July 2026

Dear friends,

Over the last month and a half, we have watched with concern as Ebola cases have spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo and into Uganda. It is a reminder of the risks and pressures health workers face as they fight to protect and care for their communities, often with limited resources. These are our colleagues. They deserve access to the best available knowledge, the most current clinical guidance, and the professional networks that keep them from feeling isolated in their work. When we invest in training, mentorship, and health education, we are not simply transferring skills. We are honoring the dedication of the people who will use those skills in service of others, often under conditions most of us will never face.

We are at our strongest when we work together. The connections our volunteers and partners have forged across borders and disciplines have led to measurably better outcomes for the patients and communities we serve. 

Sincerely,

April

April Pinner, MSPH, RD

Executive Director

From Partnership to Friendship

HVO’s work is built on collaboration, respect, and partnership. For many HVO volunteers and their partners, those relationships become something more – lasting friendships. 

“It felt like [Dr. Tomás Gonzalez and I] had known each other for a long, long time. We shared our experiences. We learned together. We connected as people.”

– Dr. Romulo Silva

“We were welcomed by the other HVO volunteers. Dr. Peter Rice sent us helpful information. Dr. David Roesel met us in Phnom Penh, treated us to a boat ride on the river and dinner at a hotel. We helped OBGYN Dr. Tamara Helfer with her equipment, and she treated us to dinner. An HVO emergency physician was very helpful and joined our team meetings sometimes. The HVO network works – everybody helps each other.” 

– Dr. Connie Evashwick

“My introduction to Betty Beard, a nursing professor and dedicated volunteer of Health Volunteers Overseas, occurred in 2018, a meeting that I consider pivotal in my career. Her mentorship instilled in me the confidence to apply for a PhD scholarship. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the partnership with HVO and the invaluable support and expertise provided by volunteers.” 

- Dr. Phung Van Du, nursing

“I want to highlight the transformative support of Dr. Melanie Thomas. As a Fulbright Scholar and dedicated HVO mentor, she was the primary architect of our oncology curriculum, and her guidance was instrumental in helping us achieve a long-held dream – the successful launch of the DM medical oncology program at BPKIHS. I am proud to report that our division of medical oncology now treats thousands of patients…thank you for helping us start from scratch and for standing by us as we built a center of excellence. We are not just treating cancer; we are building a future.”

– Dr. Soniya Dulal

“When I need help, I can always send a message with a picture and ask a question. Even when he’s on holiday, Luke [Carter-Brzezinski] will sacrifice for me. Sometimes it’s very urgent - the clinicians need results, and I am not sure of them. Luke always replies immediately. Before, I felt like I was alone. Now, when I have difficult cases, I can discuss with HVO colleagues. I feel confident. I have a friend.”

 – Chantha Hou

Transforming Childhood Cancer Care in Cambodia

In 2008, children diagnosed with cancer in Cambodia had few options. Hospitals such as Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC) lacked the specialized training and resources needed to provide cancer treatment, and many patients were turned away. Recognizing an opportunity to change that reality, HVO volunteers partnered with AHC staff to build local expertise and strengthen pediatric oncology services. Over nearly two decades of collaboration, that investment has transformed cancer care not only at AHC but also at pediatric hospitals across the country that have looked to AHC as a model. The results have been remarkable. In 2017, the survival rate for patients at AHC with leukemia was zero percent. Today, it is 66 percent. Leading the oncology team at AHC is Dr. Bun Sereyleak. “I would like to thank all the volunteers for sharing, for teaching me, and for guiding me to be the Chief of Oncology today,” she said. “You have been my teachers and keep coming here to help me and the children of Cambodia. I am asking HVO to send more volunteers. We need more education for our nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. We cannot achieve our goals alone.”

Volunteer Opportunities

Anesthesia, Cambodia (Kampot) is recruiting volunteers to provide informal lectures and clinical training to anesthesia practitioners. Topics include pain intervention, regional anesthesia and analgesia. Interested volunteers should contact Natalie Cary.

Anesthesia, Vietnam is recruiting volunteers with experience in writing a study design, conducting research, and publishing. Interested volunteers should contact Natalie Cary.

Nursing education, Haiti is recruiting surgical (OR) educators/clinical nurses to develop educational materials and to teach about intraoperative procedures online. Interested volunteers should contact Emily Dalton.

Oncology, Vietnam is recruiting medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists along with pathologists with expertise in any topic for in-person placements and monthly virtual case discussions. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin.

Oncology, Nepal is recruiting oncology-trained nurses or board-certified medical oncologists with experience in any aspect of solid tumor oncology, hematologic malignancies, benign heme conditions, or clinical research for in-person placements and virtual tumor boards. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin.

Orthopaedics, Ghana is recruiting pediatric orthopaedic surgeons to assist faculty with teaching and training orthopaedic, trauma, and plastic surgeons. The volunteer must be board eligible/certified with current license (active or retired) and sub-specialty training. Interested volunteers should contact Natalie Cary.