(WASHINGTON, March 27, 2009) – Following the success of a program established in Uganda last year, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) have again partnered to launch a new hematology program together with the Peruvian Social Security Health System, Empresa De Seguros De Salud (EsSalud). The goal of this program is to improve the hematology training of clinicians, laboratory technicians, technologists, and students. This training will take place at hospitals located in Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco.
"We are enthusiastic to launch a new ASH/HVO hematology program in Peru," said Enrico M. Novelli, MD, director of the Peru program. "This is a great teaching and cultural exchange opportunity for ASH hematologist/oncologists, hematopathologists, and laboratory-based scientists with an expertise in areas such as bone marrow transplantation, coagulation disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders, or blood banking."
Volunteers will provide didactic and hands-on training in both the clinical and laboratory aspects of hematology to undergraduate medical and laboratory students, postgraduates, fellows, and staff. Volunteers will also assist in evaluating postgraduate fellow projects and aid in improving communication between the lab staff and clinicians.
Both pediatric or adult hematology/oncology clinicians and laboratory-based scientists are welcomed for assignments of one to four weeks. Volunteers must be board certified in hematology and/or blood banking. Individuals with a PhD must be certified in hematopathology or pathology with demonstrated experience in hematopathology. Applicants must be members of both ASH and HVO to be considered for this program, and volunteers from outside the United States are encouraged to apply. Although a working knowledge of Spanish is very helpful, it is not a requirement for this program. This site is not suitable for trainees.
To learn more about this program and how to volunteer, please visit ASH's HVO Program page.
Reporters may contact Patrick Irelan at 202-776-0544 or pirelan@hematology.org for more information.
The American Society of Hematology (www.hematology.org) is the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. In September 2008, ASH launched Blood: The Vital Connection (www.bloodthevitalconnection.org), a credible online resource addressing bleeding and clotting disorders, anemia, and cancer. It provides hematologist-approved information about these common blood conditions including risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options.
A private, nonprofit membership organization, Health Volunteers Overseas was founded in 1986 to improve global health through education. HVO designs and implements clinical education programs in child health, primary care, trauma and rehabilitation, essential surgical care, oral health, hematology, infectious disease, nursing education, burn management, and wound care. In more than 25 resource-poor nations, volunteers train, mentor, and provide critical professional support to health-care providers who care for the neediest populations in the most difficult of circumstances. HVO's hematology training programs are sponsored by the American Society of Hematology. To learn more about volunteering with HVO, visit the Web site (www.hvousa.org) or contact the HVO Program Department at (202) 296-0928.