Haitian Nurse Scholar Bettina graduates from Nursing School!

IMR is thrilled to announce the graduation of Bettina Perpulus from nursing school in Leogane, Haiti this summer. She has been an excellent student who hopes to return to her home region of Destra to serve those who have both geographic and financial difficulty accessing healthcare.  IMR has been proud to partner with GOALS—an advocacy group building community through soccer programs—to sponsor Bettina throughout her nursing education, and look forward to supporting others who have similar ambitions in the region. 

“Today I'm living proof with the right support system anything is possible, thank you GOALS and I.M.R. for believing in me and as a result I will help others believe in themselves too."

-Bettina Perpulus

Clinical partnership launched in Gambia

This past October, we returned to Gambia to launch our clinical partnership with the Department of Ob/Gyn at Edwards Francis Small hospital, UNFPA,  and the Ministry of Health in Banjul, Gambia. Our focus was teaching about pelvic floor disorders, obstetric fistulas and more.  Dr. Ambereen was joined by Dr Svjetlana  Lozo, a trained urogynecologist. Lectures were given daily to post graduate trainees and healthcare students, and surgeries were done in the operating room. These included surgeries for obstetric fistula and other urogynecology-related disorders, with a focus on the vaginal approach. Overall, the week was a very successful start to our partnership.

We must thank our hosts, including the department chair, Dr. Keita, and the entire team for making it such a success. Teamwork is the only way safe surgery happens, from the cleaners, sterilizers, nurses anesthetists and all who interact with our patients- from the time they enter hospital doors to their discharge home. We thank our patients for trusting us with their care and we look forward to our return in the upcoming year.

Vieques in October

We’ve just returned from a trip to Vieques last month,  a community that’s near and dear to our IMR family. IMR has had the pleasure and privilege to support and volunteer here since Hurricane Maria in 2017. This recent trip was a small team of Ambereen and Liz Santaniello, NP, a cherished IMR volunteer and family. We conducted home visits to vulnerable populations in Esperanza, the southern part of the island, carrying on a practice that we started a few years ago. We donated medical supplies to individuals and to community organizers. These included glucometers, testing strips, lancets and other diabetic supplies, wound care items as well as other items that have been identified as necessities for the residents. Solar lights and powerful flashlights were also handed out on our home visits. Thank you to everyone who  supported our trip. We were given an update on the healthcare facility/hospital that’s currently under construction, as all are eagerly waiting it’s opening so that the residents of Vieques can get the healthcare that they’re entitled to and deserve. We’re planning a return this spring to continue our project.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support and please contact us if you’d like more information.

Interview with Isatou Marong, Eddy Rose Black Birthworker Scholar

1. Why did you want to become a midwife? 

Working in healthcare has been my dream since I was a child. I always found it fascinating when my mom used to tell us about her birth experiences, which were all attended by traditional midwives. Fortunately, I began my healthcare career as a lab technician on the labor and delivery floor at the main hospital in Gambia. This allowed me the opportunity to witness several births and support women in their most vulnerable times, providing them with small comforts such as holding their hands, rubbing their backs, or providing emotional support by simply being present. Many of those women did not have loved ones or family members with them during birth. I have seen the exceptional care some of them received from the midwives, who play a crucial role in the birthing process in the Gambia. On the contrary, I have also seen women being shamed or called weak for expressing their pain, which, unfortunately, is a cultural norm.

 A few years later, I got the opportunity to travel to the US after graduating from nursing school; I was seven months pregnant at the time. From my experience in the labor and delivery unit and as a nurse, I have also seen some of the complications women experience from having Female Genital Mutilation. I was scared and feared that my delivery was going to be a difficult one, being that it was my first pregnancy. Thankfully, my birth was exceptional, with an incredibly supportive midwife named Aicha and wonderful caring nurses who assisted me throughout my labor. Aicha's advocacy was crucial in preventing me from getting a cesarean section. Subsequently, due to this positive experience, I chose to have all four of my children delivered by midwives.

 These two contrasting experiences are what led me to midwifery. I wanted to provide every woman the care, support, and compassion I received from midwives who cared for me. Equally, I also wanted to strongly advocate for my fellow women, particularly Black and immigrant women. I strive to provide individualized, compassionate, culturally congruent care and to create a safe and supportive environment for my patients. I believe in empowering women to make informed decisions about their care, and I will support them in expressing how they feel during labor.

 2. What has being a midwifery student been like? 

Being a midwife student has been both a challenge and a joy. My passion for this profession fuels my enjoyment of the learning process. The opportunity to take a continuity of care course last semester was a privilege, allowing me to observe pregnant women who opt for a home birth from their first trimester visit to the end of their postpartum care. Each new lesson I learn fills me with the anticipation of becoming a better midwife for my future patients.

This semester, we are mandated to meet in person, which is extra challenging. However, having an incredibly supportive family has allowed me to juggle work, care for my kids, and concentrate on schoolwork. I have also learned to manage my time by prioritizing and not leaving anything I can do today for tomorrow. 

 3. Do you have any advice for others who are thinking of going to midwifery school?

 If you are considering a career in midwifery, I encourage you to pursue it. The midwifery profession is growing, and we need more representation from diverse backgrounds. People of color and ethnic minority groups are particularly underrepresented. By joining the profession, you can help change this. The more diverse our midwifery workforce, the more people will receive care from midwives who understand their needs and can provide culturally sensitive care.

To those actively considering which program to join, the good news is that the downstate midwifery program has just revised its curriculum and reduced the midwifery program from three to two years. So, if you are considering becoming a midwife, now is a good time; you have a shorter period to complete your midwifery program. Also, I did not know this before joining the school, but the midwifery program not only accepts nurses, but non-nurses who have a degree in other fields can join the program and become certified midwives. Your unique perspective and experiences can make a significant difference in the lives of the women you care for. 

4. How has the scholarship helped you in your journey? 

 As a mother of four boys, it has been difficult financially to care for my family and pay the school bills without accumulating debt. The Eddie Rose Excelente Fund for black Birthwotker scholarship has been a lifeline, helping me relieve the financial burden of taking on more student loans or working double jobs to make ends meet. This support has allowed me to concentrate on my schoolwork, care for my family simultaneously, and not worry financially. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. This scholarship has made my dreams a reality and made me believe it is possible to complete this program and become a midwife. It is a reminder of the significant impact that financial support can have on someone's journey to achieving their dreams. 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Five years from now, I see myself enhancing my skills and becoming an exceptional midwife dedicated to providing outstanding care to all women. I am particularly interested in specializing in the care of women who have experienced Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). I also hope to establish my own home birth practice, where I can provide care to women in the comfort of their homes, respecting their autonomy. I am eager to educate these women about the benefits of the midwifery care model and advocate for the profession. My ultimate goal is to see the midwifery care model integrated more widely within the hospital system, ensuring women's autonomy is continually respected. These are not just goals but reflect my passion and dedication to midwifery. 

6. What do you like to do for fun?

In my free time, I enjoy watching documentaries based on true stories or listening to inspirational books on Audible. I also love going for walks. These help me relax and rejuvenate, allowing me to be my best self. My favorite documentary is about the Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento, commonly known as Pelé. I find him an exceptional human being and an incredibly talented footballer.

Return to Vieques

IMR has had the privilege to work with the community in Puerto Rico,  specifically the island of Vieques, since 2017. In the aftermath of hurricane Maria, the medical needs of the community are vast. We are thankful we’ve been able to play a small role in supporting vulnerable communities. Our last time in Vieques was in 2021 and we’re looking forward to returning in a few weeks. As everyone on the island is eagerly awaiting a new hospital to replace the one damaged after Maria, home visits and focused care for the vulnerable is more vital than ever. The population of Vieques has specific health and and psychosocial needs that are, in part, unmet.

We’re thankful to be able to play a role in partnering with community organizations to help support homebound, elderly, and vulnerable community. Our team for our upcoming trip has volunteers Liz O.  and Ana A.  as well as our ED Ambereen. We look forward to spending the week with home visits, assessments and health education outreach for several communities. We’d love to have the ability to provide plenty of medical supplies and equipment. Please consider a donation at this link!

Thank you so much and can’t wait to share our experience when we return.

Thanks as always,

Ambereen 

IMR donates medical supplies to Ukrainian partners

IMR has been working with healthcare practitioners in Ukraine in support of local efforts to provide training for war-related trauma.  Dr. Oleg Devinyak, Dean of the Medical School at the National University of Uzhhorod, has been a key partner of IMR for the past two years and also coordinates trauma education for the military and non-military populations.  During the Spring, 2024 we worked with Dr. Devinyak in providing critical equipment and supplies for his curriculum through a $10,000 donation.  Through this commitment, IMR is assisting battlefield medics as well as civilian providers to be better able to care for trauma patients affected by the war.  

IMR will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners the materials they need to maintain access to the healthcare needed by its patient populations under stress.

Haitian Nurse Scholar Betina preparing for graduation!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our remarkable Eddy Rose Scholars, Betina, who is graduating from nursing school later this year! We first met Betina through our partnership with GOALS Haiti, and we are honored to have supported her journey through her studies. IMR’s Eddy Rose Scholarship Program has been able to offer her a full-tuition scholarship with the generous contributions from our donors.

Learn more about Betina’s plans and aspirations following graduation here.

IMR Launches Our Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Surgery Course in Pakistan

A return visit to Karachi earlier this year coincided with the launch of our urogynecology and pelvic floor surgery curriculum for residents and trainees as well as local physicians.

This introductory course occurred over a week and was very well attended.  In partnership with the faculty of Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital, this is one of several courses we’ll offer, bringing global and local expertise in the field to teach and provide hands-on training. We were honored to have Dr. Sherhah Syed, head of Koohi Goth and renowned women’s health advocate introduce and support our course.

In addition to the course, we were invited to tour one of the oldest maternity hospitals in the province of Sindh, the Sobhrag Maternity Hospital. The hospital was established in the 1920’s to serve the region’s impoverished families, a mission it carries on to this day.

We’re looking forward to a return visit later this year to continue our teaching curriculum for the next generation of vaginal and fistula surgeons.

Dr. Schiller awarded Outstanding Educator of the Year

Join us in congratulating Dr. Joshua Schiller for being awarded the Outstanding Educator of the Year from a Clinical Affiliate Faculty at State University New York Downstate's 2024 Awards Day!

Dr. Schiller is Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center and Medical Director at IMR.  He is celebrated for his dynamic teaching style and compassionate clinical care. His global impact includes educational sessions for Ukrainian medical students and initiatives in global health and social emergency medicine.

Congrats Josh!

Our Return to Uzhhorod, Ukraine

We had our 1st visit to Ukraine in April and were thrilled to return again this past November. Our program is focused on enhancing medical education for clinicians and medical students at the National University of Uzhhorod. The IMR team, comprised of volunteer physicians who were skilled and dedicated teachers, led seminars that incorporated didactic and simulation sessions. Our efforts garnered attention locally and Josh, our co-founder and medical director, was interviewed on a news channel. This recognition not only highlights the importance of our work but also catalyzes broader awareness and support within our community. Together with our partners, we continue to aspire to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of their communities in Uzzhorod.

Lecture sessions

Our 2024 goals are to continue to support primary care education and expand lecture topics guided by our partners at the National University. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University, which reinforced our commitment, and the partnership was also featured on their website. This agreement underscores our shared values and aspirations, serving as a foundation for continued collaboration.

Thrilled to sign our agreement with Uzhhorod University

In 2024, we also hope to hold a women’s health symposium in partnership with local non-profits, including the local Zonta club Uzhhorod, Heart to Heart Ukraine, and the local regional youth leadership office that is now headed by our IMR Ukraine youth representative Mariya Y.

We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and those who volunteered their time to this wonderful collaboration. We look forward to returning to Uzhhorod later this year!

Wonderful to meet the medical students

Mariya Y., our fantastic IMR Ukraine ambassador