These are stories directly from our volunteers and members.
Editor’s Note: You may recognize the name Dr. Jim Matiko from last year’s HVO Photo Contest. Images captured during Dr. Matiko’s 2009 assignment in Malawi won in both the “Celebrate” and “Grow” categories. Every health worker has a story, and…
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of three posts by Victoria Elliot, MSPH, a public health professional and medical student who accompanied HVO staff member April Pinner on a recent trip to Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Victoria’s background in…
Early this year, HVO began collecting stories from around the world. We asked our volunteers, leaders, and overseas partners to share their stories – the tales of compassion, commitment and determination that inspire them. As HVO celebrates its 30th anniversary,…
Editor’s note: This post was provided by HVO volunteer and leader Linda Wolff, MPT. Ms. Wolff traveled to Bhutan in May 2016 to participate in the Wheelchair Service Providers Training program. Despite being classified a Least Developed Country (LCD) according to…
If you are a long-time member of the HVO community, you are likely familiar with our Biennial Photo Contest. Since its inception, this contest has provided an opportunity for volunteers to share a small piece of their overseas experience with…
Since 2000, Health Volunteers Overseas has had the honor of counting Julia Plotnick, RN, MPH, FAAN, RADM, USPHS (ret) as one of its members. For nearly two decades, she has been a dedicated volunteer, member, leader and supporter. She has…
“Wherever you go, just take care of patients the very best you can and treat them like you want to be treated yourself.” This is the advice Samuel R. Baker, MD offers prospective global health volunteers. With more than ten…
Malnutrition is a significant threat to human health. The World Health Organization reports that undernutrition contributes to about one third of all child deaths, while overweight and obesity are contributing to a rise in chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular…
Over the course of numerous overseas assignments, anesthesiologist Lena Dohlman, MD, MPH, has seen the incredible impact HVO volunteers have on the quality and availability of care in resource-scarce countries. Dr. Dohlman has also witnessed how an overseas teaching assignment can inspire…
Editor’s Note: The following piece was written to recognize the outstanding contributions of HVO on-site coordinator and recent Golden Apple Award recipient Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Chung. HVO is incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of all of our…
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…
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…