When Action is Graced with Compassion: A Conversation with Dr. Ava Avalos

Sister Peace interview of Dr. Ava Avalos from the Order of Interbeing (OI) branch of the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition. BIO: Dr. Ava Avalos was ordained as a Dharma teacher in 2018, after over 20 years of study and Zen practice. She facilitates the Tshedisa Sangha in Botswana - the first African Sangha established in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh on the continent. Originally from San Diego, California, for the last 22 years she has worked as HIV/TB specialist physician and AIDS activist in Africa. In addition to clinical care, she focuses medical research on optimizing anti-retroviral treatment for HIV/AIDS patients, preventing the development of HIV drug resistance and improving implementation of public health programs. She currently leads the Botswana National Advanced HIV Care Initiative, is a Research Associate of the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Initiative and Botswana-Baylor Children’s Centre for Clinical Excellence and sits on the Editorial Board of the Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine. She also does her best to keep up with her two high spirited pups, paints, teaches yoga and dances as often as she can. 3 Links to connect with Dr. Avalos:1. Facebook: Studies in Zen Buddhism Botswana.2.  The next Africa based retreat I am facilitating: Sacred Body - Wonderful Body- Coming Home to Ourselves Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico, South Africa. October 13, 14, & 15th, 2023 Inquire at careenahealth@gmail.com3. Tshedisa Sangha holds monthly Days of Mindfulness on the first Sunday of each month. Inquire at careenahealth@gmail.com