Alex, Our Rwandan, Field Nurse Coordinator

Alex is a 28-year old Rwandan nurse who is in charge of coordinating pre and post op, follow-up care for the patients that HHNW and Team Heart (Boston) operate on here in Rwanda. He is young and enthusiastic about being the liaison. He has had a dream of being a cardiac nurse and this will further his education, understanding of patient social situations and follow-up challenges as well as being a huge asset for HHNW when we are not in Rwanda. He was hired to maintain a database for all patients who meet the criteria for cardiac surgery. He has yet not been involved with the pre-screening of patients but hopes to add that responsibility. He will also provide monitoring and leadership to district hospital and clinic nurses. Having observed Alex with the patients, he shows great empathy for them, their illness, and their social situations. Alex comes from a large family of 4 sisters and 3 brothers. He enjoys music, movies and both watching and playing soccer. He speaks English, French and Kinyarwandan, the language spoken in Rwanda. Alex has always had a dream to open a clinic for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. He sees an increase in these diseases as Rwandan culture changes and develops, and as lifestyle diseases take hold. Being our eyes, ears, and hands here in Rwanda will be invaluable for HHNW and Team Heart.