[Washington, DC - January 8, 2010] - HVO is pleased to announce the establishment of a pediatric training program in Managua, Nicaragua.  Managua, the capital city, has a population of 1 million and is located on the southern shore of the country near the Pacific coast.  Volunteers work at two hospitals, Hospital Infantil Manuel Jesus Rivera and Hospital Fernando Velez Paiz. These are both government-run and largely free for all patients. The first is exclusively pediatric. The program will start at Hospital Infantil Manuel Jesus Rivera and eventually include work with Hospital Fernando Velez Paiz.

Volunteers with the program focus on improving the quality of pediatric care in Nicaragua by increasing the knowledge among pediatric faculty members, residents, nurses and community health workers.  Training is provided in the areas of neonatology, general pediatrics, pediatric burn management, and community outreach and public health.

HVO volunteers are involved in training through lecturing and presentations as well as by conducting rounds. They also provide hands-on demonstrations. 

Volunteers must be board eligible/certified and hold a current license.  Final year residents may be accepted if paired with a board certified and experienced pediatric volunteer. Volunteers who are retired or in active practice, as well as academic pediatricians are needed. HVO is seeking four to six volunteers per year for one month assignments although shorter assignments for sub-specialists will be considered.