VIDA was created to be a resource to help fellow human beings and animals. We are registered as a 501c3 charity in the state of Minnesota. Our EIN is 39-2077094. Phone: 1-888-365-VIDA
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Detecting Cervical Cancer, One Patient at a Time
By Giovanni Alvarado, VIDA Interpreter and Software Engineer
In 2009, I was hired by PATH, a nonprofit organization that implements global health solutions, as a Data Manager for a Research Project in Cervical Cancer Prevention. I started working in a small office in Monimbo Health Center in the city of Masaya, Nicaragua.
With PATH, we did Cervical Cancer screening in women between 30 and 49 years old and come from communities with limited resources.
At the beginning, my job was to enter data into a database, update results and other basic activities such as ordering clinic forms and test results.
Over time, I started to get more involved in other important activities such as:
Assisting in Lab Technicians Training for HPV – DNA test (interpreting).
Helping out with screening campaigns in the field (rural areas and other clinics outside of the Monimbo Health Center); keeping track of women who would be screened, filling out the clinical forms and helping set up the clinics.
Assisting the Clinic Staff make a daily list of patients for screening, colposcopy and biopsy, and a list for treatments to do (cryo-therapy)
Traveling with special patients who need Cancer Treatments (Chemical and Radiotherapy)
Scheduling follow-up appointments
After 2 years in the research project, I was granted a scholarship for a Special Training in Data Analysis at PATH –Seattle (USA) Offices. I earned this recognition because I improved the Project’s Database, as well as that of other organization’s activities.
During my time in this job, I learned a lot about Public Health and Women’s Counseling for Cervical Cancer Prevention.
I am proud to say that through the work we have done, we have screened 5,000 women for Cervical Cancer, detected 8 cases of advanced cancer and 330 cases of cervical cancer on time. We have saved the lives of 338 women.
In 2011, I joined VIDA as an Interpreter, following my desire to help other people. This was a new beginning for me; I was not used to interpreting every word!
Now, after 3 years working in the Public Health System, I can share what fulfills me the most: Helping other people, especially those in need.
For me, that is PRICELESS.
Check out more information about one study Geovanni is currently participating in with Path and how the lives of the patients have been changed.
About Author: VIDA Staff
VIDA is a 501c3 organization that promotes global health through volunteer service learning experiences to help low-resource communities in Central America.
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6 Comments
Carmen Mendoza
Sep 13, 2012
Hijo, como tu madre me siento muy orgullosa de todos tus logros como profesional, pero principalmente como persona, me satisface tanto y doy gracias a Dios por haberme ayudado a llevarte hasta donde estás, y sé con toda seguridad que nuestro Padre celestial tiene preparado para ti un lindo camino lleno de ricas y abundantes bendiciones. Te felicito hijo por todo lo que representas, y pido a Dios que siempre te lleve de su mano. Una abrazo de tu madre que te ama
GENOVEVA
Sep 14, 2012
Giovanni felicitaciones por tus logros y principalmente por tu entrega y gran corazón. ¡Qué emoción Carmencita ver a tu pequeño niño crecido no sólo físicamente sino también en su interior. Un abrazo grande y fraterno para los dos, con Amor. Genoveva
Maria Consuelo
Sep 15, 2012
Felicitaciones Giovanni El amor y el tesón de tu madre se refleja en tu hermoso corazón y lo expresas con grandeza Bendiciones
Dra Vivian EGER
Sep 17, 2012
TE FELICITO....ESTOY MUY ORGULLOSA DE VOS....
Sonia Medina
Sep 28, 2012
Eso dice mucho de vos, felicidades por ser un gran ser humano y felicidades a tu mamá por haberte creado con muchos valores. Un abrazo
Julio Gutiérrez
Oct 05, 2012
Felicidades mi buen amigo :) espero este sea el inicio de muchos exitos mas, y que sigas contribuyendo a esta extraordinaria labor, suerte.