they will support global gender equity.…
The tradition of presenting teachers with apples dates all the way back to the American frontier and the one-room schoolhouse. According to Smithsonian Magazine, frontier families with school-aged children were often responsible for providing teachers with food and shelter. Today,…
Volunteering is a very rewarding and educational experience for both parties.” – HVO Volunteer Kirsten Kristensen, PT, MS Every health worker has a story, and Kirsten Kristensen’s volunteer story begins with a lifelong love of travel. Born in Denmark, Kristensen…
Why volunteer? Hear from a trainee at our annual Orthopaedics Overseas Luncheon. If you are attending the AAOS 2016 Annual Meeting in Orlando this year, join us for an afternoon dedicated to global orthopaedic health care! On Friday, March 4th…
According the World Health Organization, more than half of new cancer cases each year, and 70 percent of cancer deaths, occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America. HVO is proud to contribute to the global fight against cancer by sending oncology and hematology volunteers…
Every health worker has a story of how they came to their field – a tale of lifelong passion for science, an experience that solidified a commitment to care, or a teacher, parent, role model or friend who inspired a…
Editor’s Note: This article was written by HVO Communications & Development Coordinator, Katie McMullen. Katie has been a member of HVO staff since 2011 and a donor since she joined staff. I make an annual gift to Health Volunteers Overseas, and…