Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Today is my last day as Medical Director at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS). Dr. Silvia Ernst will arrive in Haiti this morning, welcomed by Ian at the airport, briefed about the news at HAS and will immediately take over as Medical Director. Silvia and I had the opportunity of brainstorming for 10 days in Switzerland and for an additional day in Ilanz and from those meetings, it is clear that Silvia is very well prepared for her important and difficult task at HAS. Silvia brings with her a wide range of professional and personal experience from her excellent work in Switzerland, India, Belgium and Africa. HAS is very fortunate to have Silvia as its new “Directrice Medicale”. Along with Silvia, HAS is privileged to have two outstanding Haitian physicians who have served as Acting Medical Directors, Dr. Harryo Sannon, Chief of Internal Medicine, and Dr. Maurice P. Toussaint, Chief of Pediatrics. Another important member of the team is Ms. Eda Sam who will succeed my wife Raphaela as Haitian Chief of Laboratory.
Raphaela and I are not leaving Haiti or HAS at all. In fact, we will be in Haiti several times a year assisting with the supervision of the Swiss Pediatric Transition Project and the Social Service and Laboratory Projects. I will also remain as a Member of the HAS Board.
Now it is time for me to express my thanks. The farewell party that the employees of HAS arranged for me was wonderful and touching and I thank you for putting it together for me and for the years of your service with me. I wish to thank the patients of HAS as well. I would also like to extend my thanks to the Board of Directors and the Senior Management, especially Ian and Nevin and Jimmie and Dawn; and of course, the team at the Pittsburgh office. Thanks to all of you for your help during the last few years. As you all know, my heart will always be with HAS as I share with you a deep concern for its future and the health and well being of the people of the Artibonite Valley.
Raphaela and I are thankful for the privilege of being a part of the wonderful HAS team.
Sincerely,
Rolf Maibach
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti wishes to welcome Dr. Silvia Ernst as HAS Medical Director!
A little bit about Silvia Ernst, MD:
Silvia Ernst, MD, Internal Medicine (FMH), General Medicine(FMH)Diploma in Tropical Medicine and International Health.
Silvia was born in Switzerland and is fluent in German, French and English. She studied at the University of Zurich, the University of Lausanne, the University of Basel and the Tropical Institute of Antwerp, Belgium. Her specialty is Internal Medicine and General Medicine with a post graduate certificate in Tropical Medicine and International Health. During her training, Silvia has worked in gynecology/obstetrics, surgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, intensive care, pediatrics, radiology and infectiology.
Silvia is a member of the Swiss Medical Association, the Swiss Association of Residents and Consultants and the Swiss Association of Internal Medicine.
Silvia’s work in the developing world, and in particular her recent work at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambarene, Gabon immediately identified her as the top candidate for medical director of Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti. She has served on the board of directors of the hospital in Lambarene, and is well acquainted with the Schweitzer philosophy that is central to HAS.
She also has been very involved with humanitarian activities at the Leprosy Hospital in Kothara, India. Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti is very pleased to welcome Dr. Silvia Ernst to our team.
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| Silvia Ernst, M.D. |
