Women Doctors Archives - Adelante Mujer

Reflecting On The Impact Of The Adelante Mujer Scholarship By Student Ana Verónica Peña

Dear friends and supporters,

I am thrilled to share with you the profound impact that the “Adelante Mujer” scholarship has had on my journey as a student of Intercultural Medicine. From the outset, receiving this scholarship has been a tremendous honor and a game-changer in both my academic and personal life.

Throughout this semester, I’ve had the privilege to engage in a variety of modules and activities that have not only enriched my university experience but have also honed my skills as a future medical professional. One of the most rewarding experiences was participating in vaccination campaigns against diseases like measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough. These campaigns were not just about administering vaccines but were pivotal moments in understanding the importance of preventive medicine and community health.

Equally impactful was my involvement in mosquito control efforts aimed at combating malaria and dengue, diseases that have had a significant impact on our city. These initiatives underscored the critical intersection between public health and community involvement, shaping my understanding of healthcare beyond clinical settings.

Of course, clinical rotations were a cornerstone of this semester. They provided me with firsthand experience in providing care and support to patients facing various illnesses. These rotations have been invaluable in reinforcing my commitment to pursuing excellence in medical practice and serving my community with dedication and empathy.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to those who made this scholarship possible. Your generosity and belief in my potential have been a constant source of inspiration. I am committed to continuing my academic journey with determination, striving to achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to society.

As I look ahead to the next semester, I am excited about the opportunities for growth and learning that lie ahead. I promise to keep you updated on my progress and share more insights into how your support continues to shape my path.

Thank you once again for believing in me and for supporting the “Forward Woman” scholarship. Together, we are making a difference.

Warm regards,

Ana Verónica Peña

(translate from Spanish to English)

What a Blessing to Give the Gift of Sight

Hello! I hope you and your families are well. Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan

I am currently in the ophthalmology module, where I do my clinical practices on the afternoon and night shifts once a week. This year, I do not have any specific patients since I do not have time to do visits in person daily; the 5th year is quite full of activities and classes.

Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan

I interact with patients daily; people already recognize me when they see me on the street and express themselves as very grateful.

This month we have assisted some communities to vaccinate adults and children against COVID-19 and Tetanus and ensured that children have their complete vaccination schedule. We also give them antiparasitic medications.

Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan I feel happy because the people in the communities trust us and accept that they are given the correct medicine, unlike in previous years when they were incredulous about the existence of certain diseases.

I have attached some photos of my clinical practices. I am always grateful for your support; you are a very important part of this great dream.

Blessings!
Heydi
February 2024

Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan

Doctors on Our Wall

Each year Adelante Mujer proudly publishes the photos and first names of the newest doctors who received financial assistance from our faithful donors and grantors. It is our privilege to walk into the office each day and see all of their smiling, grateful faces and we thought you might appreciate the same inspiring view.

The first panel features Continue reading “Doctors on Our Wall” →

Treating the Children

Michayska is a fourth-year student at URACCAN. Below she shares a bit about her work with a child in her community.

First of all, cordial greetings…God bless all the people who have made it possible to achieve this scholarship. I also express my gratitude for the support that has been given to me during my university career in order to continue forward and every day closer to our goal. Through this present, I want to let you know my contribution to my city putting my knowledge into practice being an honor for me to be able to help the Continue reading “Treating the Children” →

What Are the Students Doing?

Each year, the students in Adelante Mujer submit a report about their clinical work, either with an individual patient or their overall work. Following is a report recently received from a student. It gives you a good idea of how the students put into practice all they are learning.

I am currently in the Ophthalmology module, where I do my clinical practices in the afternoon and night shifts once a week. For now, everything is fine, and I am up to date with classes. This year I don’t have a specific patient since I don’t have time to do daily visits to a person. The 5th year is quite full of activities with the class schedule. Continue reading “What Are the Students Doing?” →

Culturally Competent Doctors

During a medical mission trip to Nicaragua in 2013, I was struck by the poverty and lack of access to medical resources in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is the 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The average yearly income for a Nicaraguan is only 1,950 US dollars per year. In outlying clinics, there was no running water and no labs available.

When I asked for a pregnancy test for a young woman who I thought might be pregnant, I was told by the local nurse, “you just feel” as no test was available. In the Continue reading “Culturally Competent Doctors” →

Five New Doctors

On March 15, five Adelante Mujer students took the Hippocratic Oath at the promotion ceremony of URACCAN’s Intercultural Medicine program. We are very proud of our students and all of the hard work they have completed over the past six years. With this class, Adelante Mujer is up to 75 graduates since our beginning.

New Doctors March 2023

The women will now begin their internship and their two years of service before they can receive their MINSA number (similar to licensing). Please keep Carol, Dora, Janiesca, Slilma, and Xochil in your prayers as they enter the next phase of medical training.
We also accepted ten new students Continue reading “Five New Doctors” →

Transitions

As we transition to a new year, Adelante Mujer is going through a transition of its own. Marie Trebec, who has been serving our organization since 2018, is retiring. Sister Mary Christine Fellerhoff, CSA, is taking over the position of Administrative Assistant of Adelante Mujer. For the past month, Marie has been training Sister Mary Christine on the programs, processes, and software used in our office.

Marie (left) training Sister Mary Christine on office procedure at Adelante Mujer

Continue reading “Transitions” →

A Long Road

We often talk about the six years the women in Adelante Mujer spend in the Intercultural Medicine program at URACCAN University. These women work hard, often beginning their studies in a language that is not native to them. (Women from the remote areas of Nicaragua often speak Miskito or Rama, or another indigenous language. Those who do, will learn Spanish when they start at the university.) These women, most coming right from secondary school, begin studying physiology, anatomy, Continue reading “A Long Road” →

Welcome to Our Newest Students

In late July, the students at URACCAN University started a new semester. Seven of those students are new members of Adelante Mujer. All seven are second-year students in the Intercultural Medicine program. They range in age from 17 to 23, and all have hopes to specialize in different areas of medicine, from obstetrics and gynecology to neurosurgery.

Yaritza, Nora, Elena, Verónica, Ashly, Adjanny, Shaimara

The women were very grateful to learn of their acceptance into the program. Here is a message from one of the students. “Thank you very much. I can’t find words to thank you for this great support that you gave me. I will always give my best at all times, thank you very much and blessings.”

Welcome to Yaritza, Nora, Elena, Verónica, Ashly, Adjanny, and Shaimara! May God bless you, your studies, and the people you will serve.

~~ Karen, September 2022 ~~