HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

PAMS Lifetime Achievement Award Honors Dr. Carlos Sánchez

The Peruvian American Medical Society proudly honored to present Dr. Carlos Sánchez with the PAMS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary dedication to medicine, humanitarian service, and Peru.

A Peruvian-born pediatrician, U.S. Navy veteran, and longtime physician in San Diego, Dr. Sánchez has devoted decades to serving underserved communities throughout Peru. Through his Condorsoul Missions, he has brought medical care to children, families, and Indigenous communities in remote areas including the Amazon, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, and Andahuaylillas.

His commitment extends beyond medicine to education, community development, and the preservation of Peruvian history and culture. Even in his 90s, he continues his work in Andahuaylillas, Cusco, supporting initiatives focused on childhood anemia, dental health, and a community health library.

Dr. Sánchez embodies the values of PAMS—service, compassion, excellence, and love for Peru. Although he could not be with us to receive the award, we celebrate his remarkable legacy and his continued commitment to the people of Peru.

Congratulations and thank you, Dr. Sánchez, for a lifetime of service!

The 52nd Annual Convention of the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) was on September 12, 2025.   A gala dinner was held at the Aranwa Hotel in Paracas, where awards were presented to members whose work has been fundamental to the development of humanitarian missions, medical education, and research in Peru.

During the ceremony, the Humanitarian Award was presented to Dr. Luis Espinoza, Medical Director of the Selva in Action Program – SIA PAMS, and Dr. Lita Calagua, who, as a married couple and working team, have dedicated many years to volunteer service in Iquitos and other Amazonian areas. Their work includes providing medical care in remote communities, supporting vulnerable populations, awarding scholarships, and ongoing efforts to improve health in the region.

PAMS also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Víctor Rozas, a member of the Education Committee and author of the commemorative book for the institution's 50th anniversary. Dr. Rozas has served as editor of PAMS journals, a judge for research competitions, and a significant benefactor of the San Fernando School of Medicine through the San Fernando Chapter. Furthermore, in his role as Medical Director in Cusco, he organized numerous medical missions that provided specialized care to low-income communities in the region.

The awards were presented on behalf of all PAMS members in gratitude for the honorees' dedication, leadership, and sustained commitment. PAMS expressed its hope to continue counting on their valuable participation in initiatives aimed at improving the health of Peru's most vulnerable population and promoting medical research and education in the country.

The 52nd Annual Convention of the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) was on September 12, 2025.   A gala dinner was held at the Aranwa Hotel in Paracas, where awards were presented to members whose work has been fundamental to the development of humanitarian missions, medical education, and research in Peru.

During the ceremony, the Humanitarian Award was presented to Dr. Luis Espinoza, Medical Director of the Selva in Action Program – SIA PAMS, and Dr. Lita Calagua, who, as a married couple and working team, have dedicated many years to volunteer service in Iquitos and other Amazonian areas. Their work includes providing medical care in remote communities, supporting vulnerable populations, awarding scholarships, and ongoing efforts to improve health in the region.

PAMS also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Víctor Rozas, a member of the Education Committee and author of the commemorative book for the institution's 50th anniversary. Dr. Rozas has served as editor of PAMS journals, a judge for research competitions, and a significant benefactor of the San Fernando School of Medicine through the San Fernando Chapter. Furthermore, in his role as Medical Director in Cusco, he organized numerous medical missions that provided specialized care to low-income communities in the region.

The awards were presented on behalf of all PAMS members in gratitude for the honorees' dedication, leadership, and sustained commitment. PAMS expressed its hope to continue counting on their valuable participation in initiatives aimed at improving the health of Peru's most vulnerable population and promoting medical research and education in the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.  

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). 

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.

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.

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.