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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Pharmacy Faculty Member Participates in Ecuador
Participants in the 8th annual neurological mission with the International Neurology Foundation pose in Ecuador.
Jose Valdes, Pharm.D., BCPP, assistant professor, NSU College of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Campus, participated in the 8th annual neurological mission with the International Neurology Foundation – Centro Internacional en Neurociencias as the program’s first clinical pharmacist from July 22-31. Established by Patricio Sebastian Espinosa, M.D., M.P.H. and Yaira Garzon, M.D. ,M.S.H.S.,CCRC, the mission includes American and Ecuadoran specialists, including adult and pediatric neurologists who travel to Tena, the capital of the Napo Province, to diagnose and treat neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, neuromuscular disorders, neurodegenerative disorders). Located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Napo Province is a largely undeveloped region with a population of about 100,000. More than half live in isolated villages in the rainforest by preference and claim indigenous identity or speak an indigenous language. Despite the high incidence of neurologic disorders, the nearest neurologists are four to five hours away in the capitol of Quito, leaving many without the resources to travel unable to seek care.
During this last mission, 21 volunteers assisted more than 200 patients, adding to the more than 2,000 patients seen and treated, including many children who would otherwise have no access to neurological care. Valdes served to prepare medication formulations for immediate use, counsel patients on their various medications and disease states, and function as the drug information specialist for the neurologists. Valdes also provided education to the nursing and medical staff at the hospital on the commonly-prescribed medications during the mission, which are provided to patients at no cost by the hospital. This is due to the organization’s ongoing collaboration with primary care practitioners and staff at the Hospital Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra in Tena and with the Ministry of Health. Thanks to these collaborations, medications are provided to children and adults seen, eliminating the need to rely on donations or inconsistent supplies from outside sources. Notably, the International League Against Epilepsy has recognized their work and would like to make it a model for other countries to follow.
If you would like to donate supplies (e.g. pill boxes, pill cutters, small toys for children) or funds to the next medical mission, or perhaps be a part of the next mission, contact Valdes at JoseVald@nova.edu or donate directly to http://www.cien-ecuador.org/donations