GOLDEN APPLE HONOREES

Since 2006, the Golden Apple Award has recognized the members, volunteers, partners, and supporters who make extraordinary contributions to the sustainability and effectiveness of Health Volunteers Overseas.

2024 Golden Apple Honorees

Andrew Babu, BPT, MPT

Mr. Babu is currently working as a professor and as the Head of Physiotherapy Unit at Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore, India. After completing his Bachelors in Physiotherapy at CMC Vellore in 1988, he did his Masters in Physiotherapy at KEM Hospital, Bombay in 1994. Since returning to CMC Vellore, he has held different administrative posts, including Head of Physiotherapy Education in 1996. He assumed his current role as Head of Physiotherapy Unit in 2010. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Distinguished Academic Service Award, and he is a member of the India COVID Guidelines and Lancet Commission of India.     

Michael Martin, MD

Dr. Martin started out as an art major but found his way into medicine through the vicissitudes of life. During medical school, he worked with the POE program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Brazil and fell in love with international medicine. Since then, as an internist and medical oncologist, he has participated in and led medical mission work in Mexico and Nicaragua. He has had the honor of being a Fulbright Specialist in Nigeria and worked under a US State Department grant in Uzbekistan. 

Margaret Nakakeeto, MD

Dr. Margaret Nakakeeto is a distinguished neonatologist and educator renowned for her unwavering dedication and professional expertise. With over 27 years of experience, she has held various senior management positions and demonstrated exceptional leadership in newborn health, management of vulnerable populations, and medical education. Dr. Nakakeeto’s extensive knowledge encompasses designing and delivering complex program requirements, supporting adult learners, and advocating for evidence-based programming. From her position as Director of Neonatology in various hospitals to her consultancy work with international organizations like USAID, UNICEF and Save the Children, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing newborn care services and systems. Her commitment to mentoring and capacity building extends to medical students, health workers, and managers, ensuring sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery. 

Prakash Neupane, MD

Dr. Neupane went to medical school in Nepal and completed his residency and hematology oncology fellowship in the US. Currently, he is professor of medical oncology and director of the hematology oncology fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. His clinical focus is the head and neck and thoracic oncology. He is passionate about educating younger generations of physicians in the field of cancer care.  

Kelly Smith, MD

Dr. Smith is a community hematologist and oncologist at Colorado Permanente Medical Group in Lafayette, Colorado. She attended medical school at the University of California, San Francisco and completed her internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at the University of Washington. Prior to relocating to Colorado, Dr. Smith spent three years working in Hanoi, Vietnam as a clinical assistant professor with University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Global Health. She taught students and residents at Vin University and took care of cancer patients at Vinmec Times City International Hospital. She is a board member and project leader for oncology and palliative care for Medical Education Exchange Teams. Dr. Smith also created Vietnam Cancer Club, a network of over 700 health care professionals, to promote collaboration and education. 

Hansjörg Wyss

A native of Switzerland who now lives in Wilson, Wyoming, Mr. Wyss’ first experiences in the West drew him back to the United States to attend the Harvard Business School, from which he graduated in 1965.  With his American education and passion for discovery, he started a successful medical research and design company, headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, whose products have helped millions of patients recover from skeletal and soft tissue trauma and injuries.

Grateful for the opportunities the United States, its lands, and the world have afforded him, Mr. Wyss believes he has a duty to repay his good fortune through philanthropic endeavors that expand the reach of human possibility and compassion.  Practical and innovative by nature, Mr. Wyss’ philanthropy fosters new ideas, new tools, and new collaborations in areas ranging from medicine, education and the arts to economic opportunity, conflict resolution, and land conservation.

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To learn more about the award and how to make a nomination, click here.