Dear Dan,
Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of this opportunity in HIV medicine. It truly feels great to be back-and to reflect on the journey that brought me here.
Looking back two years ago, I initially stepped into this field with great hope and enthusiasm, but unfortunately, I did not pass the Certification Exam at that time. While that experience was disappointing, it became a pivotal moment for me. Instead of giving up, I took time to reflect, grow, and rebuild my foundation. Today, I'm proud to say that I'm ready to face the challenge once again-with renewed strength, deeper understanding, and even greater determination.
Allow me to briefly introduce myself. My name is Edwin Cabahug, and I'm based in Bakersfield, California. I've worked as a travel nurse for over 21 years, gaining invaluable experience across various settings and communities. Driven by a passion to do more, I returned to school to pursue my Family Nurse Practitioner degree. After practicing in family medicine for 8 years, I felt compelled to keep going-not just to advance my career, but to deepen my impact.
This led me to pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which I successfully completed. But as we all know, nursing-and healthcare as a whole-is a field of continuous learning. My journey didn't stop there. Inspired by the growing mental health needs I saw in my community, I went back to school once again and recently completed my program as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. It has been a long road, but one I am truly grateful for.
Currently, I work at a walk-in clinic under one of the largest healthcare organizations in Bakersfield. Over the past year, I've seen firsthand the increasing prevalence of HIV in our community. This has sparked a renewed calling within me to get involved and serve where the need is growing. I believe that I can-and should-use the full range of my clinical background to support patients affected by HIV.
I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to be part of this organization, where I can learn, contribute, and grow alongside other passionate providers. I am eager to become a resource and advocate for those living with or at risk for HIV, and I believe that with the right mentorship and collaborative spirit, we can make a meaningful difference in this space.
As I begin this new chapter, I'm also looking for a mentor in HIV care-someone who I can reach out to with questions or guidance as I deepen my expertise. If you or someone you know would be open to supporting me on this path, I would truly appreciate it.
Thank you again, Dan, for thinking of me and extending this opportunity. I am honored and ready to step up once more-stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever to being a part of this essential work.
Warm regards,
Edwin Cabahug, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Bakersfield, California
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Edwin Cabahug
Bakersfield CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2020 13:35
From: Dan Ebeling
Subject: Introduce Yourself
Welcome to Academy Communities!
One of my favorite things about my job is getting the opportunity to meet and work with HIV practitioners! Being connected to the community that I serve is so important and I always come away learning something from these interactions. Until now, I only got the opportunity to talk to you at conferences or if you happened to call me to talk about credentialing.
It's this kind of interaction that we hope Academy Communities will foster and grow, not really between you and me (although I do look forward to meeting you!), but from practitioner to practitioner. Any good conversation starts off with an introduction, so please use this thread to tell us your name, provider type (physician, pharmacist, NP, PA, etc), how long you've been caring for HIV patients, and something fun about yourself.
I'll start:
My name is Dan Ebeling. I am the Director of Credentialing at the Academy, but I'm not a medical provider. I've been with the Academy since June 2016 and previously worked managing a certification program for sign language interpreters. I earned my bachelors degree in Music Education from Hope College in Holland, MI and, while I don't teach, I sing professionally around the DC area. My main gig is at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Here's a recording of the Sopranos and Altos of the Shrine choir: Choir of the Basilica: Regina Coeli
I'm looking forward to meeting you!
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Dan Ebeling (he/him)
Academy Communities Admin
Director of Credentialing
dan@aahivm.org
(202) 659-0699
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