[Washington, DC - October 26, 2009] - HVO is pleased to announce the opening of its first oncology training program in conjunction with the International Cancer Corps, a project of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO).  The program will be based at three centers in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras:  the Hospital Escuela, the Hospital San Felipe, and the Cancer Center Emma Callejas.   

There currently are fewer than 20 trained medical, radiation and surgical oncologists in Honduras.  Depending on the needs of the facilities and the expertise of the volunteer, volunteers may be assigned to work in more than one facility. The goal of the program is to provide teaching and training to staff, residents, and students at each of the hospitals. Training activities will fall into five main categories: pathology, cancer control, medical/surgical/radiation oncology seminars and/or workshops, curriculum development, and student and resident education.  

The physicians in these hospitals are highly trained, specialized professionals.  Thus, volunteers will not teach basic clinical concepts and skills, but will complement and supplement existing knowledge.  Both pediatric and adult oncology clinicians, oncology pharmacists, laboratory-based scientists, and other oncology specialists are suitable for assignments of one to four weeks. Volunteers must be appropriately trained and credentialed medical professionals who specialize in oncology.  Although a working knowledge of Spanish is very helpful, it is not a requirement for this program.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 27,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. HVO is partnering with ASCO on its oncology training programs.

A private, non-profit organization, HVO was founded in 1986 to improve global health through education.  HVO designs and implements clinical and didactic education programs in child health, primary care, trauma and rehabilitation, essential surgical care, oral health, blood disorders and cancer, infectious disease, nursing education, and wound management.  In more than 25 resource-poor countries, HVO volunteers train, mentor, and provide critical professional support to health care providers who care for the neediest populations in the most difficult of circumstances.