2012 brings the promise of change for Medical Teams International

International (MTI/MNN) ― Medical Teams International is gearing up for some big changes in 2012.

Aside from expanding their work with partners, president and chief executive officer (CEO) Bas Vanderzalm is retiring this summer. He will step down as CEO on June 30, 2012, but will stay on as president through June 30, 2013.

As president, Vanderzalm will continue leading teams to the field and spreading the word about the mission of Medical Teams International.   

Although he's been working with Medical Teams International since September 15, 1997,Vanderzalm has worked with other like-minded groups for four decades. With the breadth of his experience, the ministry has grown to be one of the most respected Christian global health agencies in the country.

Each year, more than 2,000 volunteers serve in support of Medical Teams programs, and they've sent more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid around the world.

To ensure the organization continues to build, Jeff Pinneo steps in to replace Vanderzalm, effective July 1, 2012. The board members' announcement follows a year-long planning and recruitment process.

Pinneo is the retired CEO and president of Horizon Air and is familiar with the work of Medical Teams International. Together, he and Vanderzalm will smooth the transition into the July 1 effective date.

Medical Teams International has a great history of delivering health solutions through the strength of their staff, partners and volunteers. Pinneo's compassion and skills match the mission of Medical Teams International as they demonstrate the love of Christ to those who are affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.

Not surprisingly, Pinneo witnessed the impact of the ministry's global health programs through the experiences of his wife, Janey Pinneo. She's served as a volunteer since 2005 with Medical Teams International, providing her skills as a registered nurse on seven different volunteer teams in Uganda (3 teams), Haiti, New Orleans (Hurricane Katrina) and El Salvador.

Pinneo's own history with Medical Teams International stretches back to 2006, when he began volunteering and eventually served on its board in 2008. He retired last year after 29 years with Horizon Air and its sister company, Alaska Airlines.

"The staff and volunteers of Medical Teams International have earned their reputation as one of the world's leading global health and disaster response organizations," Pinneo said. "It will be my privilege to lead and serve them as they further extend their reach and impact to the benefit of the world's most marginalized people."

Medical Teams International launches a busy year

International (MNN) ―Medical Teams Internationalhas wasted no time moving forward in the New Year.

This week, they already have six mission teams on the ground in Cameroon, Cambodia, Guatemala and Uganda.

Teams have also already sent out supply shipments to Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Libya, Pakistan and Sudan. And there are 29 dental clinics scheduled this week in Oregon, Washington and Minnesota, as well as continued response to disasters in East Africa, Haiti, Japan and Libya.

With the amount of work they do, it's no surprise someone has to coordinate it. Medical Teams International has an urgent need for a long-term volunteer in Haiti. This extended term volunteer (ETV) will help the Medical Teams International Haiti field office staff in project planning, reporting, communications, and field support to visiting volunteer teams.

This 12-month volunteer should also know French fluently because he/she will be working on a daily basis with Haiti staff, volunteers, and project beneficiaries in the Canaan Internally Displaced Persons camp, the Beraca Hospital, the La Coma health outpost, and the Advantage Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic. 

Medical Teams International takes groups to communities where health care is unavailable in times of disaster. They are also sent to help improve and expand the capabilities of local health professionals.  Because of the expertise needed, they are looking for physicians, nurses, and assistants who can treat sick and injured people in crisis.

Skilled workers are sent in teams to improve living conditions in situations where people are suffering from lack of water, sanitation, food and other basic necessities. Work teams may do everything from building clinics and latrines, to digging wells, to installing cooking stoves or to addressing other community health construction-related needs.

The teams demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty. Their hope is to help build a faith-based global health movement to save lives and transform people through the power of Christ's love. Check our Featured Links section for more details on how you can get involved.