2nd Congress
on Patient
Navigation in
Latin América
Hybrid Modality / Free
Objectives
Showcase existing patient navigation experiences in the region.
Join regional efforts to expand the implementation of patient navigation in order to reduce health barriers.
Share information on training and certification of patient navigators.
Create a support network among patient navigators in LatinAmerica.
AGENDA TOPICS
- Regional efforts to implement patient navigation as a tool to reduce healthcare barriers and improve access to treatment.
- Patient navigation experiences in LATAM.
- Evolution of patient navigation in the United States.
- The role of the Champion Doctor in patient navigation implementation.
- Patient rights and advocacy.
- Cancer prevention laws and programs.
- Training and certification for patient navigators.
Who should attend?
Nurses
Nursing Assistants
Social Workers
Psychologists
Health Administrators
Educators
Healthcare Volunteers
Community Health Workers
TESTIMONIALS FROM CERTIFIED STUDENTS
NAVEGACIÓN DE PACIENTES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NPI)
NPI is a registered non-profit organization in Boston, Massachusetts, that has been training and certifying patient navigators in Spanish in Latin America since 2016.
Recently, NPI renewed its agreements with PUJ and UNIS, which endorse our educational curriculum, based largely on the George Washington Cancer Center’s Patient Navigation Guide.
CERTIFICATIONNPI has trained and certified more than 150 patient navigators in 10 countries. These navigators have assisted more than 400 patients during the hands-on training phase of the course.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Dr. Harold Freeman
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Freeman is the father and pioneer of the patient navigation concept and model, which addresses disparities in access to timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly among low-income communities.
Nancy Peña, ACS-LION, OPN-CG, CMI, BA
Patient Navigator in gynecologic oncology at Dana-Farber Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital since 2005. She developed the first patient navigation program in Guatemala and has been training volunteer navigators since 2016. She holds a degree in Communications and Journalism, with certifications as a Patient Navigator and Medical Interpreter, and is a member of AONN. Harvard Medical School
Rachel Allende, LICSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 2009, providing psychosocial support to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking patients. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Workers. Her previous experience includes work in hospitals, community mental health, and refugee resettlement agencies.
Minerva Grullón
Leader in health promotion in Lawrence, Massachusetts, dedicating her life to educating and guiding the community in disease prevention and early detection. As Coordinator of the Women’s Health Program at the YWCA, she worked with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to implement a mobile mammography van that benefited uninsured women. She has also promoted community workshops on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention and facilitated access to subsidized health insurance.
Dr. Sarah Feldman, MD, MPH
Associate Professor in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School
Mandi Pratt-Chapman MA, PhD
Director of Patient Navigation, George Washington Cancer Center GWCC
Dr. Patricia Chacón
Medical doctor and surgeon from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, Master’s degree in general surgery and specializations in laparoscopic surgery, gastrointestinal tumors, research, and breast surgery. President of the Guatemalan Surgeons Association and currently heads the Department and Service of Surgery at San Juan de Dios Hospital.
Andriy Chybisov, MA, MPH
Program Manager at the American Cancer Society, has over 15 years of international experience in public health. He has led initiatives such as BEACON and the SOURCE program, set to launch globally in 2026. His career includes work on HIV/AIDS with the Peace Corps in Ukraine and programs in Africa. He holds a Master of Public Health and extensive experience strengthening health systems.
Dra. Esperanza Peña
Master in Clinical Epidemiology, Master of Health Administration, Nurse of the Pontifical Javeriana University Currently, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.
Elizabeth Paucar Harris, M.B.A.
Elizabeth led an international oncology care program and later founded H.O.P.E., a company that provides personalized medical concierge services to patients, especially those with cancer, in several countries.
Mg. Vivian Piedrahita, Oncology Nurse
Vivian Piedrahita is an oncology nurse with a master's degree in epidemiology and extensive clinical, research, and teaching experience. She coordinates oncology programs and serves as a patient navigation consultant.
Wilmer Andrés Aragón Gómez, Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurse with 13 years of experience, certified in patient navigation and Lean Six Sigma. He is a data manager at Clínica Imbanaco and a lecturer at the University of Valle.
Dr. Eduardo Cazap, MD, PhD, FASCO
Renowned Argentine oncologist with international recognition. Founder of SLACOM and former president of the UICC, he has published over 200 scientific articles and received awards such as FASCO and the Harvard Distinguished Leader Award. He advises organizations like the WHO and is a key figure in global cancer control, with active participation in international conferences.
M.A. Andrés Pérez Busto
Sociologist and Master in Public Health with over ten years of experience in research and health interventions to improve access to care in Colombia. He has worked with institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, Partners for Cancer Care and Prevention, and ProPacífico. His work focuses on health promotion, cancer prevention, integrated care pathways, and patient navigation strategies.
Lic. Deyanira Zúñiga Hernández
Founder of the Metamorfosis Association, she is a breast cancer survivor and advocate for health equity. She has led psychosocial support initiatives in rural communities and actively participates in patient networks and organizations in Costa Rica. She promotes early detection, compassionate care, and comprehensive access to health services. Her leadership strives for dignified survivorship, quality of life, and social justice.
Alexandra Núñez
Alexandra Núñez is a cancer patient advocate in Costa Rica. She is the founder of Unidos Contra el Cáncer and president of the Federation of Patient Organizations. She represents patients in the CCSS and leads initiatives like Respirando Esperanza. Her work is rooted in her personal experience after being diagnosed in 2011.
Claudia Patricia Abreu
Health risk management professional with 20 years of experience in leadership, epidemiological analysis, and promotion of care pathways. Led projects such as the implementation of the Health Promotion and Maintenance Route and the Cali Cancer Observatory. Skilled in team strengthening and improving community health indicators.
Marina Rojo
Digital Health Expert| MD MPH Phd (cand) Medical Manger in Intramed| Public Health Assistant Professor, Med School, UBA | Technological Innovation Program Coordinator, Public Health Institute, Med School, UBA.
Dr. Miguel Mauricio Moreno Capacho
Medical doctor and surgeon specialized in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, with additional training in Oncological Rehabilitation and a Master’s degree in Health Administration. He coordinates the Oncological Support Group at the National Cancer Institute and teaches at several universities. He has extensive clinical, academic, and research experience.
Dr. Gerson Orlando Bermont Galavis
Optometrist, Public Health Specialist and Master, with extensive experience in the public sector. He served as National Manager for Covid-19 and Director of Health Promotion and Prevention at the Ministry of Health, leading the national vaccination plan. He has held positions at ICBF, Red Unidos, the Caldas Territorial Health Directorate, and as Mayor of La Dorada, excelling in Primary Health Care strategies and biosecurity protocols.
Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, DrPH, MS
Is an Assistant Investigator at the UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializing in cancer epidemiology and health disparities. Her research addresses cancer risks and access to care among vulnerable Hispanic populations and people living with HIV. She has published extensively, leads NIH-funded projects, and trains future cancer researchers.
Dr. Óscar Arrieta
Dr. Arrieta, Medical Oncologist and Director General of INCan, founded the Thoracic Unit and launched Latin America’s first early lung cancer screening program. With over 400 publications, he integrates care, teaching, and research, advancing equity and access in oncology in Mexico.
Jenna de St. Jorre
Jenna is a Program Manager at the American Cancer Society, leading global patient navigation initiatives in LMICs such as SPARK, BEACON, and EQUIPPED. She has over 10 years of experience in global public health, project management, and research. She holds a Master of Public Health, speaks Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and lives in Washington, DC.
María del Rosario Escobar Hernández
Coordinator of the Patient Navigation Program at INCan and Social Work graduate with a diploma in Advanced Hospital Management. Clinical navigator since 2008, she has participated as a panelist in multiple conferences and workshops on patient navigation and oncology care. Expert in designing comprehensive navigation programs, especially for women’s cancer, and in adapting quality models during the pandemic.
Rosa Victoria Castañeda - Enfermera Magister en Bioética
Nurse, Master in Bioethics, and specialist in Oncology and University Teaching. President of the Colombian Oncology Nursing Association and senior researcher, with international expertise in oncology care and nursing ethics. University professor and certified patient navigator by NPI, George Washington Cancer Center, and Universidad del Istmo.
Dra. Sara Ramos Jaraba
Health Services Administrator and Master in Collective Health, faculty member at the Nursing School of Universidad CES. Expert in applied research in sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on gender, rights, and equity, and cancer prevention in vulnerable populations. Coordinates patient navigation projects for women with metastatic breast cancer and people who inject drugs.
Sharon Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
Ms. Gentry has over 45 years in oncology nursing, with 25 focused on patient navigation, including starting North Carolina’s first oncology navigation program. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Navigation and Survivorship, has authored multiple publications, and lectures nationally on oncology navigation. Active in leadership and professional organizations, she has contributed extensively to the field of patient navigation.
Licda. Rutilia González Flores
Health professional and university lecturer with over 25 years in hospital nursing and clinical patient navigation. She specializes in management, leadership, and quality of care, with extensive experience in critical and surgical units at Hospital San Juan de Dios. She holds nursing degrees, international patient navigation certification, and actively contributes to professional associations and patient navigation programs.
Dr. Adib Federico Rodríguez
-U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigator Inspection.
-ECFMG Certificate.
-Guatemalan Physician License
-State of Colorado, USA, medical license,
-State of Nevada, USA, medical license
-Board Certified in General Pediatrics.
-Board Certified in Pediatric Hospital Medicine.
Licda. Martha Ordoñez
Martha is the Global Program Manager for Latin America at C/Can, leading projects to strengthen cancer care systems in cities across the region. Her background in nursing, health management, and health economics supports her broad international experience. She currently advocates for patient navigation and leadership in cancer care.
JOIN THE 2025 PATIENT NAVIGATION CONGRESS
ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
VISIoN
Train clinical and non-clinical patient navigators in Spanish to support patient access to oncology care and to reduce the rates of cancer and other chronic illnesses
MISSION
Save patient lives by increasing access to medical attention and by providing support to navigate complex health systems.
EDUCATION
Educate patient navigators about cancer prevention and increase overall cancer prevention awareness.
Review of the 1st Patient Navigation Congress 2023.
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING THE 2025 PATIENT NAVIGATION CONGRESS
MORE INFORMATION ON SPONSORING THE CONGRESS
Orientaciones para presentación de póster
Navegación de Pacientes Internacional
Tel: +01-978-809-9426
info@npint.org
Tel: +01-978-809-9426
info@npint.org
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