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Foundation’s history Dr. Garcia Rinaldi founded an impressive philanthropic organization, which is a non-profit, independent entity called: Fundación Dr. Raúl García Rinaldi, Inc. This had been initially set up in Houston, focused on scientific research under the name “The Research Foundation of Cardiovascular”. Once entrenched in Puerto Rico, the Foundation prompted the creation of the “Asociación Nuevos Corazones”, dedicated to providing education regarding cardiovascular disease through seminars and other educational activities. The Foundation has expanded its efforts on four key aspects, one of which is the service to patients that includes efforts on behalf of people with low incomes. Equally, it emphasizes the importance of education of future health professionals. The Summer Program for Talented Students in Science and Medicine, consists of a Summer Internship, in which participants observe the procedures that are performed by doctors, ranging from exams to complicated operations. The students also participate in various cultural activities and take courses such as cardio pulmonary respiration (CPR). They also must conduct a research paper on the basis of their experience in the program. Volunteer work with community-based organizations is a prerequisite for the participants. The purpose of the program is to provide a real experience in the medicine field and help these young people develop a sense of compassion and service to others. The Summer Program started with one student. Today, more than 55 young people participate each year. This growth has led to create a different type of program targeted to high school students. Since 1993, the García Rinaldi Foundation offers the High School Talented Students Program that has been supplemented by the involvement of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. The Campus offers the academic essentials necessary for the participants to benefit from the clinical experience and academic orientation. The goal is for students to obtain the necessary tools to achieve a career in medicine. The García Rinaldi Foundation knows the need for future health professionals and their desire to have a real experience in the medical field. That is why the Foundation had the vision to create an agreement that involves the following institutions: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Advanced Cardiology Center; Ponce School of Medicine; the municipality of Mayagüez; and the García Rinaldi Foundation. All this with the goal of providing an opportunity for students at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus to make rotations in the surgery department at the Advanced Cardiology Center. The success of this agreement motivated members of AMSA of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus to ask the Foundation to create a Convention similar to that of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, which has been successfully established since 2004. The Foundation recognizes the interest of Puerto Rico’s medicine students in acquiring new experiences outside of our beautiful island. That is why, since 2001, it performs the International Exchange through a rotation in Houston Texas under the sponsorship of doctor Rafael Espada. The Foundation understands that to combat cardiovascular diseases, prevention is the key. Each year the Organization conducts various activities that promote prevention and education on cardiovascular health which include:
The Foundation also gives grants to researchers who decide to focus in the study of cardiovascular diseases. Also, brings new technology and sends personnel to the exterior to obtain the skills needed to bring to force this technology on the Island. All with the primary goal in offering the best to Puerto Ricans in their own homeland. According to Garcia Rinaldi, his passion is "uniting people to help others" and his greatest dream is to ensure that Puerto Rico is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious sites in the area of cardiovascular surgery. The ongoing work of the García Rinaldi Foundation has been recognized by the Senate of Puerto Rico, through a resolution, and a proclamation by the State Department. [up] |