Newsletters

Dear Colleagues We have decided to  recruit a full time executive Director  and I am delighted to announce that Samora Lopes,  who many of you already know, has kindly accepted the position and  officially started last Monday.  Welcome Samora and we are looking forward to your contribution. We have just competed  our 9th cultural and scientific exchange program in Cabo Verde. Our Cardiology team  from MGH-Brigham led by Dr. Doreen DeFaria Yeh  conducted   Rheumatic heart Disease  screening in the Islands of Fogo and Brava among children and adolescents. They also performed  adult consultations and donated  EKG machines , etc. In Hospital Agostinho Neto we continued our on going  Oncology Collaboration Program and, among other procedures we inserted the first    endoscopic esophageal stents for  advanced esophageal cancer. We also held very significant meetings  with the Ministry of Health  pushing forward the project of Graduate Medical Education. As you are most likely Aware the Island of Sao Vicente  was hit by a devastating Tropical Storm, resulting in floods and mud slides, with 9 deaths,  major destruction of water and energy infrastructure.  The hospital and health Centers  are in much need of  PPEs , surgical materials , antibiotics, etc. CVAMS has partnered. with the Air National Guard of New Hampshire and community organizations  to fly  a plane tomorrow. with much needed hospital materials, MREs, clothing, shoes , etc. If you can collect medical and surgical equipment/materials  at your institutions  let us know and we can arrange to fly them to our storage facility in Rhode Island. The Fundraising  campaign to help Sao Vicente is also going well. We have raised in 5 days  approximately 7000$ and thanks to the many members of our organization who have stepped up.  we need the rest of you to pitch in  to help us reach the 10,000$ goal  to help the folks of Sao Vicente. You can donate at  www.cvams.org/donate Finally , We are excited to celebrate our 5th anniversary at our Annual Meeting  taking place in Providence October 3rd and 4th. We hope to see you all there. Registration is open on our website at www.cvams.org.

Spring and Summer of 2025 has been a particularly busy time for CVAMS.  As we celebrate 5 years as an organization we continue to grow in membership and activities. al-Scientific exchange program is tentatively planned for November. New members Please Welcome Dr. John DeBarros and Dr. Robert Bala to our community. John is originally form Waterbury Connecticut, Graduated University of Connecticut Medical school and surgery residency and completed a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in colorectal surgery before settling into a successful practice in Arizona. Robert Bala is originally from Senegal from a Brava family . He graduated form the University of  Virginia medical school and Completed his residency in family medicine at the Florida Hospital  East Orland and practices in the Tampa bay Region.  Congratulations to Honorees and Graduates Dr . Leny Cunha has completed her residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Medical center in Boston and received the prestigious Stoneman Center Quality and Safety Award and  will pursue the next stage in her career as a fellow at the Brigham and MGH health  system in Clinical Research. Dr. Jacqueline Duarte has completed her residency program in surgery at the New York  University hospital – Brooklyn and is heading to University of Oklahoma for a fellowship  in vascular surgery. Dr. Lamin Ramos has complete his residency in internal medicine at the Sanit Barbara’s  Health system in New York and is moving to join our growing Missouri Chapter along.  With Anibal Melo and Luis Depina. Dr. Claudia Fontes has Completed her Fellowship in Peds- emergency medicine at  Northwell, Cohen’s Children’s Hospital in New York and is moving to the Miami Area to  start her practice.  Special Awards As we celebrate 5 years of CVAMS, Cabo Verde Celebrates 50 years as a Nation. We are delighted to share with you that during these celebrations Dr. Elizabeth Gomes, Chair of our Community Affairs Committee was aware the Life Time achievement Award by the State of Rhode Island  Dr. Julio Teixeira, President of CVAMS at a ceremony by the 50 Anniversary Celebration Committee in Washington DC was awarded the Global Health Leadership Award Events The 4th and 5th of July holidays have been particularly busy with Fundraising Events in Boston’s  Cesaria Restaurant, Pawtucket at 10 Rocks Restaurant and at the Milano Cafe in Washing on DC. Our Annual Meeting Will take place at RI Hospital/ Brown University Health on October 3rd  and 4th. It will include also the Research Symposium at the Cabo Verde Museum and our  Annual Gala at the Downton Marriot. This a signifiant milestone year celebrating 5years since  our founding and hope to see you all there to celebrate this achievement. The Free Clinic staffed by CVAMS members and Brown University Students has been providing critical services in the community in Pawtucket and the Community Affairs committee continues to increase our presence in community festivals in Massachusetts and Rhode Island throughout this summer.  Next Cultural-Scientific Exchange Trips  A CVAMS Team will be traveling to the Islands in August . It will include a Cardiology Team  traveling to Fogo and Brava to continue the Rheumatic heart disease screening program and  Orthopedics and surgical oncology that will be focused in HUAN, in Praia.  Next Cultural-Scientific exchange program is tentatively planned for November.

We are excited to announce our upcoming fifth clinical, scientific, and cultural exchange in Cabo Verde this April. Building on the achievements of previous exchanges, this event holds great promise for making a meaningful impact. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store: Cardiology Team from Harvard Led by Dr. Doreen DeFaria Yeh, a team of 10 doctors and nurses will focus on screening for rheumatic heart disease among school-age children in the island of Santiago. Early identification of this condition is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. Head and Neck Surgery Team from University of Florida Jacksonville Dr. Rui Fernandes and his team of eight doctors and nurses will perform complex neck surgeries, including microvascular reconstruction, providing essential surgical care. Radiology Program on Ultrasound and Guided Breast Biopsies Dr. Susan Weinberg, in collaboration with Brad-aid, will conduct a program on ultrasound and guided breast biopsies, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving patient care. Digital Pathology Project A team of pathologists from Brown University will introduce a new project on digital pathology aimed at expediting biopsy to diagnosis timelines, ensuring timely treatment for patients. Advancements in Sports Medicine and Spinal Surgery The brothers Dr. Timothy and Dr. David Johnson will persist in advancing sports medicine and joint reconstruction surgery, while Dr. Susan Stephens will assess the existing conditions of the spinal surgery program. Together, their efforts will significantly contribute to the enhancement of orthopedic care in Cabo Verde. Expansion to Sal Island and Santo Antao For the first time, we’ll be sending a team to Sal Island, comprising surgeons, pediatricians, nurses, and a cardiologist. Additionally, a team will focus on early diagnosis and prevention of hypertension and diabetes in Santo Antao, furthering our commitment to holistic healthcare. Academic Workshops and Symposia Alongside clinical activities, we’ll host academic workshops and symposia covering trauma and emergency medicine, cardiology updates, preoperative nursing care, ultrasound-guided biopsies, sentinel node biopsy in breast surgery, and laparoscopic training programs. We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication and support of our volunteers and partners. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference in healthcare delivery and education in Cabo Verde. If you’re passionate about joining us in this mission and making a positive impact, we welcome you to reach out to us. Your contribution, whether through volunteering or support, plays a vital role in our collective journey. Thank you for considering being a part of this meaningful endeavor.

Dear Friend of the Cabo Verdean American Medical Society, As members of the Cabo Verdean American Medical Society prepare to return to the islands, we are asking for your support in our efforts to support primary care providers who are practicing in the islands.  In 2022 our organization brought over 200 disposable hemoglobin A1c tests to CV and used them to screen and monitor diabetic patients.  Currently, A1c is not widely available in CV and primary care providers rely on fasting blood glucose tests.  Patients and primary care doctors appreciated the information the A1c provided and have requested that we bring tests back again this year. The disposable test kits we used contain enough material to screen 20 patients and cost $200.   We would like to raise enough money to test 400 patients in 2024.   We are working with our partners in the islands to expand their capacity to test HgA1c themselves, however this is a long process, and it is doubtful that they will be able to add this as regular testing in the next 12 months.   Our partners assure us that proving the benefits of HgA1c through our efforts will help them persuade decision makers to add A1c to the lab test available to them. Please donate any amount you can to CVAMS on our website: https://cvaphysicians.org/donation/ $100 will test 10 patients$1000 will test 100 patients Your donation will directly affect the health of our patients in the islands and help further the process of getting better diabetes testing for our patients in the future.  Thanks so much for your consideration,

Our first California events are quickly approaching.  We need a final count for people planning to attend Friday night mixer (1/19/2024), fundraising gala (1/20/2024) and retreat followed by potluck (1/21/2024).  It is very important that you confirm as soon as possible if you plan to attend Sunday’s retreat – whether in person or remote via zoom.   Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite – adding food is a little complicated – it has to be added as a separate add on.  Please contact me with any questions by email or phone (401-338-6806).  Thanks for supporting CVAMS. Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cabo-verdean-american-medical-society-california-fundraiser-tickets-763727608837

Member of the Month Dr. Timothy S. Johnson We’d like to highlight Dr. Timothy S. Johnson, a 4th generation Cabo Verdean from the islands of Fogo and Brava. Dr. Johnson, an accomplished alumnus of Yale University with degrees from the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. His educational journey included a comprehensive Orthopaedic Surgery Residency and a specialized Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery Fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY, providing him with the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional patient care. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine, Shoulder, and Elbow Surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Johnson has become a recognized expert in his field. He has been a vital part of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles medical team since 2003. As a trusted Team Physician, Dr. Johnson has shared his expertise with various sports teams, including NCAA Division I’s St. Johns Redstorms and the Iona College Gaels. His impact has extended to professional leagues, contributing to the well-being of athletes in the NFL’s New York Giants, MLB’s New York Mets, Minor League Baseball’s Hagerstown Suns, and the Aberdeen Ironbirds. In 2012, Dr. Johnson founded the National Sports Medicine Foundation (NSMF) with a mission to establish the highest standard of sports Orthopaedic care. NSMF integrates outstanding programs in education, research, and performance enhancement, benefiting athletes at all levels of competition. Dr. Timothy S. Johnson’s contributions to the advancement of orthopedic surgery in Cabo Verde, make him a deserving Member of the Month. His dedication to advancing care standards aligns with our core values. Congratulations, Dr. Johnson, on this well-deserved recognition!   

Transformative Healthcare Achievements in Cabo Verde!  We are thrilled to share the remarkable outcomes of our recent mission trip to Cabo Verde, where our dedicated teams in Praia and Mindelo achieved groundbreaking milestones in just five days. This journey was not just a medical mission; it was a testament to our commitment to advancing healthcare and making a lasting impact. Orthopedics: Pioneering Sports Medicine and ACL Reconstruction in São Vicente In São Vicente, our orthopedic team embarked on an innovative venture, initiating a Sports Medicine program and successfully performing ACL reconstructions. This marks a significant step forward in providing specialized care and elevating orthopedic services in the region. Surgical Advancements: Laparoscopy, Surgical Oncology, and General Laparoscopy Building on our laparoscopy program launched in April in Praia, we continued our efforts, furthering the field of minimally invasive surgery. The inception of a surgical oncology program and advancements in general laparoscopy signify our commitment to comprehensive and cutting-edge surgical care. Emergency Medicine: Assessments, Symposia, and Cardiovascular Management Drs. Joseph and Antonio Gomes undertook a thorough assessment of emergency medicine in Praia and São Vicente. This initiative was complemented by a symposium in São Vicente focused on the management of cardiovascular emergencies, contributing valuable insights to emergency medical practices. Surgical Symposiums: State of the Art in Surgery and Future Goals In collaboration with the Order of Physicians and the College of Surgeons, we organized symposiums in both Praia and São Vicente. The Praia symposium delved into the “State of the Art in Surgery in Cabo Verde” and outlined future goals, fostering a collaborative vision for the advancement of surgical practices. A Trail of Firsts First Shoulder Surgery: Witness the historic moment as our team successfully performed the first-ever shoulder surgery, introducing new avenues for specialized orthopedic interventions. First Laparoscopic Liver Surgery: Breaking new ground, our laparoscopic team achieved the first-ever laparoscopic liver surgery, showcasing our commitment to cutting-edge surgical techniques. First Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration: Another milestone in minimally invasive procedures, our team performed the first laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, setting a precedent for advanced gastrointestinal surgeries. Our mission trip was not just a series of medical interventions; it was a symphony of firsts, a testament to the transformative power of collaborative healthcare.  We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and believed in our mission. Together, we are redefining healthcare in Cabo Verde.

Purchase Tickets Get ready to ride the California wave of generosity at our 1st Annual California Fundraiser Gala!  Under the spell of the theme “Morabeza to Medicine,” we’re blending the best of Cape Verdean culture with the laid-back vibes of the Golden State for a night of giving, grooving, and making a real difference. Cali & Cabo Groove: Feel the beats with a live performance by Ze Rui and DJ Rob, turning up the heat with a mix of Cape Verdean tunes and Cali cool.  Sunset Sips & Socializing: Catch the sunset vibes at our “No Host” Bar Meet & Greet from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – the perfect kick-off for a night of networking and good times. Exquisite Dining and Presentation: Indulge in a delectable dinner served in the Crystal Ballroom at 7:00 pm, followed by a special presentation by CVAMS, promising insights into our impactful initiatives. Silent Auction and Raffle Excitement: Participate in our special “silent auction” and raffle, where exclusive prizes await, adding an extra layer of thrill to the evening. The Heart of Our Cause: Beneath the glamour lies a noble cause! Your presence at this gala is not just an invitation to elegance; it’s a chance to make a difference. Join us in raising funds for critical medical supplies, sending dedicated medical professionals to Cabo Verde, and supporting our health programs. Impactful Achievements: Discover the incredible impact CVAMS has had, from life-saving surgeries to providing school supplies and supporting students in need. Together, we’ve made a difference, and the journey continues.  Your Ticket to Impact: Seize the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. Purchase your tickets now on Eventbrite and secure your spot at the Cabo Verdean American Medical Society’s First Annual California Gala.  Tickets are $150 per person, and VIP Level Sponsorships are available. Act fast – the deadline to purchase tickets is January 13th, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an evening that transcends glamour – an evening where every beat, every step, and every bid contribute to a cause that touches lives. Together, let’s make waves of positive change! VIP Level Sponsorships: Platinum Level VIP Table $5000 (8 seats, full page Booklet Ad, Banner Logo, Event gift bag & website advertising). Gold Level VIP Table $3000 (8 seats, full page booklet Ad, Banner Logo & Event gift bag ) Silver Level VIP Table $2000 (8 seats, 1/2 page booket Ad ,Banner Logo & Event gift bag ) Bronze Level VIP Table $1500 (8 seats, 1/4 page booket Ad & Event gift bag) CVAMS Hotel Block EVENT LOCATION: BLOCK RATE AVAILABLE UNTIL FULL Torrance Double Tree by Hilton – 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503 Dates: 1/18 to 1/22/2024 Rate: $199 nte. Reservations can be made at: https://group.doubletree.com/wravnu PARKING: Event Parking $10. Hotel Guest Parking $30/per day. Additional Accommodations: Courtyard Torrance /Palos Verdes – 2633 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505 Dates: 1/19 to 1/20/2024 Rate: $ 159 nte Last Day to Book at this rate: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Reservations can be made at : Book your group rate for Cabo Verdean American Medical Society or call: 800-321-2211 PARKING: COMPLIMENTARY For more information please contact: Dr. Elizabeth Gomes: email: fundraising@cvams.org or call 401.338.6806 . Local California committee contact: Catherine Silva Walker : email: csilvawalker@yahoo.com.

www.ACOG.org/laborOfLove. Dr. Veronica Maria Pimentel, MD, FACOG, Board Member of CVAMS, is the host of Labor of Love, a podcast by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).  Dr. Pimentel works to alleviate the concerns about how COVID and the vaccines impact on pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility.  She discusses facts about COVID, vaccines, and motherhood with real and with maternal health experts to equip listeners to make the best choices for themselves and their families.  Follow Dr. Pimentel on Instagram (@DrVero4Moms) and Twitter (@DrVeroPimentel) and go to www.ACOG.org/LaborofLove for more information and resources. 

Date: July 10, 2022  The CVAMS volunteered their time to organize and host a tent at the Health Fair.  This took place at India Point Park in Providence, RI.