CHOP Presents the First Dr. Japa Memorial Award
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Natali Baner, MD (Attending Neurologist), Ruth A. Frey, MSN, CPNP (VP, Global Strategy and Business Development), Victor Negron-Velez, MPA-HCA (Sr. Director, Global Strategy and Business Development), and Rosa Ugona (Dominican Republic CHOP Ambassador)
Every year the Business Development Team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) presents an award to an outstanding pediatrician from the Dominican Republic. From this year forward, this award will be named after the late Ingrid Francisca Japa Reyes, MD, in honor of her tireless commitment to advancing children's health in her community.
Dr. Ingrid Francisca Japa Reyes was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife and mother; a trusted colleague, friend, mentor and pioneer in her field.
In 2009, CHOP created the Niños Primeros en Salud (“Kids First in Health” or NPS) program that would focus on serving rural neighborhoods in Consuelo, DR. To lead the program, CHOP enlisted the help of none other than pediatrician Dr. Japa. For 13 years, Dr. Japa served as a local leader, caring for the most at-risk children in the area, participating in research and quality improvement projects, and advising countless medical students and residents.
Rosa Ugona (Dominican Republic CHOP Ambassador), Natali Baner, MD (Attending Neurologist), Ruth A. Frey, MSN, CPNP (VP, Global Strategy and Business Development), and Victor Negron-Velez, MPA-HCA (Sr. Director, Global Strategy and Business Development)
“Many of her colleagues remember her constant and loving presence in the neighborhoods on home visits during those years,” says Anabel Fernández, MPH, Manager of the Global Health Program. “Dr. Japa's legacy will continue for many years in the thousands of children who are healthier because of her care and the students and residents who learned from her how to practice pediatric medicine with love.”
This year’s inaugural Dr. Japa Memorial Award goes to pediatrician Patricia Acra.