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.com


3. Tshedisa Sangha holds monthly Days of Mindfulness on the first
Sunday of each month. Inquire at careenahealth@gmail.com