Adeline June, MPH is Dine’ and lives in Window Rock, Arizona. She is a DrPH Student at the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health; her focus is Maternal and Child Health, with a minor in American Indian Studies. She is also working full time at the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) as the Zero Suicide Initiative Project Coordinator. The Gallup Indian Medical Center is the largest Indian Health Service Unit in the Navajo Service Area. Her research interests focus on AIAN maternal and child mental health, suicide prevention, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. She believes that health interventions should include indigenous knowledge and is implementing traditional healing treatment services at GIMC.
Adeline June, MPH is Dine’ and lives in Window Rock, Arizona. She is a DrPH Student at the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health; her focus is Maternal and Child Health, with a minor in American Indian Studies. She is also working full time at the Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC) as the Zero Suicide Initiative Project Coordinator. The Gallup Indian Medical Center is the largest Indian Health Service Unit in the Navajo Service Area. Her research interests focus on AIAN maternal and child mental health, suicide prevention, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. She believes that health interventions should include indigenous knowledge and is implementing traditional healing treatment services at GIMC.
Albert was born and raised in Paynesville, Montserrado County, Liberia. He is a Physician Assistant from the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts and currently studying public health majoring in community health at the CEPRES international university. Albert is trained in project management, donor compliance, grants management, management development and recently completed training in Health Systems Transformation at the School of Systems Change, in the UK. Albert currently works the for the Last Mile Health as Senior Technical Advisor, Health Service Delivery in one of Liberia’s rural Counties, Grand Bassa. He is passionate about delivering health services to rural communities in a timely manner thereby breaching the gaps between those living beyond 5km from the health facility. To fully accomplish this, he works with the county and district health team to recruit, train, supervise, equip and compensate community health assistants and supervisors assigned to rural communities. He also supports the supply chain and logistic team to ensure that CHSS’s and CHAs have the necessary logistics needed for them to effectively get health services to the rural communities and works with the LMH M&E team, to implement effective systems and processes to monitor training, Quality Assurance activities and health workers performance in the district. Prior to joining the Last Mile Health, Albert worked for the International Rescue Committee as Senior Program manager.
Albert was born and raised in Paynesville, Montserrado County, Liberia. He is a Physician Assistant from the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts and currently studying public health majoring in community health at the CEPRES international university. Albert is trained in project management, donor compliance, grants management, management development and recently completed training in Health Systems Transformation at the School of Systems Change, in the UK. Albert currently works the for the Last Mile Health as Senior Technical Advisor, Health Service Delivery in one of Liberia’s rural Counties, Grand Bassa. He is passionate about delivering health services to rural communities in a timely manner thereby breaching the gaps between those living beyond 5km from the health facility. To fully accomplish this, he works with the county and district health team to recruit, train, supervise, equip and compensate community health assistants and supervisors assigned to rural communities. He also supports the supply chain and logistic team to ensure that CHSS’s and CHAs have the necessary logistics needed for them to effectively get health services to the rural communities and works with the LMH M&E team, to implement effective systems and processes to monitor training, Quality Assurance activities and health workers performance in the district. Prior to joining the Last Mile Health, Albert worked for the International Rescue Committee as Senior Program manager.
Amit was raised in Texas. His interests include increasing collaboration between mental health providers trained in different disciplines, considering issues of racism and colonialism within the practice of psychotherapy, and expanding non-traditional service models for offering mental health services. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Maryland, medical school at Columbia University, an MPH at Johns Hopkins University, and his undergraduate degree in economics at Rice University. He enjoys riding his spin bike, baking, reading science fiction and fantasy, watching movies, and being outside.
Amit was raised in Texas. His interests include increasing collaboration between mental health providers trained in different disciplines, considering issues of racism and colonialism within the practice of psychotherapy, and expanding non-traditional service models for offering mental health services. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Maryland, medical school at Columbia University, an MPH at Johns Hopkins University, and his undergraduate degree in economics at Rice University. He enjoys riding his spin bike, baking, reading science fiction and fantasy, watching movies, and being outside.
Antonio, his friends call him Tony, was born in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca in a family with zapotec (dizdà, the clouds people) and mixtec (tu’un savi, the rain people) roots. He grew in the north of Oaxaca City between the town and the forest and rivers of the foothills of the Sierra Norte where is his father’s town, San Andrés Huayapam (luu niss rub, above the big water) and where grow the trees that are emblem of dizdà people, the Rosital (Quararibea funebris), trees that are considered part of the family. At 18 years he moved to Mexico City to study medicine. He likes to collaborate with organizations that support vulnerable people with whom he identifies himself as Mexican Red Cross during the earthquakes of 2017, where he got the Basic Emergency Medical Technician degree, Aids Healthcare Foundation and now in Compañeros en Salud (PIH Mexico) where he works as clinical manager in the IPC program that has the goal of implementing strategies to attend to people that suffer from tuberculosis considering social determinants in the Fraylesca and Sierra Mariscal regions, where there are low detection of cases and high mortality. His passions are the advocacy for LGBTIQ+ rights, science, and traveling because he loves to make new friends and knowing their cosmovision.
Antonio, his friends call him Tony, was born in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca in a family with zapotec (dizdà, the clouds people) and mixtec (tu’un savi, the rain people) roots. He grew in the north of Oaxaca City between the town and the forest and rivers of the foothills of the Sierra Norte where is his father’s town, San Andrés Huayapam (luu niss rub, above the big water) and where grow the trees that are emblem of dizdà people, the Rosital (Quararibea funebris), trees that are considered part of the family. At 18 years he moved to Mexico City to study medicine. He likes to collaborate with organizations that support vulnerable people with whom he identifies himself as Mexican Red Cross during the earthquakes of 2017, where he got the Basic Emergency Medical Technician degree, Aids Healthcare Foundation and now in Compañeros en Salud (PIH Mexico) where he works as clinical manager in the IPC program that has the goal of implementing strategies to attend to people that suffer from tuberculosis considering social determinants in the Fraylesca and Sierra Mariscal regions, where there are low detection of cases and high mortality. His passions are the advocacy for LGBTIQ+ rights, science, and traveling because he loves to make new friends and knowing their cosmovision.
Assen Kamwesigye was born in Sheema district in Western Uganda, but was raised in Kampala, Central Uganda. Assen is a maternal health specialist, with over three years experience working in rural Eastern Uganda community, at Mbale Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and an honorary lecturer at the Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences. She is passionate about maternal health, and leads quality improvement activities in Maternal, neonatal and child health in Eastern Uganda to ensure safe, and equitable provision of health care services to all women who access care at the facility. She spends a significant amount of time teaching medical students in maternal health, mentoring health care workers in hard to reach health facilities in Eastern Uganda, and taking care of women of low socio-economical status at the free public Health facility. She is also involved in research conducted at her facility with the aim to offer effective, affordable and quality interventions to women. Outside work, Assen enjoys travelling and visiting friends and family. She is excited to join a family of professionals with similar passion, and is looking forward to learning from the extensive wealth of professionals, acquiring skills and knowledge to advocate for equitable healthcare to the underserved in her rural community.
Assen Kamwesigye was born in Sheema district in Western Uganda, but was raised in Kampala, Central Uganda. Assen is a maternal health specialist, with over three years experience working in rural Eastern Uganda community, at Mbale Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and an honorary lecturer at the Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences. She is passionate about maternal health, and leads quality improvement activities in Maternal, neonatal and child health in Eastern Uganda to ensure safe, and equitable provision of health care services to all women who access care at the facility. She spends a significant amount of time teaching medical students in maternal health, mentoring health care workers in hard to reach health facilities in Eastern Uganda, and taking care of women of low socio-economical status at the free public Health facility. She is also involved in research conducted at her facility with the aim to offer effective, affordable and quality interventions to women. Outside work, Assen enjoys travelling and visiting friends and family. She is excited to join a family of professionals with similar passion, and is looking forward to learning from the extensive wealth of professionals, acquiring skills and knowledge to advocate for equitable healthcare to the underserved in her rural community.
Dr. Catherine Lewis is originally from Richmond, Virginia. She completed her medical and residency training at Morehouse School of Medicine and Grady Memorial Hospital. Dr. Lewis also obtained her PhD in the Biomedical Sciences and focused on breast cancer research. She has devoted time to completing missions in Jamaica and abroad. She has also completed a global surgery fellowship and has practiced in Uganda. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family
Dr. Catherine Lewis is originally from Richmond, Virginia. She completed her medical and residency training at Morehouse School of Medicine and Grady Memorial Hospital. Dr. Lewis also obtained her PhD in the Biomedical Sciences and focused on breast cancer research. She has devoted time to completing missions in Jamaica and abroad. She has also completed a global surgery fellowship and has practiced in Uganda. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family
Cima Maliakal was born in Saudi Arabia and spent her childhood between New Zealand, Australia, and the US. She completed her undergraduate studies in religion at University of Miami in Miami, Florida, and stayed for her medical school. She then went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University in Washington DC. Her passions include travel, both for mission trips and fun. She has traveled to about 50 countries in her life. In her free time, she also loves to explore cultural events, was a professional dancer in college, and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She loves spending time with her husband, Eric, her dog Chloe, and her friends. Cima is looking forward to serving in the underserved populations both in Fresno and in Uganda.
Cima Maliakal was born in Saudi Arabia and spent her childhood between New Zealand, Australia, and the US. She completed her undergraduate studies in religion at University of Miami in Miami, Florida, and stayed for her medical school. She then went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University in Washington DC. Her passions include travel, both for mission trips and fun. She has traveled to about 50 countries in her life. In her free time, she also loves to explore cultural events, was a professional dancer in college, and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She loves spending time with her husband, Eric, her dog Chloe, and her friends. Cima is looking forward to serving in the underserved populations both in Fresno and in Uganda.
Cynthia Teller is from a small town located on the Navajo Nation known as Ganado, AZ. Here, Cynthia graduated as valedictorian enabling her to become a scholar of Gates Millenium and Chief Manuelito in May of 2016. These scholarships would later enable her to graduate debt free while obtaining post-secondary education. Cynthia completed nursing school at Northern Arizona University, located in Flagstaff, AZ, in November of 2020. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and passing the NCLEX, she returned to her homeland to care for and promote the health of her people. Cynthia is currently working as a Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum RN at Tséhootsooí Medical Center located in Fort Defiance, AZ. Ms. Teller is the helping hand in creating a new-graduate nurse residency program on the LDRP unit of TMC. As a first-generation college graduate, Cynthia aims to inspire and mentor those who have aspirations to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Ms. Teller joined HEAL to collaborate with those who enjoy improving their community with genuine devotion and everlasting love. Cynthia enjoys journaling, couponing, exploring cooking recipes, and thrift shopping during her free time. Her interest is exploring how prevalent comorbidities and environmental factors affect a woman’s pregnancy and postpartum journey. She is excited to begin a new chapter with HEAL!
Cynthia Teller is from a small town located on the Navajo Nation known as Ganado, AZ. Here, Cynthia graduated as valedictorian enabling her to become a scholar of Gates Millenium and Chief Manuelito in May of 2016. These scholarships would later enable her to graduate debt free while obtaining post-secondary education. Cynthia completed nursing school at Northern Arizona University, located in Flagstaff, AZ, in November of 2020. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and passing the NCLEX, she returned to her homeland to care for and promote the health of her people. Cynthia is currently working as a Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum RN at Tséhootsooí Medical Center located in Fort Defiance, AZ. Ms. Teller is the helping hand in creating a new-graduate nurse residency program on the LDRP unit of TMC. As a first-generation college graduate, Cynthia aims to inspire and mentor those who have aspirations to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Ms. Teller joined HEAL to collaborate with those who enjoy improving their community with genuine devotion and everlasting love. Cynthia enjoys journaling, couponing, exploring cooking recipes, and thrift shopping during her free time. Her interest is exploring how prevalent comorbidities and environmental factors affect a woman’s pregnancy and postpartum journey. She is excited to begin a new chapter with HEAL!
Dr Deogratias Sengeyo is originally from Rwanda, he is the Director of Medical and Allied Health Science Services at Rwinkwavu District Hospital. He has three years’ experience as General Practitioner, with special interest in Healthy Equity. He obtained his Bachelor of General Medicine and Surgery at the University of Rwanda. In addition to his practice, he is on the board of Vision Zero Youth Council Rwanda, an organization providing training and advocacy to decision makers on safer mobility of young people in Rwanda.
Dr Deogratias Sengeyo is originally from Rwanda, he is the Director of Medical and Allied Health Science Services at Rwinkwavu District Hospital. He has three years’ experience as General Practitioner, with special interest in Healthy Equity. He obtained his Bachelor of General Medicine and Surgery at the University of Rwanda. In addition to his practice, he is on the board of Vision Zero Youth Council Rwanda, an organization providing training and advocacy to decision makers on safer mobility of young people in Rwanda.
Julia Hyman was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, and lived within a 50-mile radius for much of her life. She went to Harvard College and majored in Human Evolutionary Biology with a focus on primatology. She did her undergraduate thesis studying monkeys in the wild in Uganda. She then worked in a lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology before matriculating at Harvard Medical School. During her time at HMS, she worked on a QI project on severe mental illness with Partners In Health in Neno, Malawi (Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo), which cemented her interest in global health and in the HEAL fellowship after overlapping with HEAL fellows at APZU. She then went onto Internal Medicine residency at University of Massachusetts/UMass Chan Medical School, where so took great pride in medical education, in palliative care, and in her care of patients with addiction. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, playing soccer, eating good food, and doing very little on her days off.
Julia Hyman was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, and lived within a 50-mile radius for much of her life. She went to Harvard College and majored in Human Evolutionary Biology with a focus on primatology. She did her undergraduate thesis studying monkeys in the wild in Uganda. She then worked in a lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology before matriculating at Harvard Medical School. During her time at HMS, she worked on a QI project on severe mental illness with Partners In Health in Neno, Malawi (Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo), which cemented her interest in global health and in the HEAL fellowship after overlapping with HEAL fellows at APZU. She then went onto Internal Medicine residency at University of Massachusetts/UMass Chan Medical School, where so took great pride in medical education, in palliative care, and in her care of patients with addiction. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, playing soccer, eating good food, and doing very little on her days off.
Justine Broecker was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She majored in English at University of Virginia and graduated from Emory medical school. She completed general surgery residency at Mayo Clinic Florida and surgical critical care fellowship at UTSW/Parkland.
Justine Broecker was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She majored in English at University of Virginia and graduated from Emory medical school. She completed general surgery residency at Mayo Clinic Florida and surgical critical care fellowship at UTSW/Parkland.
Katherine Aparicio is from South San Francisco, California. She obtained a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley in 1997. She then went to obtain a Holistic Health certification from San Francisco State University. She has an Osteopathic Medical Degree from Touro University in Vallejo, California and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Arizona. She currently works as a medical provider for Pascua site at El Rio Community Health Center in Tucson Arizona. Her interests are integrative medicine, native health, and health equity.
Katherine Aparicio is from South San Francisco, California. She obtained a bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley in 1997. She then went to obtain a Holistic Health certification from San Francisco State University. She has an Osteopathic Medical Degree from Touro University in Vallejo, California and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Arizona. She currently works as a medical provider for Pascua site at El Rio Community Health Center in Tucson Arizona. Her interests are integrative medicine, native health, and health equity.
Kristen Zozulin is primarily from Watertown, Connecticut. She received her bachelor’s in Systems Biology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, with minors in Technical Theater and Classical Studies. From there, she joined the US Peace Corps and served in Foya, Lofa County, Liberia from 2013-14, when she was evacuated due to the Ebola epidemic. She then returned 2015-16 to Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, where she taught chemistry and worked on projects in girls’ empowerment and laboratory science. Her experiences in Liberia inspired her to pursue a career in global health. She attended the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in North Haven, CT, where her capstone project brought her to rural Kenya working in girls’ health education and empowerment with local community organizations. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura, CA, where she received full spectrum training in outpatient, inpatient, critical care, trauma, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics. She is thrilled at the opportunity to join the ranks of the HEAL Fellowship, and looking forward to an exciting next two years!
Kristen Zozulin is primarily from Watertown, Connecticut. She received her bachelor’s in Systems Biology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, with minors in Technical Theater and Classical Studies. From there, she joined the US Peace Corps and served in Foya, Lofa County, Liberia from 2013-14, when she was evacuated due to the Ebola epidemic. She then returned 2015-16 to Buchanan in Grand Bassa County, where she taught chemistry and worked on projects in girls’ empowerment and laboratory science. Her experiences in Liberia inspired her to pursue a career in global health. She attended the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University in North Haven, CT, where her capstone project brought her to rural Kenya working in girls’ health education and empowerment with local community organizations. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura, CA, where she received full spectrum training in outpatient, inpatient, critical care, trauma, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics. She is thrilled at the opportunity to join the ranks of the HEAL Fellowship, and looking forward to an exciting next two years!
Medson Boti is from Neno in Malawi. He did his primary education at Mphete primary school in Mwanza, Malawi. He finished his secondary education at Mwanza secondary school. Then he pursued a diploma in clinical medicine at Malamulo College of Health Sciences, later on he pursued a degree in palliative care at Makerere University. Now he works with Partners in health as a Pen-plus clinical officer. Medson loves singing, composing songs, hiking and appreciating nature.
Medson Boti is from Neno in Malawi. He did his primary education at Mphete primary school in Mwanza, Malawi. He finished his secondary education at Mwanza secondary school. Then he pursued a diploma in clinical medicine at Malamulo College of Health Sciences, later on he pursued a degree in palliative care at Makerere University. Now he works with Partners in health as a Pen-plus clinical officer. Medson loves singing, composing songs, hiking and appreciating nature.
Mellissa Lopez is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences and a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration. Mellissa has worked in various capacities for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona in the Health Services Division, including many years of experience in behavioral health. She currently holds the position of Quality Improvement Coordinator. Mellissa is excited to be a part of the HEAL community. Mellissa aspires to become a Physician Assistant and is currently in the process of pursuing the necessary steps to do so. She is very proud of her multicultural background and among her accomplishments, she is most proud to be the mother of her two daughters, Jazmyne and Juliet. She encourages them along with their peers to go after all their dreams and goals in life. In her free time, Mellissa enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, traveling, reading books, crafting, listening to music, and practicing self-care. She strives to improve the health and well-being of all people. Mellissa is very passionate about helping her community and making a difference in everything she does.
Mellissa Lopez is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences and a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration. Mellissa has worked in various capacities for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona in the Health Services Division, including many years of experience in behavioral health. She currently holds the position of Quality Improvement Coordinator. Mellissa is excited to be a part of the HEAL community. Mellissa aspires to become a Physician Assistant and is currently in the process of pursuing the necessary steps to do so. She is very proud of her multicultural background and among her accomplishments, she is most proud to be the mother of her two daughters, Jazmyne and Juliet. She encourages them along with their peers to go after all their dreams and goals in life. In her free time, Mellissa enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, traveling, reading books, crafting, listening to music, and practicing self-care. She strives to improve the health and well-being of all people. Mellissa is very passionate about helping her community and making a difference in everything she does.
Michelle Sanchez is originally from Dlo’ayazhi (Thoreau), NM. She now resides in Zuni, NM. Her clans are Áshįįhí (Salt), Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove), Honágháahnii (One-walks-around clan) and Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) of the Dine people. Michelle works as the Diabetes Program Assistant at the Zuni Comprehensive Health Care Center. She has supported the clinic with administrative duties since 2012. This is currently her 27th year as a Government Employee. Michelle has an Associates Degree in Business Administration, Bachelors’ Degree in Native American Studies with a minor in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. Michelle enjoys running, hiking, biking, reading, and traveling.
Michelle Sanchez is originally from Dlo’ayazhi (Thoreau), NM. She now resides in Zuni, NM. Her clans are Áshįįhí (Salt), Dziłtł’ahnii (Mountain Cove), Honágháahnii (One-walks-around clan) and Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) of the Dine people. Michelle works as the Diabetes Program Assistant at the Zuni Comprehensive Health Care Center. She has supported the clinic with administrative duties since 2012. This is currently her 27th year as a Government Employee. Michelle has an Associates Degree in Business Administration, Bachelors’ Degree in Native American Studies with a minor in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. Michelle enjoys running, hiking, biking, reading, and traveling.
Richard Gamubaka is originally from Uganda. He is 35 years old and currently a medical officer doing his general surgical residency training at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital under the College of Surgery of East Central and South Africa. He is in his 3rd year and is passionate and very interested in pediatric surgery and research and public (global) health. The eastern region of Uganda had no pediatric surgeons yet, our people are suffering a lot. His hobbies are playing volleyball, basketball, exercises, reading medical books and novels, traveling, and making new friends. He is very happy to be part of this noble professional HEAL Fellowship. He is happy to meet new people and exchange ideas.
Richard Gamubaka is originally from Uganda. He is 35 years old and currently a medical officer doing his general surgical residency training at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital under the College of Surgery of East Central and South Africa. He is in his 3rd year and is passionate and very interested in pediatric surgery and research and public (global) health. The eastern region of Uganda had no pediatric surgeons yet, our people are suffering a lot. His hobbies are playing volleyball, basketball, exercises, reading medical books and novels, traveling, and making new friends. He is very happy to be part of this noble professional HEAL Fellowship. He is happy to meet new people and exchange ideas.
Sara Scott grew up in Seattle, Washington. She attended medical school at University of Michigan and completed residency at The Ohio State University’s department of Family and Community Medicine. During residency, she began volunteering weekly at a student-run free clinic, Clínica Latina, which provides care for uninsured, Spanish-speaking patients from a variety of backgrounds. This experience highlighted the challenges of providing quality care in under-resourced settings and motivated her to learn more about how best to serve marginalized patients, in particular immigrant and refugee communities. She has completed global health work over the past two years focusing on global medical education in Mexico and Malawi and hopes to build on these experiences during HEAL. She is excited to become part of the HEAL community to learn more about how to provide culturally sensitive care to asylum seekers, build sustainable global health education programs, and inspire and teach others to work in under-resourced communities. Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, casual vegetable gardening, and backpacking.
Sara Scott grew up in Seattle, Washington. She attended medical school at University of Michigan and completed residency at The Ohio State University’s department of Family and Community Medicine. During residency, she began volunteering weekly at a student-run free clinic, Clínica Latina, which provides care for uninsured, Spanish-speaking patients from a variety of backgrounds. This experience highlighted the challenges of providing quality care in under-resourced settings and motivated her to learn more about how best to serve marginalized patients, in particular immigrant and refugee communities. She has completed global health work over the past two years focusing on global medical education in Mexico and Malawi and hopes to build on these experiences during HEAL. She is excited to become part of the HEAL community to learn more about how to provide culturally sensitive care to asylum seekers, build sustainable global health education programs, and inspire and teach others to work in under-resourced communities. Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, casual vegetable gardening, and backpacking.
Selam grew up in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. She lived in New Delhi, India prior to immigrating to the US at the age of 16. She received her BS in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She completed her medical education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and was grateful to continue her training there as an Internal medicine-pediatrics physician. During her childhood, Selam was a witness to disparities in health, education and resources between the global north and the global south. This experience fostered a desire to pursue a career in medicine so she may be able to care for underserved and vulnerable communities in the world. Selam currently leads a group of residents in creating and delivering health education sessions for the refugee community in Memphis, TN. She has also been involved in the development of a partnership between UTHSC and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Zambia. She currently is helping to lead a virtual global health classroom as well as a journal club between medical students and trainees at both of the sites. She is looking forward to continuing her global health work as a HEAL rotating fellow.
Selam grew up in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. She lived in New Delhi, India prior to immigrating to the US at the age of 16. She received her BS in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She completed her medical education at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and was grateful to continue her training there as an Internal medicine-pediatrics physician. During her childhood, Selam was a witness to disparities in health, education and resources between the global north and the global south. This experience fostered a desire to pursue a career in medicine so she may be able to care for underserved and vulnerable communities in the world. Selam currently leads a group of residents in creating and delivering health education sessions for the refugee community in Memphis, TN. She has also been involved in the development of a partnership between UTHSC and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Zambia. She currently is helping to lead a virtual global health classroom as well as a journal club between medical students and trainees at both of the sites. She is looking forward to continuing her global health work as a HEAL rotating fellow.
Shailesh Prasad Shrestha from Kathmandu, Nepal. With dreams of serving his community, he completed his medical school (MBBS) from Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, where he was further inspired by the noble goals and visions of his alma mater. He worked in Dhulikhel Hospital as a medical officer and had the opportunity to serve and provide care during the Nepal earthquake in 2015. He completed his Post-graduate (in MDGP) from Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara, Nepal. During his residency, he had the opportunity to serve in rural community hospitals which further inspired him. After completion of his post-graduate, he re-joined Dhulikhel Hospital and is currently working as a General Practitioner and Clinical Chief in Dolakha Hospital in rural Nepal. He is excited and humbled to join the HEAL initiative family, where he hopes to learn, share and grow and be able to better serve his community. Outside of clinical practice, he enjoys swimming, hiking, admiring nature and trying new delicacies.
Shailesh Prasad Shrestha from Kathmandu, Nepal. With dreams of serving his community, he completed his medical school (MBBS) from Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, where he was further inspired by the noble goals and visions of his alma mater. He worked in Dhulikhel Hospital as a medical officer and had the opportunity to serve and provide care during the Nepal earthquake in 2015. He completed his Post-graduate (in MDGP) from Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara, Nepal. During his residency, he had the opportunity to serve in rural community hospitals which further inspired him. After completion of his post-graduate, he re-joined Dhulikhel Hospital and is currently working as a General Practitioner and Clinical Chief in Dolakha Hospital in rural Nepal. He is excited and humbled to join the HEAL initiative family, where he hopes to learn, share and grow and be able to better serve his community. Outside of clinical practice, he enjoys swimming, hiking, admiring nature and trying new delicacies.
Spencer Menapace is originally from rural northeastern Pennsylvania and went on to pursue a B.S. in Biology and subsequently his doctorate at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During Family Practice residency he discovered his passions for community health, medical ethics, and care of the seriously ill and dying as a natural extension of the holistic philosophy underpinning the practice of primary care, leading him to pursue fellowship training in Palliative Care at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He went on to accept a position as an assistant professor and further explored the role of clinician-educator in the medical humanities for the medical school. His ongoing experiences with patients and families of heterogenous backgrounds and consistent exposures to structural challenges of modern medicine connected him with earlier experiences as a resident physician caring for disparately resourced communities in Philadelphia and kindled an expanding interest in equity and justice in the practice of medicine. He is very activated and enthused to be engaging in the HEAL fellowship to cultivate a keener understanding of primary and palliative care in diverse contexts and hopes to be of service in growing structures to provide care for the vulnerable. Outside of medicine, Spencer has enjoyed learning about music theory, synthesizers, language, film photography, poetry, and cinema. He enjoys hiking, back-country camping, board games and travel.
Spencer Menapace is originally from rural northeastern Pennsylvania and went on to pursue a B.S. in Biology and subsequently his doctorate at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During Family Practice residency he discovered his passions for community health, medical ethics, and care of the seriously ill and dying as a natural extension of the holistic philosophy underpinning the practice of primary care, leading him to pursue fellowship training in Palliative Care at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. He went on to accept a position as an assistant professor and further explored the role of clinician-educator in the medical humanities for the medical school. His ongoing experiences with patients and families of heterogenous backgrounds and consistent exposures to structural challenges of modern medicine connected him with earlier experiences as a resident physician caring for disparately resourced communities in Philadelphia and kindled an expanding interest in equity and justice in the practice of medicine. He is very activated and enthused to be engaging in the HEAL fellowship to cultivate a keener understanding of primary and palliative care in diverse contexts and hopes to be of service in growing structures to provide care for the vulnerable. Outside of medicine, Spencer has enjoyed learning about music theory, synthesizers, language, film photography, poetry, and cinema. He enjoys hiking, back-country camping, board games and travel.
Stephanie Ross grew up in Chicago, IL where she attended medical school at Rush Medical College. Prior to entering medicine, she spent two and a half years in the Peace Corps in Tanzania teaching biology and collaborating to establish a school library. During medical school, she rotated in Rwanda and Panama where she learned about the treatment of HIV and assisted with the initiation of research project studying toxoplasmosis. She attended residency in Miami, FL worked to develop a global health track curriculum to educate medical residents on the history, ethics, and practice of global health. She loves working with diverse communities and being challenged to navigate cultural and societal barriers. In her free time, she enjoys practicing her Spanish, planning long hikes and kayaking around the bay.
Stephanie Ross grew up in Chicago, IL where she attended medical school at Rush Medical College. Prior to entering medicine, she spent two and a half years in the Peace Corps in Tanzania teaching biology and collaborating to establish a school library. During medical school, she rotated in Rwanda and Panama where she learned about the treatment of HIV and assisted with the initiation of research project studying toxoplasmosis. She attended residency in Miami, FL worked to develop a global health track curriculum to educate medical residents on the history, ethics, and practice of global health. She loves working with diverse communities and being challenged to navigate cultural and societal barriers. In her free time, she enjoys practicing her Spanish, planning long hikes and kayaking around the bay.
Alimata Diarra ep. Sangare is originally from Mali. She is a Human Rights Lawyer & holds a Master degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame, USA. Currently, she works as a Government Partnerships Manager at Muso Health Organization, a Nonprofit Organization that advocates for social justice and equity in global health.
Her prior professional experience includes legal assistance, humanitarian law & human rights, especially women and child protection. Having worked in several context, Alimata is highly passionate in building the bridge between diplomacy and humanitarian assistance. She is an alumna of the Mandela Washington Young African Leaders Initiative Fellowship (YALI) since 2016. In her spare time, Alimata enjoys reading and traveling.
Alimata Diarra ep. Sangare is originally from Mali. She is a Human Rights Lawyer & holds a Master degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame, USA. Currently, she works as a Government Partnerships Manager at Muso Health Organization, a Nonprofit Organization that advocates for social justice and equity in global health.
Her prior professional experience includes legal assistance, humanitarian law & human rights, especially women and child protection. Having worked in several context, Alimata is highly passionate in building the bridge between diplomacy and humanitarian assistance. She is an alumna of the Mandela Washington Young African Leaders Initiative Fellowship (YALI) since 2016. In her spare time, Alimata enjoys reading and traveling.
Donna Mae Dineyazhe is originally from Shiprock, New Mexico, a small community located on the Navajo Reservation. She is a member of the Navajo Tribe and works in the community where she was born and raised. She is currently practicing as a Certified Nurse-Midwife at Northern Navajo Medical Center (NNMC) in Shiprock and has been with Indian Health Service (IHS) for almost 18 years.
Her passion involves working with women and giving them the tools to build healthy families for generations to come. Her work honors traditional and cultural teachings and providing a safe space for patients to incorporate both traditional and western medicine. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of New Mexico-CNM program in 2017. Prior to midwifery, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and worked as a Medical Technologist at NNMC.
Ms. Dineyazhe is looking forward in collaborating with other health care professionals who have the same desire to assist underserved populations. She’s the daughter of Phillip and Fannie Begay, a wife, a mother of two teenage boys, and also a foster mom. She’s also a cancer survivor! Her hobbies include attending her children’s activities, photography, camping, and loving on her fur babies at home.
Donna Mae Dineyazhe is originally from Shiprock, New Mexico, a small community located on the Navajo Reservation. She is a member of the Navajo Tribe and works in the community where she was born and raised. She is currently practicing as a Certified Nurse-Midwife at Northern Navajo Medical Center (NNMC) in Shiprock and has been with Indian Health Service (IHS) for almost 18 years.
Her passion involves working with women and giving them the tools to build healthy families for generations to come. Her work honors traditional and cultural teachings and providing a safe space for patients to incorporate both traditional and western medicine. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of New Mexico-CNM program in 2017. Prior to midwifery, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and worked as a Medical Technologist at NNMC.
Ms. Dineyazhe is looking forward in collaborating with other health care professionals who have the same desire to assist underserved populations. She’s the daughter of Phillip and Fannie Begay, a wife, a mother of two teenage boys, and also a foster mom. She’s also a cancer survivor! Her hobbies include attending her children’s activities, photography, camping, and loving on her fur babies at home.
Erika Valtierra Gutiérrez was born and raised in Mexico City, where she pursued undergraduate studies in psychology and a Master’s degree in counseling at Universidad Iberoamericana. After a couple of years believing that she’d dedicate her life to neurosciences, she chose to work with underserved populations after a weekend as a volunteer in a rural community near home.
Ever since, she has also worked with migrants and asylum seekers, torture survivors and their relatives, people with substance use disorders, and breast cancer patients. She currently works at Compañeros En Salud, where she supervises community mental health workers at five different rural communities where CES serves. She also provides counseling mainly to women who live or survived IPV and other forms of GBV.
Erika can be usually found fidgeting or coloring while listening to others; she’s also easily spotted due to her colorful hair and how loud she laughs. An important part of her life revolves around music, especially going to live shows, dancing, singing, and playing viola. She lives with Papa, her sweet and courageous dog, with whom she spends time playing tug games, running, taking selfies, and (occasionally) hiking. She also enjoys weaving to decorate her home or those of friends and family.
Erika Valtierra Gutiérrez was born and raised in Mexico City, where she pursued undergraduate studies in psychology and a Master’s degree in counseling at Universidad Iberoamericana. After a couple of years believing that she’d dedicate her life to neurosciences, she chose to work with underserved populations after a weekend as a volunteer in a rural community near home.
Ever since, she has also worked with migrants and asylum seekers, torture survivors and their relatives, people with substance use disorders, and breast cancer patients. She currently works at Compañeros En Salud, where she supervises community mental health workers at five different rural communities where CES serves. She also provides counseling mainly to women who live or survived IPV and other forms of GBV.
Erika can be usually found fidgeting or coloring while listening to others; she’s also easily spotted due to her colorful hair and how loud she laughs. An important part of her life revolves around music, especially going to live shows, dancing, singing, and playing viola. She lives with Papa, her sweet and courageous dog, with whom she spends time playing tug games, running, taking selfies, and (occasionally) hiking. She also enjoys weaving to decorate her home or those of friends and family.
George Dalitso Limwado from Malawi, studied Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Kamuzu University Health Sciences formerly the University of Malawi, College of Medicine. He is an integrated chronic care clinic (IC3) medical officer where he provides comprehensive assessments and care planning for individuals with chronic conditions such as Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, mental health diseases and HIV and AIDS.
Before joining PIH, he was a civil servant at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital then later at Salima District Hospital as a Senior medical officer. George is a Young African Leaders Initiative alumnus. His interests are in improving the quality of primary healthcare services, Youth-friendly health services especially focusing on counselling against risks factors on NCDs i.e., tobacco and alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity.
Furthermore, he has an interest in antimicrobial stewardship. One of his achievements, over the years, was upgrading a mentorship program initially aimed at sexual and reproductive health to include surgical care and NCDs at Salima district hospital in Malawi. He likes watching TV especially sports channels and movies, and doing physical exercises.
George Dalitso Limwado from Malawi, studied Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Kamuzu University Health Sciences formerly the University of Malawi, College of Medicine. He is an integrated chronic care clinic (IC3) medical officer where he provides comprehensive assessments and care planning for individuals with chronic conditions such as Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, mental health diseases and HIV and AIDS.
Before joining PIH, he was a civil servant at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital then later at Salima District Hospital as a Senior medical officer. George is a Young African Leaders Initiative alumnus. His interests are in improving the quality of primary healthcare services, Youth-friendly health services especially focusing on counselling against risks factors on NCDs i.e., tobacco and alcohol abuse, and physical inactivity.
Furthermore, he has an interest in antimicrobial stewardship. One of his achievements, over the years, was upgrading a mentorship program initially aimed at sexual and reproductive health to include surgical care and NCDs at Salima district hospital in Malawi. He likes watching TV especially sports channels and movies, and doing physical exercises.
Katherine Fu is originally from West Windsor, New Jersey, the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her interest in global medicine started during college, in a Global Health and Developmental Policy program in Geneva, Switzerland. There, she completed a field project interviewing women on their birth experiences in varying healthcare systems. She then went on to conduct infectious disease research in medical school as a Doris Duke International Research Fellow in Peru and Bolivia.
Working side by side with local colleagues, she studied the genetic risk factors for developing Chagas disease. These varied global health experiences helped to solidify her interest in collaborative care models and provided the foundation for her interest in global mental health. She completed her residency and fellowship in Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2022. Outside of medicine, she enjoys scuba diving, reading, frequenting thrift shops, and consuming all forms of carbohydrates.
Katherine Fu is originally from West Windsor, New Jersey, the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her interest in global medicine started during college, in a Global Health and Developmental Policy program in Geneva, Switzerland. There, she completed a field project interviewing women on their birth experiences in varying healthcare systems. She then went on to conduct infectious disease research in medical school as a Doris Duke International Research Fellow in Peru and Bolivia.
Working side by side with local colleagues, she studied the genetic risk factors for developing Chagas disease. These varied global health experiences helped to solidify her interest in collaborative care models and provided the foundation for her interest in global mental health. She completed her residency and fellowship in Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2022. Outside of medicine, she enjoys scuba diving, reading, frequenting thrift shops, and consuming all forms of carbohydrates.
Ka Yi Li (Kiki) was born in Hong Kong. At the age of twelve, her family immigrated to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Growing up in a working class environment, Kiki witnesses firsthand her non-English speaking parents face significant barriers to access health care services. She was inspired to pursue medicine and made a resolute mission to serve the most vulnerable communities in the United States and abroad. She attended Temple University for undergraduate studies where she obtained a major in Biology and a minor in Spanish.
As an AmeriCorps member, she taught English as a Second Language at a Chinese Senior Center. Meanwhile, she deepened her language fluency in Spanish and French while volunteering in Panama and studying in France, respectively. For medical school, she attended Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. There, she coordinated two Latino Policy Summits with medical students across the country. Next, she completed her residency training in Family Medicine at Boston Medical Center, where she cofounded a residency curriculum in “Immigrant and Refugee Health.”
Through HEAL fellowship, she strives to advocate for the health and human rights of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In her free time, she enjoys singing karaoke, playing video games, dancing salsa and outdoors hiking on short trails.
Ka Yi Li (Kiki) was born in Hong Kong. At the age of twelve, her family immigrated to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Growing up in a working class environment, Kiki witnesses firsthand her non-English speaking parents face significant barriers to access health care services. She was inspired to pursue medicine and made a resolute mission to serve the most vulnerable communities in the United States and abroad. She attended Temple University for undergraduate studies where she obtained a major in Biology and a minor in Spanish.
As an AmeriCorps member, she taught English as a Second Language at a Chinese Senior Center. Meanwhile, she deepened her language fluency in Spanish and French while volunteering in Panama and studying in France, respectively. For medical school, she attended Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, New Jersey. There, she coordinated two Latino Policy Summits with medical students across the country. Next, she completed her residency training in Family Medicine at Boston Medical Center, where she cofounded a residency curriculum in “Immigrant and Refugee Health.”
Through HEAL fellowship, she strives to advocate for the health and human rights of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In her free time, she enjoys singing karaoke, playing video games, dancing salsa and outdoors hiking on short trails.
Lemekeza Theodorah Namwali was born and raised in Lilongwe Malawi, she did her primary school at Bambino primary schools in Lilongwe and completed her secondary school at Lilongwe girls secondary school. she works as a Nursing officer with Ministry of Health at Neno District hospital in the southern part of Malawi.
Her work as a Nursing officer, global health related issues have always been her passion to reach utmost vulnerable population with essential health equity services around Malawi, such as; communicable and non-communicable diseases, Quality Improvement projects, primary health care programs and social economic support in rural Malawi. Lemekeza has a Bachelor of sciences degree in Nursing, Obtained at University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of nursing (KCN) in the year 2010.
Since graduation she has been working in various public hospitals executing positions such as; safe mother hood programs coordinator, Newborn Health coordinator ,ward in charge, primary health care programs coordinator, community sensitization liaison officer on health seeking behavior, she is also a clinical mentor mainly focusing on the women and newborn health, providing mentorships in rural health centers in order to provide quality and equitable health care services to patients, for the benefit of poor Malawian. The goals of Lemekeza is to provide high quality care to all, regardless of where they are coming from, every life matters and taking service to where they are needed the most.
Lemekeza Theodorah Namwali was born and raised in Lilongwe Malawi, she did her primary school at Bambino primary schools in Lilongwe and completed her secondary school at Lilongwe girls secondary school. she works as a Nursing officer with Ministry of Health at Neno District hospital in the southern part of Malawi.
Her work as a Nursing officer, global health related issues have always been her passion to reach utmost vulnerable population with essential health equity services around Malawi, such as; communicable and non-communicable diseases, Quality Improvement projects, primary health care programs and social economic support in rural Malawi. Lemekeza has a Bachelor of sciences degree in Nursing, Obtained at University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of nursing (KCN) in the year 2010.
Since graduation she has been working in various public hospitals executing positions such as; safe mother hood programs coordinator, Newborn Health coordinator ,ward in charge, primary health care programs coordinator, community sensitization liaison officer on health seeking behavior, she is also a clinical mentor mainly focusing on the women and newborn health, providing mentorships in rural health centers in order to provide quality and equitable health care services to patients, for the benefit of poor Malawian. The goals of Lemekeza is to provide high quality care to all, regardless of where they are coming from, every life matters and taking service to where they are needed the most.
Michaela Louise Sous is originally from northern California. She received her undergraduate degree in French from Cornell University and her medical degree from Des Moines University in Iowa. She participated in the Global Health Pathways of Distinction program completing research internships at the World Health Organization. She gained valuable clinical experience in India, Dominican Republic, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Michaela led diversity health and social justice training through her medical school’s Multicultural Affairs department where she met her now husband (Waseem Sous – also a 2022-2024 HEAL fellow). They participated in the couple’s match for residency where they trained at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. In OB/GYN residency, Michaela showed a keen interest in optimizing the birth experience for marginalized populations, especially newly resettled refugees.
She devised projects to increase the quality of care for patients with limited English proficiency by optimizing the use of interpreters. She investigated pregnancy intendedness in patients with chronic medical conditions. Her career interests include health equity, global health, family planning, reproductive justice, and medical education. She looks forward to working with like-minded individuals in the HEAL community to advocate for equitable healthcare. Outside of medicine, Michaela enjoys traveling with her husband, cooking vegetarian food, skiing, and watching The Amazing Race.
Michaela Louise Sous is originally from northern California. She received her undergraduate degree in French from Cornell University and her medical degree from Des Moines University in Iowa. She participated in the Global Health Pathways of Distinction program completing research internships at the World Health Organization. She gained valuable clinical experience in India, Dominican Republic, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Michaela led diversity health and social justice training through her medical school’s Multicultural Affairs department where she met her now husband (Waseem Sous – also a 2022-2024 HEAL fellow). They participated in the couple’s match for residency where they trained at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. In OB/GYN residency, Michaela showed a keen interest in optimizing the birth experience for marginalized populations, especially newly resettled refugees.
She devised projects to increase the quality of care for patients with limited English proficiency by optimizing the use of interpreters. She investigated pregnancy intendedness in patients with chronic medical conditions. Her career interests include health equity, global health, family planning, reproductive justice, and medical education. She looks forward to working with like-minded individuals in the HEAL community to advocate for equitable healthcare. Outside of medicine, Michaela enjoys traveling with her husband, cooking vegetarian food, skiing, and watching The Amazing Race.
Noelani R Sells is from Rough Rock, Arizona. Her clans are Chishi (Chiricahua Apache), born for Tlogi (Weavers Clan), her maternal grandfather is Tsi’naajinii (Blackstreak clan) and her paternal grandfather is Honaghaahnii (One of walk around clan). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College.
Noelani currently works for Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in the Integrated Behavioral Health Department as a Behavioral Health Coach. She has worked in her community aiding and advocating mental health and wellness over the last 14 years. Noelani enjoys traveling, hiking, running, camping, horseback riding and spending time with her family.
Noelani R Sells is from Rough Rock, Arizona. Her clans are Chishi (Chiricahua Apache), born for Tlogi (Weavers Clan), her maternal grandfather is Tsi’naajinii (Blackstreak clan) and her paternal grandfather is Honaghaahnii (One of walk around clan). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College.
Noelani currently works for Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in the Integrated Behavioral Health Department as a Behavioral Health Coach. She has worked in her community aiding and advocating mental health and wellness over the last 14 years. Noelani enjoys traveling, hiking, running, camping, horseback riding and spending time with her family.
Raj Kumar Dangal, A General Practitioner, born in rural Nepal, has been working for rural populations for more than 10 years. He completed his undergraduate medical school from Hebei Medical University, China, in year 2010; and Post-graduate training in MDGP from Institute of Medicine (IOM), Nepal. His growing up in rural areas till high school brought him up to intend to serve most for rural communities from early childhood.
Later on, it became a passion, more than anything. So, staying in own country and trying to build up much things for long term development of rural health care for own rural communities became his priority. He thinks learning through close interactions and co-operation with diverse group of people from around the world is the one what can make oneself more empowered and more practical one. Keep on going is the his dictum.
Raj Kumar Dangal, A General Practitioner, born in rural Nepal, has been working for rural populations for more than 10 years. He completed his undergraduate medical school from Hebei Medical University, China, in year 2010; and Post-graduate training in MDGP from Institute of Medicine (IOM), Nepal. His growing up in rural areas till high school brought him up to intend to serve most for rural communities from early childhood.
Later on, it became a passion, more than anything. So, staying in own country and trying to build up much things for long term development of rural health care for own rural communities became his priority. He thinks learning through close interactions and co-operation with diverse group of people from around the world is the one what can make oneself more empowered and more practical one. Keep on going is the his dictum.
Shanna Rose Nez is of the Red House people clan, born for Water edge people clan. She is originally from Rock Point Arizona. She lives in Chinle, Arizona with her family. Currently she is doing her pre-requisitions for her nursing degree. Shanna works for Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare facility with the Public Health Nursing Diabetes program.
She has been with the Diabetes program for 10 years working as a Diabetes health coach. Bridging the gap between providers and patients, and being an advocate for her community. She is very pleased and humbled to be part of the HEAL initiative family. She values family time, enjoys indoor and outdoor life.
Shanna Rose Nez is of the Red House people clan, born for Water edge people clan. She is originally from Rock Point Arizona. She lives in Chinle, Arizona with her family. Currently she is doing her pre-requisitions for her nursing degree. Shanna works for Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare facility with the Public Health Nursing Diabetes program.
She has been with the Diabetes program for 10 years working as a Diabetes health coach. Bridging the gap between providers and patients, and being an advocate for her community. She is very pleased and humbled to be part of the HEAL initiative family. She values family time, enjoys indoor and outdoor life.
Timothee Fabrice Fruhauf was born in France and grew up in the CA Bay Area. In undergrad, he discovered the reach of public health interventions for resource restricted settings and shifted his focus from political science towards health as a means to international development.
His commitment to international health was confirmed when he joined a team to develop and launch a data collection platform that focused on getting real-time, accurate data directly into the hands of stakeholders in several countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia with the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute.
Yearning for a more direct impact on communities, he enrolled in medical school at Johns Hopkins and became inspired by the needs of marginalized women in Baltimore. Committed to improving women’s health, he completed residency in OB-GYN at Hopkins and obtained an MPH to combine his clinical skills with public health approaches. He’s excited to join the HEAL community to continue acquiring skills to advocate for underserved women both locally and globally.
Timothee Fabrice Fruhauf was born in France and grew up in the CA Bay Area. In undergrad, he discovered the reach of public health interventions for resource restricted settings and shifted his focus from political science towards health as a means to international development.
His commitment to international health was confirmed when he joined a team to develop and launch a data collection platform that focused on getting real-time, accurate data directly into the hands of stakeholders in several countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia with the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute.
Yearning for a more direct impact on communities, he enrolled in medical school at Johns Hopkins and became inspired by the needs of marginalized women in Baltimore. Committed to improving women’s health, he completed residency in OB-GYN at Hopkins and obtained an MPH to combine his clinical skills with public health approaches. He’s excited to join the HEAL community to continue acquiring skills to advocate for underserved women both locally and globally.
Waseem Jamal Sous grew up in Amman, Jordan. He moved to the United States at age 18 to pursue his dream of practicing medicine. As a first-generation college student, he received his B.S. in Biology from North Park University in Chicago. Waseem received his medical degree from Des Moines University in Iowa, where he met his wife (Michaela Sous – also a 2022-2024 HEAL fellow!) and developed an interest in global health.
Waseem advocated for awareness of health disparities and led discussions about culturally preconceived notions. He participated in clinical rotations in Uganda and Rwanda where he learned valuable skills of innovation in resource-denied areas. These clinical experiences energized him to continue his work in global health equity. Waseem moved to Syracuse, NY, alongside his wife, to complete his residency in Internal Medicine. As an ambulatory chief resident, he engaged in outreach efforts to advocate for marginalized communities.
Waseem provided a platform for Arabic-speaking communities to ask COVID-19 vaccine-related questions and assisted in the implementation of COVID-19 screening, outreach, and support to local refugee communities. Outside of work, Waseem enjoys working out, playing soccer (Go Real Madrid!), trying new cuisines, and travelling with his wife. He is humbled and excited for the opportunity to care for underserved populations in the San Francisco Bay Area and rural Malawi.
Waseem Jamal Sous grew up in Amman, Jordan. He moved to the United States at age 18 to pursue his dream of practicing medicine. As a first-generation college student, he received his B.S. in Biology from North Park University in Chicago. Waseem received his medical degree from Des Moines University in Iowa, where he met his wife (Michaela Sous – also a 2022-2024 HEAL fellow!) and developed an interest in global health.
Waseem advocated for awareness of health disparities and led discussions about culturally preconceived notions. He participated in clinical rotations in Uganda and Rwanda where he learned valuable skills of innovation in resource-denied areas. These clinical experiences energized him to continue his work in global health equity. Waseem moved to Syracuse, NY, alongside his wife, to complete his residency in Internal Medicine. As an ambulatory chief resident, he engaged in outreach efforts to advocate for marginalized communities.
Waseem provided a platform for Arabic-speaking communities to ask COVID-19 vaccine-related questions and assisted in the implementation of COVID-19 screening, outreach, and support to local refugee communities. Outside of work, Waseem enjoys working out, playing soccer (Go Real Madrid!), trying new cuisines, and travelling with his wife. He is humbled and excited for the opportunity to care for underserved populations in the San Francisco Bay Area and rural Malawi.
Zeus Aranda Remon, originally from Vidreres, Spain, studied Biotechnology at the University of Girona. Subsequently, he completed Master’s programs in Biomedical Research, International Business Administration, and Global Health.
In 2017 he started collaborating with diverse governments, health facilities, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations to assess the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, conduct implementation research, and perform monitoring and evaluation activities in Spain, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, and Mexico. He started his labor at Partners In Health Mexico in 2019 and is currently the CES Research and Impact Coordinator. Zeus has a special interest in maternal, child, and reproductive health. In his spare time, he enjoys acquiring new knowledge and skills, going out with family and friends, and admiring nature.
Zeus Aranda Remon, originally from Vidreres, Spain, studied Biotechnology at the University of Girona. Subsequently, he completed Master’s programs in Biomedical Research, International Business Administration, and Global Health.
In 2017 he started collaborating with diverse governments, health facilities, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations to assess the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, conduct implementation research, and perform monitoring and evaluation activities in Spain, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, and Mexico. He started his labor at Partners In Health Mexico in 2019 and is currently the CES Research and Impact Coordinator. Zeus has a special interest in maternal, child, and reproductive health. In his spare time, he enjoys acquiring new knowledge and skills, going out with family and friends, and admiring nature.
Angelique C. Karambizi has been a clinician since 15 years and has always dreamt of being a pediatrician since her childhood. She grew up in Rwanda, and went to medical school and did her residency in pediatrics at the University of Rwanda. Thereafter, she had worked in a teaching hospital, where she mainly focused on clinical care delivery in the pediatric emergency and critical care departments, quality improvement projects, clinical teaching and research and guideline development. She is a clinical instructor for the ETAT+ and IMCI course, and enjoys coaching and mentoring doctors, medical interns and nurses on the wards. She actively participated in developing and updating clinical guidelines at national level such as the Neonatal Protocol, ETAT+ protocol, COVID-19 management in children and she is a member of the newborn sub-Technical working group in Rwanda. She is currently working with Partners in Health (PIH) in Rwanda, as a pediatrician but more specifically as the Pediatric Clinical Instructor. She is based in Kirehe District, one of the PIH sites in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Angelique believes that the more you are closer to the community, the more you understand the challenges and have the opportunity to deliver early treatment and advocate for the most vulnerable people. She is very excited to be part of a community that is dedicated to health equity and social justice.
Angelique C. Karambizi has been a clinician since 15 years and has always dreamt of being a pediatrician since her childhood. She grew up in Rwanda, and went to medical school and did her residency in pediatrics at the University of Rwanda. Thereafter, she had worked in a teaching hospital, where she mainly focused on clinical care delivery in the pediatric emergency and critical care departments, quality improvement projects, clinical teaching and research and guideline development. She is a clinical instructor for the ETAT+ and IMCI course, and enjoys coaching and mentoring doctors, medical interns and nurses on the wards. She actively participated in developing and updating clinical guidelines at national level such as the Neonatal Protocol, ETAT+ protocol, COVID-19 management in children and she is a member of the newborn sub-Technical working group in Rwanda. She is currently working with Partners in Health (PIH) in Rwanda, as a pediatrician but more specifically as the Pediatric Clinical Instructor. She is based in Kirehe District, one of the PIH sites in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Angelique believes that the more you are closer to the community, the more you understand the challenges and have the opportunity to deliver early treatment and advocate for the most vulnerable people. She is very excited to be part of a community that is dedicated to health equity and social justice.
Anne Erickson grew up in Oakland, CA as the daughter of a teacher and a social worker. Her interests in rural and global medicine started in high school, when she spent two summers volunteering in Honduras and Panama with the nonprofit group Amigos de las Americas. She went on to take a gap year prior to college to work on public health studies in India, Mexico, and Brazil, further solidifying her interest in international medicine and especially in women’s health. She got her B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University. After college, she completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Mozambique, during which she studied the barriers to providing high-quality surgical care at district-level hospitals. She returned to Stanford for medical school, and then moved to Seattle, WA to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Outside of medicine, her interests include rock climbing, distance running, and generally being in the outdoors! She is very excited to be joining the HEAL community, and to be working in New Mexico and Rwanda!
Anne Erickson grew up in Oakland, CA as the daughter of a teacher and a social worker. Her interests in rural and global medicine started in high school, when she spent two summers volunteering in Honduras and Panama with the nonprofit group Amigos de las Americas. She went on to take a gap year prior to college to work on public health studies in India, Mexico, and Brazil, further solidifying her interest in international medicine and especially in women’s health. She got her B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University. After college, she completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Mozambique, during which she studied the barriers to providing high-quality surgical care at district-level hospitals. She returned to Stanford for medical school, and then moved to Seattle, WA to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Outside of medicine, her interests include rock climbing, distance running, and generally being in the outdoors! She is very excited to be joining the HEAL community, and to be working in New Mexico and Rwanda!
Bronwyn Smith grew up on the Navajo reservation in a small community called Lechee near Page, AZ. Her clans are Tl’izi lani (Manygoats clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge clan), her maternal grandfather is Biih Bitoodnii (Deer Spring clan) and her paternal grandfather is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House clan). Bronwyn earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Roseman University of Health Sciences in 2017 and went on to complete a PGY-1 pharmacy residency with Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) in Tuba City, Arizona. Prior to receiving her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering at Arizona State University in 2013. Bronwyn currently works as a clinical pharmacist at TCRHCC and is also a credentialed ambulatory care pharmacist who works in the pharmacy-based diabetes and anti-coagulation clinics. Witnessing and experiencing the healthcare inequities on the Navajo reservation growing up, Bronwyn found this to be her inspiration to pursue a career in healthcare. Identifying health inequities and finding solutions to increase opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are or where they live is one of Bronwyn’s career goals. She is honored to be joining the HEAL family and looks forward to learning from others. In her free time, Bronwyn enjoys spending time with family and running.Bronwyn Smith grew up on the Navajo reservation in a small community called Lechee near Page, AZ. Her clans are Tl’izi lani (Manygoats clan), born for Tábąąhá (Water’s Edge clan), her maternal grandfather is Biih Bitoodnii (Deer Spring clan) and her paternal grandfather is Kiyaa’áanii (Towering House clan). Bronwyn earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Roseman University of Health Sciences in 2017 and went on to complete a PGY-1 pharmacy residency with Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) in Tuba City, Arizona. Prior to receiving her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering at Arizona State University in 2013. Bronwyn currently works as a clinical pharmacist at TCRHCC and is also a credentialed ambulatory care pharmacist who works in the pharmacy-based diabetes and anti-coagulation clinics. Witnessing and experiencing the healthcare inequities on the Navajo reservation growing up, Bronwyn found this to be her inspiration to pursue a career in healthcare. Identifying health inequities and finding solutions to increase opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who they are or where they live is one of Bronwyn’s career goals. She is honored to be joining the HEAL family and looks forward to learning from others. In her free time, Bronwyn enjoys spending time with family and running.
Brown David Khongo was born and grew up in Usisya, Nkhatabay District of Northern Malawi. He completed his primary school at Nthembo School and his first two years of secondary school at Usisya Community Day Secondary School. Thereafter, Brown moved to Lilongwe where he completed the last two years of secondary education at Kamuzu Barracks Community Day Secondary School. He then enrolled at University of Malawi, College of Medicine in December 2011 where he successfully graduated with Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in May 2016. Brown proceeded to completing his housemanship at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi between December 2016 and May 2018. Before he was attached at QECH as a houseman, Brown worked as a volunteer in a rural Community Hospital with Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) from July to November 2016. He also got an attachment at PIH/APZU under the NCD BRITE internship from August 2018 to January 2019. Brown then fully joined PIH/APZU in January 2019 as a Medical Officer. Currently he is still working and growing with PIH/APZU as a Secondary Healthcare Manager with primary focus on provision of comprehensive and high quality healthcare services at the two hospitals in the district and the Integrated Chronic Care Clinics. Brown is passionate about serving the underprivileged/marginalized and advocating for social justice and health equity. He enjoys football and gym. Brown is a Site Fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo.
Brown David Khongo was born and grew up in Usisya, Nkhatabay District of Northern Malawi. He completed his primary school at Nthembo School and his first two years of secondary school at Usisya Community Day Secondary School. Thereafter, Brown moved to Lilongwe where he completed the last two years of secondary education at Kamuzu Barracks Community Day Secondary School. He then enrolled at University of Malawi, College of Medicine in December 2011 where he successfully graduated with Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in May 2016. Brown proceeded to completing his housemanship at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi between December 2016 and May 2018. Before he was attached at QECH as a houseman, Brown worked as a volunteer in a rural Community Hospital with Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU) from July to November 2016. He also got an attachment at PIH/APZU under the NCD BRITE internship from August 2018 to January 2019. Brown then fully joined PIH/APZU in January 2019 as a Medical Officer. Currently he is still working and growing with PIH/APZU as a Secondary Healthcare Manager with primary focus on provision of comprehensive and high quality healthcare services at the two hospitals in the district and the Integrated Chronic Care Clinics. Brown is passionate about serving the underprivileged/marginalized and advocating for social justice and health equity. He enjoys football and gym. Brown is a Site Fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo.
Bruno Raúl Vargas García was born in the megalopolis that is today’s Mexico City, from a young age his family migrated to the state of Puebla, where he grew up in a modest town which name is as hard to pronounce as it is to find. He continued his education in a private school in the city of Puebla where he was unsettled by the inequality he saw between these two contexts. Once he terminated high school he worked in the USA as kitchen staff for half a year, and then started Med school in Mexico City. Where he rotated through various hospitals, witnessing the lack of social services that is given to those who are in a socioeconomic disadvantage. He then made his social service in Compañeros en Salud, where he discovers a new and completely distinctive approach to health that gave him the answer to so many unsettling things that saw through his life. Right now he is the clinical supervisor of 3 rural primary health centers in the Sierra of Chiapas where he gives accompaniment and counseling to this first year doctors that work as last mile healthcare workers. He has a profound respect and admiration for nature, he loves to admire the insects, flowers, trees, rivers, ponds and listen to all the songs that nature has. He loves all nature related activities like trekking, hiking, diving, kayaking, camping, birdwatching and is totally mad for long bicycle rides.
Bruno Raúl Vargas García was born in the megalopolis that is today’s Mexico City, from a young age his family migrated to the state of Puebla, where he grew up in a modest town which name is as hard to pronounce as it is to find. He continued his education in a private school in the city of Puebla where he was unsettled by the inequality he saw between these two contexts. Once he terminated high school he worked in the USA as kitchen staff for half a year, and then started Med school in Mexico City. Where he rotated through various hospitals, witnessing the lack of social services that is given to those who are in a socioeconomic disadvantage. He then made his social service in Compañeros en Salud, where he discovers a new and completely distinctive approach to health that gave him the answer to so many unsettling things that saw through his life. Right now he is the clinical supervisor of 3 rural primary health centers in the Sierra of Chiapas where he gives accompaniment and counseling to this first year doctors that work as last mile healthcare workers. He has a profound respect and admiration for nature, he loves to admire the insects, flowers, trees, rivers, ponds and listen to all the songs that nature has. He loves all nature related activities like trekking, hiking, diving, kayaking, camping, birdwatching and is totally mad for long bicycle rides.
Calandra Ahasteen is an enrolled member of the Navajo tribe. She was raised and lives on the Navajo Reservation. Calandra also spent many summers and weekends with her grandparents in Tolani Lake, AZ. She received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from University of New Mexico- Gallup and pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from University of New Mexico. Ms. Ahasteen has experience in Geriatric Nursing, Emergency Nursing, Diabetes Education and as Project Director for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant. Her present role is Performance Improvement Nurse and Planning Chief of the Covid-19 Incident Command System at Tohatchi Health Center with the Gallup Service Unit. She is excited to continue building upon her skill set in areas of Quality, Infection Prevention, Safety and Risk Management. Ms. Ahasteen is looking forward to the HEAL Fellowship and collaborating with other health care professionals who have the same desire to assist underserved populations. She is excited to build new partnerships to learn innovative strategies to support communities in achieving optimal health. Her interests are integrating behavior change models to support recovery and healing of underserved populations who suffer from historical trauma and adverse events. Ms. Ahasteen is excited to be a part of building community across HEAL sites for opportunities in knowledge sharing and focus on supporting communities to strive for good health and positive well-being. Calandra thanks Dr. Jennifer Bass and Bernadine John for their mentorship and providing invaluable encouragement. Calandra enjoys camping, kayaking, snowboarding & spending time with family.
Calandra Ahasteen is an enrolled member of the Navajo tribe. She was raised and lives on the Navajo Reservation. Calandra also spent many summers and weekends with her grandparents in Tolani Lake, AZ. She received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from University of New Mexico- Gallup and pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from University of New Mexico. Ms. Ahasteen has experience in Geriatric Nursing, Emergency Nursing, Diabetes Education and as Project Director for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant. Her present role is Performance Improvement Nurse and Planning Chief of the Covid-19 Incident Command System at Tohatchi Health Center with the Gallup Service Unit. She is excited to continue building upon her skill set in areas of Quality, Infection Prevention, Safety and Risk Management. Ms. Ahasteen is looking forward to the HEAL Fellowship and collaborating with other health care professionals who have the same desire to assist underserved populations. She is excited to build new partnerships to learn innovative strategies to support communities in achieving optimal health. Her interests are integrating behavior change models to support recovery and healing of underserved populations who suffer from historical trauma and adverse events. Ms. Ahasteen is excited to be a part of building community across HEAL sites for opportunities in knowledge sharing and focus on supporting communities to strive for good health and positive well-being. Calandra thanks Dr. Jennifer Bass and Bernadine John for their mentorship and providing invaluable encouragement. Calandra enjoys camping, kayaking, snowboarding & spending time with family.
Dr. Chelsea Kettering is a member of the Navajo (Dine) tribe (Deeshchii’nii, Tachii’nii, Kinyaani, To’aheedliinii). Her educational achievements include Bachelor’s degrees in Music Vocal Performance and Psychology; a Masters degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences; and a Doctorate in Public Health with an Epidemiology specialization. Her dissertation focused on improving glucose screening rates for Native American postpartum mothers with gestational diabetes. Throughout her educational and professional journey, Chelsea has contributed to multiple taskforces with extensive focus in community health organizations, schools, hospitals, and tribal/state programs. She has partnered with organizations like the American Cancer Society, The Children’s Hospital, Navajo Nation, Indian Health Service, and OptumHealth New Mexico to assist with grant oversight, community assessments, and comprehensive strategies to address health disparities. She will be celebrating 10 years of marriage with her best friend, Aaron, and together they have two beautiful children. On her days off, you will often find Chelsea spending time with her family, running, sewing, traveling, reading, snowboarding, and/or attending concerts or musicals. As a Navajo woman that grew up in various locations across the world, her philosophical teachings encompass both Western and cultural views; which she strives to apply toward local community and public health programs. Her passion includes assisting in the development of culturally sensitive healthcare services, programs, and providing health education. Dr. Kettering has worked with the Navajo Indian Health Service for over five years and currently serves as the Epidemiology Co-Lead for the COVID19 pandemic response.
Dr. Chelsea Kettering is a member of the Navajo (Dine) tribe (Deeshchii’nii, Tachii’nii, Kinyaani, To’aheedliinii). Her educational achievements include Bachelor’s degrees in Music Vocal Performance and Psychology; a Masters degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences; and a Doctorate in Public Health with an Epidemiology specialization. Her dissertation focused on improving glucose screening rates for Native American postpartum mothers with gestational diabetes. Throughout her educational and professional journey, Chelsea has contributed to multiple taskforces with extensive focus in community health organizations, schools, hospitals, and tribal/state programs. She has partnered with organizations like the American Cancer Society, The Children’s Hospital, Navajo Nation, Indian Health Service, and OptumHealth New Mexico to assist with grant oversight, community assessments, and comprehensive strategies to address health disparities. She will be celebrating 10 years of marriage with her best friend, Aaron, and together they have two beautiful children. On her days off, you will often find Chelsea spending time with her family, running, sewing, traveling, reading, snowboarding, and/or attending concerts or musicals. As a Navajo woman that grew up in various locations across the world, her philosophical teachings encompass both Western and cultural views; which she strives to apply toward local community and public health programs. Her passion includes assisting in the development of culturally sensitive healthcare services, programs, and providing health education. Dr. Kettering has worked with the Navajo Indian Health Service for over five years and currently serves as the Epidemiology Co-Lead for the COVID19 pandemic response.
Christina Knight was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and was adopted by her parents who are from Canton, Ohio which is where she grew up. Christina attended The Ohio State University for undergraduate studies and for medical school. She then completed her Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her passion for health equity and global health work was sparked from service trips to her home country of Guatemala. She has completed medical work in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Kenya. Her interests include global health education and providing culturally competent care to adults and children anywhere in the world. In her free time, Christina is an avid Ohio State and Cleveland sports fan, enjoys spending time outdoors, and also enjoys cooking or baking new recipes.Christina Knight was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and was adopted by her parents who are from Canton, Ohio which is where she grew up. Christina attended The Ohio State University for undergraduate studies and for medical school. She then completed her Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her passion for health equity and global health work was sparked from service trips to her home country of Guatemala. She has completed medical work in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Kenya. Her interests include global health education and providing culturally competent care to adults and children anywhere in the world. In her free time, Christina is an avid Ohio State and Cleveland sports fan, enjoys spending time outdoors, and also enjoys cooking or baking new recipes.
Dalia De la Cruz was born in the central coast of California in large farm working community. As the daughter of Mexican farm working immigrants, she set out from an early age to seek out a vocation that emphasized service to others. Upon completing high school she started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and quickly found a passion for improving the health of others, especially the farm working community in which came from.
She pursued additional education, and obtained her LVN in 2009. She has worked at Natividad Hospital for 13 years, first as a CNA and for that last 12 years as an LVN in a primary care clinic, at Natividad Medical Group. She enjoys all aspects of her job, but finds most joy educating patients about their health and how to improve it. This year she was a key member of the hospital team who educated farmworkers on Covid-19, Spanish. Among her accomplishments she is most proud to be the mother of her two daughters who she hopes to inspire to pursue their dreams. They are her pride and joy, as well as her continuing inspiration to pursue further education. She intends to return to school and get her BSN in the next two years.
Dalia De la Cruz was born in the central coast of California in large farm working community. As the daughter of Mexican farm working immigrants, she set out from an early age to seek out a vocation that emphasized service to others. Upon completing high school she started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and quickly found a passion for improving the health of others, especially the farm working community in which came from.
She pursued additional education, and obtained her LVN in 2009. She has worked at Natividad Hospital for 13 years, first as a CNA and for that last 12 years as an LVN in a primary care clinic, at Natividad Medical Group. She enjoys all aspects of her job, but finds most joy educating patients about their health and how to improve it. This year she was a key member of the hospital team who educated farmworkers on Covid-19, Spanish. Among her accomplishments she is most proud to be the mother of her two daughters who she hopes to inspire to pursue their dreams. They are her pride and joy, as well as her continuing inspiration to pursue further education. She intends to return to school and get her BSN in the next two years.
Doris Altúzar was born and raised in different places of Chiapas, Mexico. She studied medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Since she was a medical student, she developed interest in working in rural communities of her state, which is why she did her year of social service with Compañeros en Salud in El Matasano, a community in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas. During that year, she realized that what she wanted to do with the rest of her life was dedicate herself to serving vulnerable populations. At the end of her year of social service in 2020, she returned as a COVID-19 response volunteer to Compañeros en Salud and then she worked providing care to patients with COVID-19 at the center for respiratory diseases that Compañeros en Salud set up in Jaltenango de la Paz. She recently began working supervising the clinical teams that provide care at the clinics of three communities where CES serves. She is excited to meet other HEAL fellows and learn more about Global Health.
Doris Altúzar was born and raised in different places of Chiapas, Mexico. She studied medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Since she was a medical student, she developed interest in working in rural communities of her state, which is why she did her year of social service with Compañeros en Salud in El Matasano, a community in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas. During that year, she realized that what she wanted to do with the rest of her life was dedicate herself to serving vulnerable populations. At the end of her year of social service in 2020, she returned as a COVID-19 response volunteer to Compañeros en Salud and then she worked providing care to patients with COVID-19 at the center for respiratory diseases that Compañeros en Salud set up in Jaltenango de la Paz. She recently began working supervising the clinical teams that provide care at the clinics of three communities where CES serves. She is excited to meet other HEAL fellows and learn more about Global Health.
Emmanuel Bua is a registrar in surgery at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in eastern Uganda and an honorary lecturer in Surgery at Busitema University. Inspired by his mother, a nurse and midwife, he completed his medical school and residency in Mulago hospital under Makerere University in Kampala. He is a board certified member of the college of surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. His interactions with patients in the USA and Netherlands have given him a clear perspective of the healthcare systems in developed economies. He has also worked with the underserved and impoverished communities of Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya where he has experienced first-hand the importance of the social determinants of health and the need for robust healthcare systems. Over the years of his practice he has learnt that illness and health are intricately intertwined with socioeconomic conditions. He therefore believes in advocacy for healthcare that goes beyond just offering medical care. This, he believes is possible through addressing systemic factors that contribute to illness and access to health. He believes in global partnerships, clinical and social research, community engagement and support as important tools for advocacy. He hopes to use the HEAL fellowship to further strengthen his passion for leadership and advocacy in healthcare. Outside of his work he enjoys reading, traveling, making friends, singing, dancing salsa and food. He is excited to join HEAL COHORT 2021-2023.
Emmanuel Bua is a registrar in surgery at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in eastern Uganda and an honorary lecturer in Surgery at Busitema University. Inspired by his mother, a nurse and midwife, he completed his medical school and residency in Mulago hospital under Makerere University in Kampala. He is a board certified member of the college of surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. His interactions with patients in the USA and Netherlands have given him a clear perspective of the healthcare systems in developed economies. He has also worked with the underserved and impoverished communities of Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya where he has experienced first-hand the importance of the social determinants of health and the need for robust healthcare systems. Over the years of his practice he has learnt that illness and health are intricately intertwined with socioeconomic conditions. He therefore believes in advocacy for healthcare that goes beyond just offering medical care. This, he believes is possible through addressing systemic factors that contribute to illness and access to health. He believes in global partnerships, clinical and social research, community engagement and support as important tools for advocacy. He hopes to use the HEAL fellowship to further strengthen his passion for leadership and advocacy in healthcare. Outside of his work he enjoys reading, traveling, making friends, singing, dancing salsa and food. He is excited to join HEAL COHORT 2021-2023.
Emmanuel Saye Miller was born in LAMCO, Yekepa, Nimba County. He is a registered nurse (RN), with an Associate degree from The Stella Maris Polythenic 2006. Emmanuel presently works as a quality assurance officer with Last Mile Health in Grand Bassa County along with the county health team. He supervises community health services supervisors (CHSS) who also cascade supervisory technique to community health assistants (CHA) in the remote communities of Liberia. Emmanuel’s main advocacy is bringing equity in health by balancing health needs between the underserved and those who have access. This has been achieved through partner shipping with the government of Liberia through the National Community Health Assistant program (NCHAP). Emmanuel has been developing the minds of the CHSS, who later provide mentorship for CHAs in remote communities of Liberia to work with their communities in providing quality health services at the peripheral. The goal of Emmanuel is to save life everywhere and everyday, with the mindset that since illness is universal health access should also be.
Emmanuel Saye Miller was born in LAMCO, Yekepa, Nimba County. He is a registered nurse (RN), with an Associate degree from The Stella Maris Polythenic 2006. Emmanuel presently works as a quality assurance officer with Last Mile Health in Grand Bassa County along with the county health team. He supervises community health services supervisors (CHSS) who also cascade supervisory technique to community health assistants (CHA) in the remote communities of Liberia. Emmanuel’s main advocacy is bringing equity in health by balancing health needs between the underserved and those who have access. This has been achieved through partner shipping with the government of Liberia through the National Community Health Assistant program (NCHAP). Emmanuel has been developing the minds of the CHSS, who later provide mentorship for CHAs in remote communities of Liberia to work with their communities in providing quality health services at the peripheral. The goal of Emmanuel is to save life everywhere and everyday, with the mindset that since illness is universal health access should also be.
Esperanza C. Sanchez was born in Peru. Her mother is a South American Native, Quechua speaking and her late father was a mestizo. She grew up seeing the disparity between the natives and non natives in Peru. She was exposed to the needs of the community by her mother who was a nurse in Lima, Peru. Since little, she wanted to become a doctor to take care of her people. During the terrorism in Peru, her entire family left Peru and moved to the USA in search of the American dream. Esperanza went to Passaic Community College in Paterson NJ initially where she learned English and started taking college classes. Later, she transferred to Rutgers University where she major in Biology and Biochemistry. Her dream of becoming a doctor became a reality when she was accepted to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1996. She graduated medical school in May 2000 and started an Emergency Medicine Residency in New York Medical College Metropolitan Hospital in 2000. After finishing residency, she thought about the ideal work place, where she could practice medicine and serve a community in need. Esperanza had done an elective in IHS in her 4th year of medical school in Chinle, AZ and that experience created her desire to someday work with IHS. In August 11th 2003, she started her job at Gallup Indian Medical Center and has been there since then. She enjoys her family, hiking, camping and traveling. She is excited to embark on this journey.
Esperanza C. Sanchez was born in Peru. Her mother is a South American Native, Quechua speaking and her late father was a mestizo. She grew up seeing the disparity between the natives and non natives in Peru. She was exposed to the needs of the community by her mother who was a nurse in Lima, Peru. Since little, she wanted to become a doctor to take care of her people. During the terrorism in Peru, her entire family left Peru and moved to the USA in search of the American dream. Esperanza went to Passaic Community College in Paterson NJ initially where she learned English and started taking college classes. Later, she transferred to Rutgers University where she major in Biology and Biochemistry. Her dream of becoming a doctor became a reality when she was accepted to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1996. She graduated medical school in May 2000 and started an Emergency Medicine Residency in New York Medical College Metropolitan Hospital in 2000. After finishing residency, she thought about the ideal work place, where she could practice medicine and serve a community in need. Esperanza had done an elective in IHS in her 4th year of medical school in Chinle, AZ and that experience created her desire to someday work with IHS. In August 11th 2003, she started her job at Gallup Indian Medical Center and has been there since then. She enjoys her family, hiking, camping and traveling. She is excited to embark on this journey.
Kaylah Ibidapo is originally from Atlanta, GA. She received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2018 and continued on to complete her community general Pediatrics residency at Morehouse School of Medicine where she trained at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta while focusing her continuity clinic care in underserved clinics, primarily those focused on African American healthcare, in the metro Atlanta area. While obtaining her undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University, she became a MHIRT (Minority Health International Research Training) Scholar which is an NIH funded grant for undergraduate students interested in pursuing global health field specialties. As such, she spent three months in Khon Kaen, Thailand where she developed an adolescent sexual health curriculum for teachers, parents, and teenagers in a nearby village with the intention of using prevention and education to decrease rising STD rates amongst adolescents in this village. Her interest in pursuing a career that incorporated global health continued from there. Kaylah loves all things outdoors, creating music playlists on Spotify, hiking, running outdoors, learning about pop culture, astrology, reading Black queer feminism poetry, make up artistry and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race religiously.Kaylah Ibidapo is originally from Atlanta, GA. She received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2018 and continued on to complete her community general Pediatrics residency at Morehouse School of Medicine where she trained at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta while focusing her continuity clinic care in underserved clinics, primarily those focused on African American healthcare, in the metro Atlanta area. While obtaining her undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University, she became a MHIRT (Minority Health International Research Training) Scholar which is an NIH funded grant for undergraduate students interested in pursuing global health field specialties. As such, she spent three months in Khon Kaen, Thailand where she developed an adolescent sexual health curriculum for teachers, parents, and teenagers in a nearby village with the intention of using prevention and education to decrease rising STD rates amongst adolescents in this village. Her interest in pursuing a career that incorporated global health continued from there. Kaylah loves all things outdoors, creating music playlists on Spotify, hiking, running outdoors, learning about pop culture, astrology, reading Black queer feminism poetry, make up artistry and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race religiously.
Kelly Bogaert grew up in the mountains of Colorado. As an undergraduate at Dartmouth College, she studied International and Environmental Studies, which both piqued her initial interest in medicine. After college, she lived in Malawi, working on research related to severe acute malnutrition, and completed a Post-Bac program at UVM. She attended the University of Washington in Seattle for medical school, where she fell in love with women’s health while working on a project to improve evidence-based and respectful maternity care in Kenya. She completed her training in OB/GYN at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Caring for underserved women in Harlem and Queens has strengthened her desire to continue to work to create equitable healthcare for women worldwide. Outside the hospital, Kelly enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, and baking cakes. She is immensely excited to be joining the HEAL community!Kelly Bogaert grew up in the mountains of Colorado. As an undergraduate at Dartmouth College, she studied International and Environmental Studies, which both piqued her initial interest in medicine. After college, she lived in Malawi, working on research related to severe acute malnutrition, and completed a Post-Bac program at UVM. She attended the University of Washington in Seattle for medical school, where she fell in love with women’s health while working on a project to improve evidence-based and respectful maternity care in Kenya. She completed her training in OB/GYN at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Caring for underserved women in Harlem and Queens has strengthened her desire to continue to work to create equitable healthcare for women worldwide. Outside the hospital, Kelly enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, and baking cakes. She is immensely excited to be joining the HEAL community!
Kristin Nguyen is originally from the Washington, D.C. area. Her parents immigrated from Vietnam during the war. Their refugee stories ignited Kristin’s interest in helping underserved populations globally. She became involved in the Amnesty International chapters at her high school and college at the University of Central Florida. She debated becoming a human rights lawyer, but ultimately decided to major in Molecular and Microbiology and attend medical school at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. While there, she was fortunate to have opportunities to do global health work, including two volunteer experiences in the Dominican Republic and one in Bolivia. She moved to San Francisco for psychiatry residency at UCSF. In addition to global mental health, she is particularly interested in cultural psychiatry, women’s mental health, and therapy. She enjoys playing tennis, getting lost in a book, and spending time with her cat, Halpert.Kristin Nguyen is originally from the Washington, D.C. area. Her parents immigrated from Vietnam during the war. Their refugee stories ignited Kristin’s interest in helping underserved populations globally. She became involved in the Amnesty International chapters at her high school and college at the University of Central Florida. She debated becoming a human rights lawyer, but ultimately decided to major in Molecular and Microbiology and attend medical school at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. While there, she was fortunate to have opportunities to do global health work, including two volunteer experiences in the Dominican Republic and one in Bolivia. She moved to San Francisco for psychiatry residency at UCSF. In addition to global mental health, she is particularly interested in cultural psychiatry, women’s mental health, and therapy. She enjoys playing tennis, getting lost in a book, and spending time with her cat, Halpert.
Pamela Etsitty is originally from Narrow Canyon, Arizona. She is of the Nat’oh Dine’e Tachii’nii (Tobacco/Red running into the water) clan and born for the Tl’izi lani (Many goats) clan. The Bit’ahniis (Within his cover) are her maternal grandfathers, and Todich’ii’niis (Bitter water) are her paternal grandfather clan. Pamela received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion emphasis on Community Education from Northern Arizona University of Arizona. Pamela works for Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare facility in Clinical and Community Nutrition for 13 years. She is committed to the development and strengthening of networks that support good health from new born to elders on the Navajo Nation reservation. She currently works as a lactation counselor, supporting baby-friendly at her worksite. Gardening and health coaching have been part of her work efforts. Pamela’s interests include hiking, running, renovations, basket weaving, photography, sewing and cooking. Pamela lives in Many Farms, Arizona with her husband and two kids, two cats and their dog, Peanut.
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Pamela Etsitty is originally from Narrow Canyon, Arizona. She is of the Nat’oh Dine’e Tachii’nii (Tobacco/Red running into the water) clan and born for the Tl’izi lani (Many goats) clan. The Bit’ahniis (Within his cover) are her maternal grandfathers, and Todich’ii’niis (Bitter water) are her paternal grandfather clan. Pamela received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion emphasis on Community Education from Northern Arizona University of Arizona. Pamela works for Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare facility in Clinical and Community Nutrition for 13 years. She is committed to the development and strengthening of networks that support good health from new born to elders on the Navajo Nation reservation. She currently works as a lactation counselor, supporting baby-friendly at her worksite. Gardening and health coaching have been part of her work efforts. Pamela’s interests include hiking, running, renovations, basket weaving, photography, sewing and cooking. Pamela lives in Many Farms, Arizona with her husband and two kids, two cats and their dog, Peanut.
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Shaniya Wood is a 25 year old Navajo, mother to Mason age 6 and Carter age 2. Shaniya and her family live in Naschitti, New Mexico. Shaniya currently works at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital in Gallup, New Mexico at the specialty clinic as a Lead Medical Assistant. Shaniya finished school 2014 then went on to becoming a Medical Assistant in 2017. Shaniya has worked Oncology, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics before recently transferring into Urology, OB-GYN and General Surgery. Shaniya is very dedicated to her family, work and community. March of 2020 when the Coronavirus hit New Mexico Shaniya and her provider Dr. Caleb Lauber were sent to the local hotels in the Gallup community to care for over a total of 5,000 patients. Outside of spending most of her time at work Shaniya enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Shaniya is the oldest of 6 children, Shaniya has 3 younger brothers and 2 younger sisters. Shaniya and her family participate in traditional ceremonies and have traveled to over 30 states to do so. Shaniya also participates in powwow dancing, Shaniya is a jingle dress dancer and has been dancing for almost 20 years. When Shaniya has the time she keeps busy by beading or sewing for family and friends. Shaniya is very passionate about what she does and she wishes to continue to help anyone she can.
Shaniya Wood is a 25 year old Navajo, mother to Mason age 6 and Carter age 2. Shaniya and her family live in Naschitti, New Mexico. Shaniya currently works at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital in Gallup, New Mexico at the specialty clinic as a Lead Medical Assistant. Shaniya finished school 2014 then went on to becoming a Medical Assistant in 2017. Shaniya has worked Oncology, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics before recently transferring into Urology, OB-GYN and General Surgery. Shaniya is very dedicated to her family, work and community. March of 2020 when the Coronavirus hit New Mexico Shaniya and her provider Dr. Caleb Lauber were sent to the local hotels in the Gallup community to care for over a total of 5,000 patients. Outside of spending most of her time at work Shaniya enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Shaniya is the oldest of 6 children, Shaniya has 3 younger brothers and 2 younger sisters. Shaniya and her family participate in traditional ceremonies and have traveled to over 30 states to do so. Shaniya also participates in powwow dancing, Shaniya is a jingle dress dancer and has been dancing for almost 20 years. When Shaniya has the time she keeps busy by beading or sewing for family and friends. Shaniya is very passionate about what she does and she wishes to continue to help anyone she can.
Youssouf Keita was born and raised in Bamako, the capital of Mali. He obtained his Doctorate in Medicine degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology in Mali in 2011. He started working the same year as a Research Assistant at the Center of Expertise and Research in Telemedicine. From 2014 to the present day, he has worked for the NGO Muso where he has occupied various positions including community health worker (CHW) Manager, Training Director and, since 2017, Innovation and Training Director. He has also been involved in a lot of operational research and in responding to Muso’s strategic questions. In his spare time, he enjoys taking care of animals (including a horse, sheep, ducks and turkeys) and watching movies. He is a fellow at Muso in Mali.
Youssouf Keita was born and raised in Bamako, the capital of Mali. He obtained his Doctorate in Medicine degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology in Mali in 2011. He started working the same year as a Research Assistant at the Center of Expertise and Research in Telemedicine. From 2014 to the present day, he has worked for the NGO Muso where he has occupied various positions including community health worker (CHW) Manager, Training Director and, since 2017, Innovation and Training Director. He has also been involved in a lot of operational research and in responding to Muso’s strategic questions. In his spare time, he enjoys taking care of animals (including a horse, sheep, ducks and turkeys) and watching movies. He is a fellow at Muso in Mali.
Zac Tabb grew up in the Bay Area, CA and after college left the state for the first time to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda. Inspired by his work with community health workers, he decided to pursue a career in medicine, determined to return to work in resource-restricted settings for his career. He took a year off from medical school in Rhode Island to work as a Fogarty Global Health Fellow in Tanzania during which he focused on adolescents living with HIV and their mental health. He completed training in a Global Child Health Residency pediatrics program in Texas and now is excited to learn from and work alongside communities in New Mexico and Liberia. His guiding principles hinge on health equity and accompaniment making the HEAL Fellowship an ideal fit for his praxis and philosophy. In his free time, he longs to be outdoors, loves writing, and seeks out learning about traditional board games of the communities where he’s worked and lived.Zac Tabb grew up in the Bay Area, CA and after college left the state for the first time to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda. Inspired by his work with community health workers, he decided to pursue a career in medicine, determined to return to work in resource-restricted settings for his career. He took a year off from medical school in Rhode Island to work as a Fogarty Global Health Fellow in Tanzania during which he focused on adolescents living with HIV and their mental health. He completed training in a Global Child Health Residency pediatrics program in Texas and now is excited to learn from and work alongside communities in New Mexico and Liberia. His guiding principles hinge on health equity and accompaniment making the HEAL Fellowship an ideal fit for his praxis and philosophy. In his free time, he longs to be outdoors, loves writing, and seeks out learning about traditional board games of the communities where he’s worked and lived.
Zena Salim completed her internal medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and attended medical school at Michigan State University. She is originally from Kenya but grew up across many states including Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, and California. Her personal experience with her family members in Kenya along with refugee camps she volunteered with stimulated a passion in global medicine. She’s excited to be a part of the HEAL community and to dedicate her career to learning and focusing on low resource healthcare settings. In her free time, she can be found eating ice cream, traveling, or spending time with family.Zena Salim completed her internal medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and attended medical school at Michigan State University. She is originally from Kenya but grew up across many states including Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, and California. Her personal experience with her family members in Kenya along with refugee camps she volunteered with stimulated a passion in global medicine. She’s excited to be a part of the HEAL community and to dedicate her career to learning and focusing on low resource healthcare settings. In her free time, she can be found eating ice cream, traveling, or spending time with family.Tell Us About Yourself
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