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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT & 

HUMANITARIAN AWARDS


PAMS Lifetime Achievement Award - A special recognition of a PAMS member or friend of PAMS, for exceptional commitment to the programs, missions, and other activities of PAMS in Perú and/or in the US.  This commitment must be unique, hard to emulate, and totally altruistic. This individual must have participated in PAMS activities for at least two decades.   The Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2013.  This award is not meant to be presented every calendar year. It was presented for the first time at the Annual Convention held in Iquitos in 2014.

PAMS Humanitarian Award– for an individual who represents PAMS’ ideals in their work and love for Peru.  The Humanitarian Award 
was established in 1991 to recognize PAMS members, spouses of PAMS members, or volunteers who have made over the years outstanding contributions to PAMS medical and educational missions in Peru over the years. A maximum of two Humanitarian Awards can be given per calendar year. 

Criteria and Information for submitting a nomination for PAMS Humanitarian and Lifetime Achievement Awards

2024 AWARD RECIPIENTS


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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Gonzalo Huaman and Mrs. Shirley Huaman

 

Throughout their many years of dedicated service, Gonzalo and Shirley have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the financial stability and overall mission of PAMS. Gonzalo, having served as Treasurer and Director of Finance, has played a pivotal role in managing and growing the PAMS Endowment Fund, working closely with our financial advisor, Luis Strohmeier. He also served as PAMS President in 2006, and under his leadership, the XXIII PAMS Convention in Ayacucho was a resounding success.

Their contributions go beyond roles and titles—they have been among the most generous donors to PAMS, supporting not only our organization but also the San Fernando Chapter. Gonzalo, a graduate of San Fernando Medical School and a highly respected Urology Surgeon, has been a member of PAMS for over forty years. He has gone above and beyond in securing PAMS' future, having established a Charitable Giving Trust that names PAMS as a beneficiary.


Their commitment aligns perfectly with the spirit of the PAMS Lifetime Achievement Award—exceptional, altruistic, and spanning decades. It is a profound privilege to honor Dr. Gonzalo and Shirley Huaman, whose generosity and leadership have truly left a lasting legacy for PAMS both in Peru and the United States.

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HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. C. Luis Vásquez and Mrs. Mary Vasquez

 

Dr. Vasquez’s remarkable journey began in 1961 when he graduated from San Fernando Medical School at the University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. After completing postgraduate training in Cardiology in the United States, he went on to have a distinguished career practicing medicine in Chicago. But it was in 2005, following his retirement, that he made a life-changing visit to Yantalo, his mother's hometown.


Shocked to find that living conditions, including access to healthcare, had not improved in 50 years, Dr. Vasquez was inspired by the memory of his mother, Adelina Soplin, to take action. This moment marked the beginning of the Yantalo Peru Foundation and the Adelina Soplin Clinic, a lasting tribute to her legacy of giving back.

The clinic has become a cornerstone of the Yantalo and Moyobamba communities, providing life-saving healthcare to thousands of people. Since 2011, more than 1,260 surgical procedures have been performed, and over 2,000 patients have been treated thanks to the dedication of the medical teams from the USA and Peru who visit the clinic each year. At the heart of this monumental effort are Dr. Luis and Maria Vasquez, whose tireless work has ensured that the people of Yantalo have access to the care they so desperately need.

Dr. Vasquez’s passion and perseverance have been an inspiration to us all. Even after recovering from a serious illness in 2018, he returned to Yantalo to personally greet volunteers—a powerful reminder of his deep commitment to this cause.

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HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Anita Soluna, M.S.

 

Anita Soluna, founder of the organization "Selva en Acción" (SIA), has been awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) for her dedicated work benefiting the most remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon. Since founding SIA in 2007, Soluna has led one of Peru’s most impactful annual medical missions, providing essential healthcare to those living in isolated areas with limited access to medical services.


Anita Soluna’s work with SIA has had a profound impact, benefiting over 26 communities along the Momon River and earning her the affection of the locals, who fondly call her “Charinga,” in reference to her “charapa heart and gringa face.” Luis Espinoza, M.D., current Medical Director of SIA, expressed her admiration for Soluna, who has overcome personal challenges and local obstacles in her mission to aid the "forgotten people" of the Peruvian jungle.

Through her perseverance, SIA has established significant partnerships with the Armed Forces, the National Police, and various local authorities, strengthening her impact in these communities. Known for her tireless dedication and compassion, Soluna receives this recognition from PAMS as a testament to the transformative effect of her work in the Amazon region.

This award not only highlights Anita Soluna's dedication but also serves as an inspiration to others to follow her example, reminding us all of the importance of bringing healthcare to the country’s most underserved areas.

2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS


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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Elma Mera Steves, Dr. Agustín Arbulú & Dr. Oscar Talledo

 

In honor of our 50th Anniversary celebration, the Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Dr. Elma Mera Steves, Dr. Agustín Arbulú, and Dr. Oscar Talledo, founding members of PAMS that were present at the first meeting on 9 September, 1973 in Atlanta, GA.  We were delighted with the presence of Dr. Mera Steves and Dr. Arbulú.  Dr. Talledo, was unable to attend the anniversary gala.


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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Mrs. Maria Montesinos & Dr. Efrain Montesinos 

 

Mrs. María Montesinos received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to her and her late husband, Dr. Efraín Montesinos.  The Montesinos established the thoracic cardiology unit at the Dos de Mayo National Hospital in Lima, saving the lives of hundreds of people. Their efforts of caring for patients and performing highly complex cardiac surgeries continues through PAMS members including Dr. Julio Peralta, Chair of Cardiac Thoracic Dept, Dos de Mayo Hospital, Dr. Aldo Rafael with Salvando Corazones Mission, and Dr. Juan Carlos Alejos with Corazones con Esperanza.  


2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Victor Raúl Felipa & Mrs. Janice Felipa

 

Dr. & Mrs. Felipa have participated in PAMS Missions to Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Iquitos. Dr. Felipa was the first Medical Director of Selva in Action Mission from 2007-2014. He volunteered in SIA Mission Telemedicine during the pandemic and partipated in Selva in Action Mission in June 2022 at the age of 86. Mrs. Felipa obtained international grants to repair schools and build water system in the village of Centro Fuerte, Rio Momon, Iquitos.

In 2022, their established the Raul & Janice Felipa Mentorship Grant which covers costs of participating in a Selva in Action Mission for a Medical Student from San Fernando and a Nursing Student from Iquitos, and includes continued tele-mentoring with grant recipients). The Felipas are Active Rotarians.  Dr. Felipa volunteers at a Rotary sponsored free clinic in Gilroy, CA.


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HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Pablo Pérez


PAMS President, 2017-2018, PAMS Para el Peru President, 2017-2022, Santiago de Chuco Mission founder & medical director, 2009 to present. Participated at Medical mission to Huancavelica Aqua Quechua town in the Peruvian jungle Saposoa. Led the PAMS’s Disaster Relief foundation to the north of Peru in 2017 due to the destruction and flooding caused "El Niño".  Dr. Perez coordinated the PAMS help to the people of Trujillo with water/food, medical care, medicines, mosquito’s repellants, fumigation, latrines and community meals to many in those in northern of Peru. 
 

Dr. Perez participated in relief efforts in four Medical missions to Haiti after the earthquake in 2011, and has been part of a medical mission to Guatemala Clínica Santiago in Solola since 2015.  Humanitarian efforts also include a March 2022 donation of insulin and medical supplies to a hospital at the Poland-Ukraine border.

Dr. Perez offers a grant every year in support of young physicians who wish to train in the US, Scholarship candidates need to pass Steps I and II of the USMLE exams and have participated in PAMS medical missions. This grant is done quietly and is part of the many contributions Pablo makes to PAMS.  


2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS


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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

 

Dr. Maria H. Sjogren

 

Medical Degree. UNMSM San Fernando. Master Public Health. John Hopkins. Internal Medicine, sub-specialty Gastroenterology/Hepatology. Yale University. US Army Medical Corps Colonel. Active member of PAMS for over 30 years. Past President (2 years) of PAMS. Artifice of the Endowment fund. Serves as Vice President of PAMS Polyclinic Directorio, and has been a member of several Committees throughout many years. 

Participated in many Medical Missions. President of the San Fernando Chapter. Assisted in San Fernando getting international certification.  Named to Academia Nacional de Medicina, 2013 Extremely supportive of the Chincha Polyclinic;  exceptional contributor to the educational Webinars and serves a chair of the education committee. Has created venues in Peru for immunization programs (hepatitis). 


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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

 

Dr. Federico Alva

 

Medical Degree: National University of Trujillo. Obstetrics and Gynecology: Jewish Hospital New York. Medical practice in Southern California for 40 years. PAMS active member for more than 25 years. President of Southern California Chapter, multiple times. Member of several PAMS committees throughout the year.

Dr. Alva volunteered in many PAMS Medical Missions throughout the years. He was the Trujillo Medical Mission director & organizer, and obtained $1-2 million in medicines, equipment, for the Regional Hospital Trujillo and the Belen Hospital.


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HUMANITARIAN AWARD

 

Dr. Walter Janke & Mrs. Lalita Mascarenhas Janke


Walter, was born in Trujillo. Medical Degree: San Fernando UNMSM.  Specialty: Cardiothoracic surgery. Lalita, was born in India. Financial Planner, President of the US National Committee for the United Nations Women. 

Together, they administer the Walter and Lalita Janke Charitable Foundation. Active members of PAMS for many years.  Committing time, effort, and financial support to PAMS activities. Walter serves in the PAMS Board as Director of Finance, and in the Finance and Marketing Committee; He also serves in the Directory of PAMS Polyclinic in Chincha.  He is the Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee. 

Lalita has served as leader and member of the PAMS Auxiliary Committee. Walter and Lalita, independently and through their Foundation have made several large donations to PAMS, PAMS Polyclinic - construction and maintenance, San Fernando Chapter of PAMS and PAMS Auxiliary. 

Most recent donation of $34,000 to obtain a new x-ray machine for the PAMS Polyclinic is just an example of their generosity. 

The Jankes are a committed couple who loves Peru and the work we all do there.


2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS


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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Ralph Kuon

 

Dr. Ralph Kuon has been a distinguished PAMS member since 1985.  He has served PAMS in a number of capacities being most notable his involvement in PAMS medical missions to Perú with Dr. Efrain Montesinos. This relationship allowed Ralph to participate in many medical missions, including him becoming the leader of the Ayacucho Medical Mission for several years and the Huancavelica Medical Mission thereafter.  These missions became very successful and now are led by other distinguished PAMS members. Ralph has also participated in other medical missions such as those to Tacna, Abancay, Trujillo, Cusco and Moyobamba.  

Ralph’s leadership is exemplified by him serving as President of the PAMS Chapter in Southern California and being elected twice as President of PAMS.  Ralph led PAMS to institute its Endowment Fund that has become a mainstay of PAMS.  He has been recognized by PAMS as recipient of the PAMS Humanitarian Award, and as a leader in the Colegio Medico del Peru and has been accepted as member of the Academia Peruana de Cirugia. 
  

Dr. Kuon is a graduate of the San Fernando Medical School of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.  There he underwent training in General Surgery and subsequently he worked in the Organ Transplant program in the Peruvian Navy.  He the underwent a two-year Fellowship training in Cardio Thoracic Surgery at the University of Southern California.    
  

He has received many awards for his leadership roles in Peru and in the USA including being the recipient of the Paz Soldan Medal from the Peruvian Government and the Ministry of Foreign Relations.


2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT


Dr. Manuel Valdivieso &
Mrs. Astrid Valdivieso

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Victor Raul Felipa &
Mrs. Janice Felipa


2017 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Blanca Alzamora


2016 AWARD RECIPIENTS


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT


Dr. Anibal Pepper &
Mrs. Ann Pepper

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Victor Rozas &
Mrs. Jaennette Rozas

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Elma Mera Steves


2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Juan Angelats &
Mrs. Graciela Angelats


2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS


LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Dr. Anibal Zambrano


2013 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Luis A. Campos


2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Cesar Aranguri

RECOGNITION AWARD

José Miguel Morales Dasso

RECOGNITION AWARD

Juan José Cauvi Abadía


2010 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Edgar Soto

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Joanie Weiss


2009 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Keren Call Rosser


2007 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Miguel Vasquez &
Dr. Ann Carroll


2006 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Thomas Gallagher &
Mrs. Martha Gallagher


2005 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Miguel Pro-Landazuri


1999 AWARD RECIPIENTS

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Giovanna Angelats

1998 AWARD RECIPIENTS

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Anibal Pepper

1997 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Agustin Arbulu

1995 AWARD RECIPIENTS


HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Dr. Ruben Chuquimia