Physicians are an essential part of our work. We partner with more than 500 healthcare professionals who provide cancer treatment in low- and middle-income countries. They volunteer to be in our program, caring for people in need on top of their regular schedule.
Dr. Mipsang Lama is a perfect example – he goes above and beyond for his patients. He partnered with The Max Foundation in July 2023. In addition to treating diseases like chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and providing personalized care, Dr. Mipsang is an active participant in Patient Support Group Meetings.
Born in Nepal, he attended school in Kathmandu and Bhairahawa and specializes in internal medicine and clinical hematology. Dr. Mipsang is also an assistant professor at the Patan Academy of Health Sciences, as well as a husband and father to two sons.
Education is a priority for Dr. Mipsang. He wants the 77 active patients under his care to fully understand their diagnosis so they can make informed decisions about their treatment. He offers counseling and support and is readily available for emergencies.
This extends to Patient Support Group Meetings as well. Dr. Mipsang gives presentations on the entire process, from diagnosis to transitional care. He also takes time to meet with Max team members, sharing ideas for strengthening our program and reaching more patients. Dr. Mipsang’s dedication is making a real difference in the lives of people living with cancer in Nepal.
The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For 28 years, Max has pioneered practical, scalable, high-quality solutions to bring life-extending treatments and patient-centered health care to more than 100,000 people living with cancer and critical illness in low- and middle-income countries. Max believes in a world where all people can access high-impact medicines, where geography is not destiny, and where everyone can strive for health with dignity and with hope.
I found myself reflecting about vulnerability. In a way, vulnerability is an impact. After hours of phone calls throughout the year, families have opened themselves up to me. The vulnerability is not just a spur of the moment but hopefully built on mutual trust and respect. I gain a new perspective about vulnerability – it draws out your strength when you respond to it with care.
Every year our South Asia team organizes 15–20 meetings that unite hundreds of the patients we serve, their families, caregivers, and physicians. These meetings provide a safe and comfortable platform for everyone to share their insights and learn from each other’s experiences with cancer.
In Guatemala, there are 14,200 new cases of cancer a year and from this amount 9,100 people die of cancer or 64.7%. Most of these diagnoses could have been prevented or better treated if diagnosed early. In Guatemala only the persons who have access to the national social security plan have free services and treatment, but poor quality and lack of medications or in most occasions. People who do not have social security have to pay for health services and for medications. As per statistics taken from Globocan 2008, the most common cancers in Guatemala are prostate, cervix, stomach, breast and lung cancers.
