October, 2025

Dear friends,

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a good time to consider how thoughtful planning can lead to stronger, healthier futures. Legacy gifts are a wonderful way to demonstrate your commitment to HVO’s mission of improving access to quality health care for all. Just as a well-prepared health worker can transform care in their community, a legacy gift can ensure your values and compassion continue to make a difference for years to come. I encourage you to take a moment this month to review your plans and consider the legacy you would like to leave behind. If you’d like more information about including HVO in your estate plans, we would be happy to discuss with you. Thank you for being part of a community that invests not just in today, but in the future of global health.

To learn more, visit https://hvousa.org/ways-to-give/other-ways-to-give/hvo-legacy-circle/.

Sincerely,

April

April Pinner, MSPH, RD

Executive Director

In Case You Missed It

Partner Spotlight

Dr. Stephen Mirembe has been HVO’s on-site coordinator for our dermatology project at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Mbarara, Uganda for the last year.  

“I started out as a student taught and mentored by HVO lecturers. Now, as a lecturer at Mbarara University, I coordinate HVO activities. Volunteers have led online lectures conducted in specialties that we lack such as dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, and others. We also regularly host HVO lecturers at the university. One volunteer connected us with an opportunity to contribute to an online webinar on Kaposi sarcoma. It was a great experience for our team to not only participate in the educational webinar but to present as well. Inspired by lectures, some of our trainees show interest in specializing in disciplines like dermatotherapy, pediatric dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology. Our collaboration will lead to improved dermatological care. We are grateful for all the support provided so far, and request more training in cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology as well as in dermatopathology.”

Doximity Foundation Travel Grants

Through Doximity Foundation, US-based physicians, NPs, CRNAs, and PAs who have been approved for placement with HVO may be eligible to receive up to $2,400 for airfare. Recipients must book their flights through the Dox Foundation. HVO does not review or approve applications, but applicants must indicate on the Doximity application form that they have been approved for a Health Volunteers Overseas assignment. The application should be submitted 2-4 months before the trip. Please keep your HVO Program Coordinator updated if you receive the grant.

Uganda Spine Surgery Volunteer Needed

Health Volunteers Overseas is looking for an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthesiologist to volunteer from January 22-February 2, 2026 in Kampala, Uganda at Mulago National Referral Hospital. The volunteer will be part of a spine team providing education and direct patient care. Interested volunteers should have at least five years of experience and be comfortable with complex spine and trauma cases. This volunteer opportunity is funded. For more information, please contact Andrea Moody (a.moody@hvousa.org).

OTA Meeting

HVO staff will be attending the annual OTA meeting from October 15-18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Our table will be located near registration. Stop by to learn more about volunteering with HVO's orthopaedic projects! For more information about the OTA meeting visit: 2025-ota-annual-meeting.eventscribe.net

Volunteer Opportunities

Dermatology, Cambodia is recruiting in-person and virtual volunteers specializing in dermatopathology and dermatological research and publication. Interested volunteers should contact Natalie Cary. 

Internal Medicine, Nepal is recruiting in-person volunteers with expertise in general medicine topics, and specialties including hematology, rheumatology, POCUS, and leadership training. Interested volunteers should contact  Natalie Cary. 

Oncology, Honduras is recruiting in-person volunteers with experience in surgical or gynecologic oncology to provide teaching and training. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin.

Oral Health, Kathmandu, Nepal is recruiting general dentists, specialists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons for in-person and virtual assignments to support didactic lectures and clinical training. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin.

Orthopaedics, Ghana is recruiting overseas volunteers specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopy, pediatrics surgery, arthroplasty and joints reconstruction, and spine. Interested volunteers should contact  Natalie Cary. 

Pediatrics, Laos is recruiting volunteers to support their outpatient department. General pediatricians are encouraged to apply, and a modest stipend is offered to volunteers able to commit to a placement of three months or longer. One month minimum placement. Interested volunteers should contact Emily Dalton.