© Sheila Menezes
Global HEAL Program
Care for resource-denied communities across the globe with the guidance and support of the local healthcare community.
Program Overview
HEAL’s Global Program pairs U.S.-trained physicians with local healthcare professionals in resource-denied international and domestic settings to build connections, share knowledge, and co-lead health systems improvements. Fellows participate in immersive training in systems thinking and collaborative practice, grounded in real-world contexts of both U.S. and international sites. Ongoing mentorship and side-by-side project work foster trust and long-term partnerships that challenge top-down approaches to global health. Rotating Fellows (visiting physicians) and Site Fellows (healthcare workers already serving the community) come together as learning partners and collaborators.
meet our fellows
Aimable Uwimana is a community health educator, researcher, and advocate from Rwanda’s mountainous southwest, where is upbringing near the Nyungwe rainforest shaped his strong connection to both the land and its people. This background deeply informs his approach to designing and implementing equity-driven health and development programs.
As a Lecturer in Community Health and Social Medicine and Coordinator of Community Engagement at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Aimable leads immersive, field-based learning experiences that equip medical and master’s students to serve in rural communities. He has led research on diverse topics ranging from breast cancer to aging and physical activity transition in rural Rwanda.
Aimable’s work focuses on locally led, sustainable health solutions, with a focus on groups such as women, youth, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized populations. He has also designed programs that integrate entrepreneurship and health education to promote both economic resilience and improved community health outcomes.
As a HEAL Fellow, Aimable is eager to collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals committed to building more sustainable and equitable health systems. He plans to complete his Doctor of Public Health degree and continue mentoring students as they partner with communities to advance social medicine and expand access to care across Rwanda and beyond.
Aimable Uwimana is a community health educator, researcher, and advocate from Rwanda’s mountainous southwest, where is upbringing near the Nyungwe rainforest shaped his strong connection to both the land and its people. This background deeply informs his approach to designing and implementing equity-driven health and development programs.
As a Lecturer in Community Health and Social Medicine and Coordinator of Community Engagement at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Aimable leads immersive, field-based learning experiences that equip medical and master’s students to serve in rural communities. He has led research on diverse topics ranging from breast cancer to aging and physical activity transition in rural Rwanda.
Aimable’s work focuses on locally led, sustainable health solutions, with a focus on groups such as women, youth, individuals with disabilities, and marginalized populations. He has also designed programs that integrate entrepreneurship and health education to promote both economic resilience and improved community health outcomes.
As a HEAL Fellow, Aimable is eager to collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals committed to building more sustainable and equitable health systems. He plans to complete his Doctor of Public Health degree and continue mentoring students as they partner with communities to advance social medicine and expand access to care across Rwanda and beyond.
Cheryl is a seasoned registered nurse serving her community in Navajo Nation for over 20 years. When her daughter was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, Cheryl witnessed the profound impact compassionate nursing care can have on families, sparking a lifelong commitment to providing that same care for others.
By conducting home visits as a public health nurse, Cheryl has a deep understanding of the social and structural barriers that shape health outcomes in her community. Passing on that information to providers, Cheryl advocated for patients facing the complex realities behind medication non-adherence and chronic illness, often rooted in poverty, isolation, and multigenerational caregiving.
Cheryl joins the Global HEAL Program to grow as a leader and educator and to collaborate with other healthcare workers who are passionate about improving healthcare access and quality for Native communities. Cheryl plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education and continue her service with Indian Health Services, aiming to reach 30 years. She envisions a healthcare system built on cultural understanding, modern tools, and equitable access for all—and she’s committed to helping build it.
Cheryl is a seasoned registered nurse serving her community in Navajo Nation for over 20 years. When her daughter was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, Cheryl witnessed the profound impact compassionate nursing care can have on families, sparking a lifelong commitment to providing that same care for others.
By conducting home visits as a public health nurse, Cheryl has a deep understanding of the social and structural barriers that shape health outcomes in her community. Passing on that information to providers, Cheryl advocated for patients facing the complex realities behind medication non-adherence and chronic illness, often rooted in poverty, isolation, and multigenerational caregiving.
Cheryl joins the Global HEAL Program to grow as a leader and educator and to collaborate with other healthcare workers who are passionate about improving healthcare access and quality for Native communities. Cheryl plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education and continue her service with Indian Health Services, aiming to reach 30 years. She envisions a healthcare system built on cultural understanding, modern tools, and equitable access for all—and she’s committed to helping build it.
Pierrette Ngutete Mukundwa is a Rwandan doctor and educator with a strong commitment to improving surgical care and healthcare delivery in rural and underserved settings. Her early clinical work revealed the challenges rural patients face in accessing timely and appropriate surgical services, which inspired her to pursue a broader role in healthcare education and systems improvement.
She earned a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), where she now serves as faculty. In this role, she designs and coordinates training programs for medical and graduate students, helping them build practical skills for addressing surgical care needs in low-resource environments. She also contributes to research and community outreach projects through the Center for Equity in Global Surgery. Pierrette also created SurgiVoices, a podcast series sharing the personal stories of Rwandan surgical patients. The project aims to raise awareness about the gaps in surgical care and improve understanding of the patient experience across the continuum of care.
Through the Global HEAL Program, Pierrette looks forward to expanding her clinical, research, and leadership skills while working alongside a diverse community of professionals. Pierrette plans to pursue a PhD in global surgery and continue mentoring students and supporting healthcare projects, improving access to surgical services. She is especially interested in approaches that combine education, communication, and practical experience to strengthen healthcare systems and support long-term improvements in patient care.
Pierrette Ngutete Mukundwa is a Rwandan doctor and educator with a strong commitment to improving surgical care and healthcare delivery in rural and underserved settings. Her early clinical work revealed the challenges rural patients face in accessing timely and appropriate surgical services, which inspired her to pursue a broader role in healthcare education and systems improvement.
She earned a Master of Science in Global Health Delivery at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), where she now serves as faculty. In this role, she designs and coordinates training programs for medical and graduate students, helping them build practical skills for addressing surgical care needs in low-resource environments. She also contributes to research and community outreach projects through the Center for Equity in Global Surgery. Pierrette also created SurgiVoices, a podcast series sharing the personal stories of Rwandan surgical patients. The project aims to raise awareness about the gaps in surgical care and improve understanding of the patient experience across the continuum of care.
Through the Global HEAL Program, Pierrette looks forward to expanding her clinical, research, and leadership skills while working alongside a diverse community of professionals. Pierrette plans to pursue a PhD in global surgery and continue mentoring students and supporting healthcare projects, improving access to surgical services. She is especially interested in approaches that combine education, communication, and practical experience to strengthen healthcare systems and support long-term improvements in patient care.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, and inspired by her family’s value of community partnership, Renata Wettermann Capo interest in healthcare was sparked while working on nutrition and health education programs at a community resource center for Latinx Immigrants. Trips to Les Cayes, Haiti, gave Renata a deeper global understanding of the challenges and strengths of healthcare systems in low-resource settings.
She studied Health Science and Global Health Technologies at Rice University, where she worked on child health advocacy in Houston and contributed to engineering low-cost CPAP components for hospitals in Central Africa. She earned her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, along with a Diploma in Tropical Medicine. During residency, Renata focused her clinical work on immigrant health and HIV care in Houston while broadening her experience with short-term rotations in Navajo Nation, in a shelter for asylum seekers in San Diego, and with the Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Malawi.
Renata is joining the Global HEAL Program to deepen her ability to work alongside communities with limited resources and complex healthcare needs. She brings a strong interest in clinical education, collaborative service delivery, and contributing to long-term healthcare solutions.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, and inspired by her family’s value of community partnership, Renata Wettermann Capo interest in healthcare was sparked while working on nutrition and health education programs at a community resource center for Latinx Immigrants. Trips to Les Cayes, Haiti, gave Renata a deeper global understanding of the challenges and strengths of healthcare systems in low-resource settings.
She studied Health Science and Global Health Technologies at Rice University, where she worked on child health advocacy in Houston and contributed to engineering low-cost CPAP components for hospitals in Central Africa. She earned her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine, along with a Diploma in Tropical Medicine. During residency, Renata focused her clinical work on immigrant health and HIV care in Houston while broadening her experience with short-term rotations in Navajo Nation, in a shelter for asylum seekers in San Diego, and with the Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Malawi.
Renata is joining the Global HEAL Program to deepen her ability to work alongside communities with limited resources and complex healthcare needs. She brings a strong interest in clinical education, collaborative service delivery, and contributing to long-term healthcare solutions.
Dinesh Thapa, a native of Kavre, Nepal, has dedicated over 17 years of his career to the Department of Public Health and Community Programs. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public health from Purbanchal University, Nepal, he embarked on a journey marked by unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. Throughout his tenure, Dinesh has exemplified his dedication to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. His passion for serving underserved communities and his visionary approach make him an invaluable asset to any endeavor aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes for all. Under his stewardship, the department has experienced unparalleled growth, marked by the expansion of numerous sites and programs aimed at addressing rural healthcare needs. During times of crisis, Dinesh has demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership. He worked tirelessly during the mass earthquake in Nepal in 2015 and played a pivotal role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, showcasing his unwavering dedication to public health, even in the face of adversity.
Committed to addressing health disparities and advancing health equity, fostering community engagement, and implementing sustainable solutions to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas, he is delighted to join the HEAL Initiatives family. In addition to his professional endeavors, He finds pleasure in football, swimming, and exploring new travel destinations.
Dinesh Thapa, a native of Kavre, Nepal, has dedicated over 17 years of his career to the Department of Public Health and Community Programs. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public health from Purbanchal University, Nepal, he embarked on a journey marked by unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. Throughout his tenure, Dinesh has exemplified his dedication to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. His passion for serving underserved communities and his visionary approach make him an invaluable asset to any endeavor aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes for all. Under his stewardship, the department has experienced unparalleled growth, marked by the expansion of numerous sites and programs aimed at addressing rural healthcare needs. During times of crisis, Dinesh has demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership. He worked tirelessly during the mass earthquake in Nepal in 2015 and played a pivotal role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, showcasing his unwavering dedication to public health, even in the face of adversity.
Committed to addressing health disparities and advancing health equity, fostering community engagement, and implementing sustainable solutions to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas, he is delighted to join the HEAL Initiatives family. In addition to his professional endeavors, He finds pleasure in football, swimming, and exploring new travel destinations.
LuAnn Robertson is a Behavioral Health Coach with Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility (CCHCF). For the past 2 years, she has developed extensive knowledge in the Behavioral Health field. LuAnn started her career with CCHCF in 2010 and has 14 years of combined work experience as a Registered Medical Assistant and Health Technician. LuAnn enjoys connecting with patients, fellow staff members, and local community members in the Behavioral Health Department. Miss Robertson plans to be thoroughly involved in creating new opportunities to connect communities to healthcare while meeting and working with various people around the world.
LuAnn Robertson is a Behavioral Health Coach with Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility (CCHCF). For the past 2 years, she has developed extensive knowledge in the Behavioral Health field. LuAnn started her career with CCHCF in 2010 and has 14 years of combined work experience as a Registered Medical Assistant and Health Technician. LuAnn enjoys connecting with patients, fellow staff members, and local community members in the Behavioral Health Department. Miss Robertson plans to be thoroughly involved in creating new opportunities to connect communities to healthcare while meeting and working with various people around the world.
Site Fellows
Site Fellows are healthcare professionals currently employed by HEAL’s US-based or international sites. From their years embedded in the communities they serve, they have a deep understanding of the barriers patients face to receiving quality care. They come from a variety of occupations in health.
Rotating Fellows
Rotating Fellows are US-trained physicians who split their time, rotating between a US site and an international site. During their time in each location, they immerse themselves in the local healthcare site, working alongside site fellows.
Program Components
Connection to a global community of like-minded healthcare workers
Tailored mentorship to set and meet professional goals
Intensive training in advocacy, leadership, structural competency, and power dynamics
Ongoing curriculum emphasizing peer-to-peer learning, self-reflection, and applying what they learned to their daily practice