Avi Kerendian or the growth of a medical volunteers professional
The growth of a global health professional : Avi Kerendian: GGHTx is on a mission in changing lives through the power of global health. “Gracias” Global Health Trips, otherwise known as GGHTx, is a global health-oriented nonprofit organization/NGO that brings together young volunteers from medical and dental backgrounds to aid in intensive, week-long medical mission trips in rural villages throughout Latin America and Uganda. Led by Co-Founders Dr. Arash Hakhamian and Avi Kerendian, register for the volunteer experience of a lifetime!
Avi Kerendian is the Co-Founder and Program Director of GGHTx. GGHTx, also known as “Gracias” Global Health Trips, is an active public health non-profit improving global health in underserved, indigenous communities in Latin America and Uganda through community-based partnerships (CBO’s) with the end goal of fostering self-sufficiency.
Avi Kerendian latest project: By developing and increasing access to educational HIV programs that focus on prevention and awareness, GGHTx hopes this partnership will help in creating better health outcomes for individuals and families in Uganda. Zidan Benevolence International will help facilitate the work with providers, community leaders, patient advocates, and government officials to identify gaps, then develop and scale up the best practices to achieve sustainable and scalable improvements.
How about after finally arriving there you realize that the doctor has run out of the most basic medical supplies used to treat and evaluate your 2-month old baby who has been coughing in sheer pain for the last 3 days and likely has a severe case of pneumonia; something totally preventable and treatable with basic medicine, but without which can now be life-threatening. You are turned away and told to go back home. You now have no choice but to wait until next week – hoping and praying – that this time the doctor will not have run out of the medicine your child desperately needs.
Afterwards, your afternoons are free to relax at your accommodations or to enjoy the extracurricular activities we have planned with the other volunteers! However, as we go over at length during your orientation, we ask you respect the locals and culture there. Use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from the GGHTx program—we want you to have a fun and safe experience abroad. Learn about the local culture! Be curious, ask questions, and be respectful. People here have their own experiences, expectations, and beliefs. They expect you participate, dress appropriately, and abide by their rules.
Previously an EMT-B before co-founding GGHTx, Avi Kerendian graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Spanish from YU in New York. Awarded Dean’s List every semester, Avi Kerendian was also a competitive student-athlete and took part in competing on the NCAA Fencing Team (Weapon: Sabre) where he qualified for Competing in the NCAA Northeast Regional Fencing Championships. While in undergrad, Avi Kerendian was also the President of the Student Global Health Club which prompted his interest in GGHTx. See even more details on Avi Kerendian.