Meet Viri Maldonado, our chaperone for our 2012 HIGHER (Helping in Global Health, Education and Reform) program for summer students. We are so thrilled to have Viri accompanying our students to Boaco, Nicaragua for their summer experience. Why? Well … Viri is awesome. She’s 22 years old, is working towards her BS in Human Development and Biology at UC Davis, and plans to go to Medical School. She’s the kind of person who you both instantly like and are impressed by. She’s smart, kind, ambitious, compassionate, easygoing – we could go on and on. Here she is, in her own words:
What about Clinica Verde sparked your interest and passion?

Clinica Verde is a wonderful project that has a very special place in my heart not only because it aims to help those experiencing health disparities but also because it takes a sustainable approach. The environment and saving resources is something very important to me. Healthcare starts first by taking care of your surroundings and providing a safe environment so that people can attain the most basic healthcare. The fact that Clinica verde takes a holistic approach in treating patients is of high importance to me because it makes people feel like they are truly cared for regardless of whatever situation they may find themselves in.

What do you hope the students gain from their summer experience?

I hope that the summer experience can be both informative and fun for the students. I hope that at the end of the program the students find it rewarding to be able to help people in need and make a difference in their lives no matter how small it may be.

What do you hope to gain yourself?

I hope to learn about the people the services are being provided for and their approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I have a very strong interest in medicine and, in particular, helping underprivileged communities; I hope that the summer experience with HIGHER will reinforce my interests. I hope to enhance my passion for healthcare by learning more about the medical field and  how to be proactive in encouraging people to surround themselves with a healthy environment, thus producing a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, I hope that the experience will help me to learn how to improve the quality of society.

Personal motto?

Be kind to all people because everyone deserves it

WARNING: Clinica Verde’s name and logo are fraudulently being used to scam people out of money. If you are personally notified of a job offer, interview, request for money – or are contacted by anyone claiming to be with Clinica Verde – please contact us immediately: susan@clinicaverde.org.

The criminal has used Cristiana Chamorro and Jennifer Owen’s names as well as the following email addresses: cristianainterview@yahoo.com, racheldigs72@yahoo.com, boardresume@gmail.com, Operate_Office@yahoo.com, hiringdesk30@yahoo.com, serina.belford@yahoo.com. Also, the folllowing name and address have been used: David Davila, 492 W. Hanover Street, Trenton, NJ, 08618.

This crime has been reported to the FBI and is being investigated by law enforcement. Again, please beware and report anyone using Clinica Verde’s name to post a job offer or interview – and report it immediately. They will try to scam you out of money.

We are deeply sorry that someone would take advantage of our good name in this way.

Below is an example of a fake letter the criminal is sending:

THIS IS A SCAM:

Clinica Verde nurses giving talks on vaccines.

Clinica Verde is participating in the Ministry of Health’s national vaccine campaign in Nicaragua this month.  The last two weeks of the month are dedicated to ensuring all children receive their basic vaccines, but Clinica Verde is starting education now, with daily charlas on topics such as the importance of vaccines, preventing the spread of disease, and basic hygiene. We want our patients to understand each vaccine, why it matters, and what they can do to reduce the risk of diseases.

Thanks to our awesome staff!

Our housekeeper at Clinica Verde, Hellen, celebrated her birthday today – and the women on staff surprised her with a party. Dra. Huete contributed by talking about nutrition and healthy cooking. CV Clinic Director Jennifer Owen commented on how great it is to see “a real team of equals” develop at the clinic. We’re so happy and proud to see the culture of Clinica Verde develop into something so special! We’ve got a great team on the ground in Nicaragua.