MEDICAL MISSIONS
MMK
KENYA
TEAM 2024
Dr Bhanu Pandiri MD, team leader
Professional Background:
Education – MBBS from Indira Gandhi Medical college , Nagpur India
Training – Montefiore Hospital AECOM, Bronx, NY
Work Experience:
I have been working in the Pulmonary Critical Care practice at Kaiser WLA for the past 20 years. I learned about MMK from Millicent who has been inspirational. I knew I wanted to be involved right away and told her to let me know when she was going to Kenya again and this is going to be my 2nd MMK visit.
Previous Missions:
This will be my 2nd MMK medical mission and I am serving as the Team Lead
My Mission:
I would like to be able to contribute my skills to bring good medical care to underserved areas of the world. Being so privileged to be in this part of the world and be able to practice high-tech medicine all the time, I am excited to go back and provide basic care at the grassroots level. I am looking forward to this experience as I am sure I will be enriched at the end and hope to give back just as much to enrich other lives.
D Dr. jeff Brettler, MD
Professional Background:
Board Certified Internist and Hypertension Specialist
MD: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Internal Medicine Residency: Harbor-UCLA
Work Experience:
I served as a primary care physician at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles and South LA for 29 years, and currently volunteer at an FQHC in South LA. While at KP WLA, I served as Chief of Internal Medicine and Assistant Area Medical Director. I am the physician co-lead for the KP SCAL Regional Hypertension Program and am the Faculty Director of Global Health at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. I recently helped establish a clinical rotation for medical students in Eldoret, Kenya and am currently working on a program to bring Kenyan medical students to LA.
Previous Missions:
I have participated in 16 medical missions to Jamaica and Honduras.
My Mission
My passion is to improve the health of under-resourced communities both locally and globally. I consider it an incredible privilege to be able to participate in the MMK mission to Kenya this year.
Dr. Sarah Hooks, MD
Education:
Medical School at University of California, Irvine
Residency Training at Los Angeles County - University of Southern California
Previous Missions/Volunteerism:
Haiti 2022
My Mission:
To help the people of Kenya in whatever way I can.
Dr. Darren murtari, MD
Professional Background:
MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin 1997
Pediatric Residency at The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles 1997-2001
Department of Pediatrics, Kaiser Permanente Orange County 2001 to present
Boarded in General Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Work Experience
I have been a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Orange County since 2001 and have specialized
in Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) since 2004. I spent much of my career building PHM programs
in KP SCAL in addition to maintaining a constant clinical practice. I stepped away from the administrative side of medicine in 2022 to refocus on my passion as solely a clinical pediatric hospitalist.
Previous Mission/Volunterring:
I have participated in two medical missions in the mid 2000’s through HELPS International in
Guatemala as a clinic pediatrician providing care to the indigent pediatric population of
Guatemala while screening children for any surgical needs
My Mission :
I look forward to the opportunity to use my clinical skills to provide medical care to the people of Kenya including gaining knowledge of the unique illnesses and daily challenges effecting the pediatric population. I hope to make a lasting impact on these children’s lives during my short time there. I am also excited to experience their culture and to grow not only as a physician but also as a person.
Dr. Julie Park MD
Professional Background:
Board Certified General Pediatrician and Certified Lactation Educator
MD: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Pediatric Training: Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
Work Experience:
I have been a General Pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente for 23 years, serving the greater LA area. I am currently Assistant Chief of Pediatrics, in addition to running a busy clinical practice.
Previous Mission
This will be my third international medical mission, but my first to Africa. I also serve on the board of The L.A. Trust for Children's Health, which is a non-profit that works to bridge health and education to promote student wellness in LAUSD schools.
My Mission
I have always been involved in service, but mostly through local charities and non-profits. However, we live in a global society, so it has been my privilege to share my knowledge and skills abroad. I also believe learning about other cultures makes us more tolerant as a society and I hope to share my experiences back home with others. As a mentor for medical students and pediatric residents, I also hope to foster a yearning for service in our next generation of physicians.
Professional Background:
Bachelor of Arts- Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley
Medical Degree, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Master’s Degree Public Policy, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School
Medical training, OB/GYN Residency Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Work experience:
I have been an Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles for
eighteen years. During this time, I have had many roles. I have been a mentor and
teacher to residents over the past eighteen years. I have been the director of labor and
delivery and currently I am the department Chief. I am passionate about advocating for
women’s health care, and racial health equity. This is my first medical mission and I look
forward to joining the care team.
Previous Missions/Volunteerism
This will be my first medical mission trip.
My Mission:
With apprehension and excitement, I look forward to caring for communities living beyond the borders of the United States and providing primary gynecological and obstetrical care to women and their families. As a physician, I want to use the knowledge and skills I have had the fortune to garner to help empower those with limited access to medical care by contributing time.
Dr. Tina Price, MD.
Dr. DEBBIE JUSTER, MD
Professional Background:
Undergraduate 1970-1974 UCLA B.S. Biochemistry Magna Cum Laude
Medical School 1974-1978 USC Residency in Internal Medicine 1978-1981 Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena California Board Certification Internal Medicine 9/6/1981
Work Experience:
Hawthorne Community Medical Group 1981-1992 Staff Physician Internal Medicine Southern California Permanente Medical Group 1992-present Staff Physician Internal Medicine. I also serve on the board of The L.A. Trust for Children's Health, which is a non-profit that works to bridge health and education to promote student wellness in LAUSD schools. I am a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Instructor, Facilitator, Speaker, Advocate, and a past Board Member. I am also a Family-Hospital liaison and a John Henry Foundation Board of Director vice president since 2021
Previous Mission
This will be my third international medical mission, but my first to Africa. Previous Medical Mission to Honduras, affiliated with All Saints Episcopal Church, one week most years since 2013.
My Mission
Professional Background:
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School M.A. in Psychology from California Graduate Institute B.A. in Theater, Film and Television from UCLA
Work Experience:
I provide psychotherapy to adults, teens, and families in private practice and as a part of Group Therapy LA/NY, specializing in psychodynamic and EMDR modalities. I have also treated teens and young adults in intensive outpatient therapy at Community West Treatment Center.
Previous Mission
I am a newbie. It is an honor to join MMK this year.
My Mission:
In all endeavors, my hope is to minimize unnecessary suffering and to cultivate delight. When at home, I find delight hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, through yoga and meditation, or getting feisty on the pickleball courts.
Dr. Laura O'Loughlin
MONETTE GOMEZ, RN BSN
Professional Background:
St Anthony’s College, Spain
Registered Nurse Training. Royal Berkshire Hospital, England
University of Dundee. BSN
Work Experience
Started my career on a Medical/Surgical unit working for approximately 5 years
The 1980’s brought AIDS. Assisted in research and data collection in addition to caring for these patients
Worked in the Cardiac Cath Lab for 25 years.
Clinical Educator for Cath Lab in London
Manager of a Cardiology ward in London
Data collection and research for the CDC screening foreign travelers
At LAX for Covid19, before the vaccine.
Previous Mission/Volunteerism
This will be my 3rd time joining MMK. I obviously like it! If I could, I would do nothing but medical missions. It's so rewarding. Things we take for granted are so needed. Clean drinking water for example. Antibiotics for infections, vaccines. We do what we can for the short time we’re there hoping to make a difference. By showing up in the villages, the people realize they are not forgotten.
My Mission:
I am looking forward to going back to volunteer in the villages again. Kenya will always be a special place in my heart and I have been wanting to go back for a while.
Heiidi Sherman RN BSN
Professional Background:
Associates and nursing degree from Glendale Community College - 2001
BSN from University of Phoenix - 2021
Work Experience
I have worked as a Pulmonary nurse for the last 20 years. I started my Pulmonary career in Los Angeles doing procedures as well as patient care and teaching. Two years ago, I decided to make a big change in my life and move half way across the country to Kansas to be closer to family and I now work at the University of Kansas Medical Center as a Pulmonary Care Coordinator.
Previous Mission/Volunteering:
This will be my first medical mission. I have always wanted to participate in a medical mission but
thought it would happen later, after I retired, until I started working with Milli at Kaiser and she told me
about MMK. Our first mission together was supposed to be in 2020, but COVID had other plans for us
all. I am so pleased and excited to finally be able to participate and provide whatever care I can to the
underserved.
My Mission :
I would like to help those that are less fortunate and provide them with medical care that they wouldn’t
otherwise have access to. I would like to use my medical knowledge and skills to help those that don’t
have access to good medical care and provide them with the education needed to take care of their
conditions after we leave.
SANDRA WAMBUI NJENGA, RN bsn
Professional Background:
Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from Roseman University in 2021.
Work Experience:
I have been working as an Emergency RN for a little over two years now. I work at a level II trauma center in Kaiser South Sacramento. My previous experience is as an LVN and CNA.
Previous missions/volunteerism:
My first medical mission trip was with MMK in 2016. I was so impacted by the work that we did that it inspired me to go back to school and complete my nursing degree so that I can make a bigger difference. I am so excited to finally go back to Kenya as a registered nurse to help the underprivileged communities.
My Mission:
To make a contribution to communities in need.
Serving people is my calling which is why I love nursing. I am excited to take my experience and knowledge and serve Kenyans living in rural and impoverished communities. I am looking forward to making a difference in people’s lives.
Michele Schonobrunn RN BSN
Professional Background:
Chamberlain University College of Nursing BSN program -Bachelor’s of Science, Nursing
Santa Monica College Nursing Program, Santa Monica, CA -Associate Degree in Nursing
Work Experience:
I’m a clinical RN with nine years of experience at Kaiser West Los Angeles' intensive care unit. I eagerly joined the medical mission to Kenya after learning about MMK from Dr. Pandiri. I’m so Excited to contribute my skills and expertise to make a meaningful impact.
Previous Mission/Volunteer Work
This will be my first medical mission and I am so honored to be a part of this group of medical volunteer group and to this mission in Kenya. While this marks my first global healthcare endeavor, my nine years as a clinical RN have equipped me with the skills and compassion necessary to contribute effectively.
My Mission:
In a mix of excitement and nerves ,I am enthusiastic and looking forward to this experience as I am sure I will be enriched from this cross-cultural setting. It’s my hope that I make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we're helping out.
CLEMENT
Professional Background:
Nursing School Student
Work Experience:
Before nursing school, I was always interested in issues affecting human health and how to prevent illnesses and diseases. Thanks to the knowledge I’ve acquired in nursing school and the learning yet to come, I am hoping I have what it takes to care for patients with, not only physical illness, but mental illness as well. With good interpersonal skills, genuine empathy and obvious concern, I'm hoping to succeed in this career. Hope, I have what it takes. I have 2 semesters until I complete my training. By the time this mission starts in June, I am hoping I’ll be a nurse working side by side with the other volunteers where I will gain invaluable practical experience.
Previous Mission
This will be my first medical mission and am excited to join Monette in this outreach as she is the one who inspired me to want to become a nurse in the first place.
My Mission
My dream is to become the best nurse possible.
Anne-Marie Mowad
Professional Background:
BS in Economics, minor in Accounting - Loyola Marymount University
Teaching credentials - Loyola Marymount University & UCLA
MA in Educational Technology - Pepperdine University
Work Experience :
I haven been in the field of education for 28 years:
-
Teacher - elementary and middle school
-
Instructional Technology Resource Teacher - middle school
-
Assistant Principal and Principal - middle school
-
21st Century Learning Coordinator - district
My Mission:
This is my first medical mission. I look forward to having the opportunity and experience working with a community who have the common goal of providing health care and connection to those who are in need of it.
Kim Alexander
Professional Background:
California State University, Los Angeles, CA
Master of Science in Health Care Management
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
Specialization in Health Care Policy Administration
Work Experience:
I’ve been in the field of health care for 37 years in the following disciplines.
Ward Clerk Transcriber
Recruitment Manager
Primary Care Department Administrator
Deployment Consultant
Area Operations Leader
Assistant Medical Center Administrator
Previous Mission
I have previously participated in international medical missions in Jamaica, Honduras, and Tijuana.
I have worked with populations that are socioeconomically disadvantaged that do not have adequate access to medical care. My motivation to care for the under resourced comes from a long family history of serving marginalized communities.
My Mission
Serving others comes naturally for me. When I can lend my time to an under resourced community it’s an honor and privilege. Being immersed in someone else’s culture and environment is a great way to learn from others and view things differently. It creates cultural sensitivity and insight that I otherwise would not have. I also believe learning from other cultures helps me understand the diversity throughout our globe. It creates meaningful relationships and allows me to appreciate and respect differences in cultures and beliefs.
Education:
Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
Previous Missions/Volunteerism:
This is my first medical mission. I have traveled abroad for volunteer work before however, doing
construction work under the auspices of the American Friends Service Committee
My Mission:
I want to be able to share and be of service to others, particularly where the need is great and the service itself can have a practical impact. I’m also thrilled for this intimate opportunity to learn about life in other non-Western cultures and to be able to participate with this group of accomplished medical professionals
Champ Davenport
sean mucheru, student
Education:
I am a college student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. I am grateful to be in a position that allows me to pursue higher education. I am doing a double major in Anthropology and Business Management. I would like to utilize both of these fields of study to the best of my ability and use it as a means to make other peoples lives better and overall creating change. I am a long distance runner and participate in the NCAA division 3 cross country at my school. I have been running since I was in middle school and have been inspired by the Kenyan runners who excel at the long distance craft.
Previous Mission/Volunteerism
I have been volunteering with MMK since I was 11. I have had the opportunity to volunteer in Kenya with my friends and they had a phenominal experience. The mission in 2022 was brief as we visited one of the local schools in Nairobi to lend school supplies, food and water to the children of Rehab facility for boys with previous . My mom, brother and I went out on a little mission to deliver these supplies without an entire team.
My Mission:
I cam always looking forward to going back to Kenya and I can't wait to get back out on the field with an entire team during the 2024 MMK mission and help as many local people as possible.
MILLICENT MUCHERU, DNP RN
Education:
Doctoral Degree from Touro University, 2021. Masters Degree from Capella University 2019. Bachelor Degree in Nursing, University of Texas, Arlington, 2011. Associate degree of Nursing, Park University Kansas, 2004
Public Health Nurse, 2012
Work Experience/Volunteerism:
Millicent is the founder of MMK and organizes all the trips to Kenya. Her nursing career has taken her to various specialties including critical care, cardiac units, pulmonary nursing and Telehealth nursing. She worked at UCLA in different nursing units from 2004-2014 as a Registered Nurse where she earned the Community Service award in 2012 for her work in MMK. She currently holds a leadership role at Kaiser Permanente in their Telehealth Department. Millicent migrated to the US from Kenya where she was quickly diagnosed with Hypertension, a disease she had never heard of at the time. . There are thousands of people with hypertension who are never diagnosed or put on the simple medical regimens that can help prevent potentially deadly problems like stroke, heart disease or kidney failure that are linked to this silent killer. Thais unfortunate diagnosis was the catalyst for MMK; to provide free basic health services and free screening to communities where health care is not accessible.
My Mission:
It is such a privilege to be in a position to give back to those in need. MMK continues to partner with local Kenyan organizations to provide free life saving essential medications, saving lives and making a difference. This, however wouldn't be possible without the volunteers.
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