Our Mission
To help deliver care to Guatemalan people and minimize disparities in surgical care between low-income and high-income countries. The specific mission is to maximize and strengthen the resources already available at specific sites in Northern Guatemala such that local physicians can provide care to the Guatemalan people with competence and compassion.
Specifically:
To assist with medical needs of county hospitals in Northern Guatemala
By donating equipment for the operating room
Initial emphasis will be placed on laparoscopic equipment
To assist with surgeons and anesthesiologist as well as ancillary staff to assist with specialized operations
To strengthen a bi-directional educational alliance
By sending medical students from the US to Guatemala
By sending residents from the US to Guatemala
Receiving student from Guatemala to the United States to enrich their educational activities
Outreach programs to assist with the educational goals of Guatemalan individuals to engage in a career in health care
Our Team
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President & CEO
Dr. Huerta is a professor of surgery and a current practicing general surgeon. He began his volunteer activities in global health in 2014 in Northern Guatemala. Over the past seven years, multiple manuscripts have been published with a combined effort between medical students and the Hospital Nacional in San Benito. His goal in global health is to minimize the disparities in health care delivery between low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. The initial goal will be to assist with delivery of equipment to perform laparoscopy for common operations such as gallbladder disease and appendicitis. His favorite books related to global health include Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, A Path Appears by Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn, and The Most Good You Can Do by Peter Singer.
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Secretary
Gina received her BSN from Texas Christian University in 1991. She completed the Wound Ostomy and Continence Program in 1997. In 2013 she received her Masters of Science from Texas Woman's University. With 30 years of nursing experience, she has practiced in multiple settings. She is currently a Nurse Practitioner and clinical expert in wound at the Dallas VA Hospital. Gina is the Prevention of Amputation Coordinator for the North Texas VA Health Care System. She is a dual board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and a Wound Ostomy Nurse Specialist. In 2010 Gina received the DFW Great 100 Nursing Award for her charitable work and career contributions to nursing practice.
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Board Member
Bing is a third year medical student at Long School of Medicine in San Antonio. He became interested in global health after learning about health disparities in college and volunteer trips to Panama and Haiti. He is interested in anesthesiology but is still open to exploring other specialities. To escape school, Bing enjoys pickleball, spikeball, climbing, and MMA.
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Board Member
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Co-President
Dr. Li is an associate professor of medicine and a current practicing hematology oncologist. She has always had a strong desire to assist underserved communities and county hospitals have been home for her. It is not surprising that she has emerged as a leader in global health.
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Director of Development
We are very pleased to announce a new addition to our Aid Via Action Inc. (AVA) team. Keisha Hill will be serving as our NEW DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT. Mrs. Hill has a great deal of passion for non-profit organizations. She brings a tremendous deal of experience. She is currently the Events Manager for a local nonprofit organization. In her role with AVA, she will expand our digital presence, recruit further volunteers for the many activities of our mission trips, and create brochures to promote our mission. More importantly, she will have a primary role in fundraising activities. The entire board of directors is unanimously enthusiastic about her joining our group. Please help me with a huge WELCOME.
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Board Member
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Board Member
I’m Celina, a CRNA. I wish to make the world a better place. I have been fortunate in many ways and cannot wait to improve other people’s lives by helping to create a safer and healthier option for surgery in places that are underserved. I have been proving anesthesia for over 14 years.
I am a Texas native but have lived many years in the northeast. I am now back in my home state and happy to work with others who want to be a part of this mission.
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Treasurer
Savannah is a nurse navigator in Parkland's Hematology Clinic. She graduated from Baylor University and has worked in oncology for 8 years. She is passionate about delivering quality and compassionate care to underserved populations in Dallas. Working with people on their cancer journey has taught her the importance of community and the beauty of resilience. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, shooting baskets with her neighbors, and reading a compelling book.
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Board Member
Amelia is a healthcare industry professional with over 15 years of experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical and pathology fields. Traveling extensively throughout her life, she has had the opportunity to experience different health systems and understands the impact of accessible care. It has always been a passion of Amelia’s to help disadvantaged populations and now as part of AVA, there is the ability to directly contribute to improving global health.
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Director of Operations
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Board Member
Eric Johnson, DO, is an anesthesiologist with US Anesthesia Partners. He grew up in Iowa and trained in DFW area (TCU, UNTHSC-TCOM, UTSW). He loves serving others through mission work and has worked locally with Habitat for Humanity and the Tarrant Area Food Bank, and internationally with trips to El Salvador, Kenya, and Guatemala.