January 2026

Dear friends,

As we begin a new year, I want to thank you for being part of the HVO community. Your commitment to advancing quality health care through education makes an extraordinary difference for health professionals and patients around the world.

January is a time for reflection and resolve. While the global health landscape continues to face immense challenges, our mission has never been more urgent. At HVO, we remain steadfast in our belief that strengthening health systems starts with investing in people: training providers, supporting educators, and building sustainable local capacity.

To see stories that highlight the impact of education-driven global health, updates from our programs, and ways you can continue to engage with HVO in the year ahead, visit our blog at https://hvousa.org/blog/. I hope they remind you that even in uncertain times, progress is possible when we work together.

Thank you for starting this year with us and for believing, as we do, in a world where everyone has access to quality health care.

Sincerely,

April

April Pinner, MSPH, RD

Executive Director

Feinberg Fellowship Open - Anesthesia

Applications for HVO's Feinberg Fellowship for Long-Term Volunteers in anesthesia are open!

The Feinberg Fellowship funds airfare, housing, and a small living stipend to a volunteer who can spend six to twelve months working at the Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) in Sierra Leone. Volunteers must be either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a Physician Anesthesiologist (MD/DO).

More information is available here: https://hvousa.org/volunteer/apply-for-a-fellowship/feinberg-fellowship/. Interested volunteers should contact Program Director Lisa Vu at l.vu@hvousa.org.

Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence: https://www.pih.org/article/sierra-leone-maternal-care-being-reimagined-prioritize-dignity

Golden Apple Nominations

The HVO Golden Apple Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to HVO’s mission, organization, and project sites. Anyone who knows of an HVO contributor’s work is welcome to nominate them for the recognition.

Volunteer Opportunities

Nursing Oncology, Vietnam is recruiting an inpatient staff nurse or outpatient infusion nurse to provide feedback and mentorship on monthly virtual case discussions. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin.

Pediatrics, Laos is recruiting a cast tech to provide training in casting and splinting topics. One month minimum placement preferred, in-person only. Interested volunteers should contact Emily Dalton.