OUR TEAM
Core Staff
Raised on the Navajo reservation, Adriann Begay is Tábaahi (Edge of the Water clan) and born for Bít’ahnii (Folded Arms People clan). Her maternal grandparents are Ta’néészahnii (Badlands People clan) and paternal grandparents are Tl’aashchí’í (Red Cheek People clan). While raising three children, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona; and received a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. Adriann worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years initially at Salt River Clinic under Phoenix Indian Medical Center for 4 years as a primary care provider. Then at Gallup Indian Medical Center as an urgent care physician and administrator for 17 years. Her career is dedicated to elevating healthcare for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN). Increasing the pipeline of AI/AN students who can come home and care for their people is a major part of her dedication. Adriann’s greatest accomplishments are being a mother of three, being a grandmother to nine beautiful grandchildren, being a daughter to a strong Navajo woman who she can now care for, being a wife to a caring artistic husband, and always being a source of support for family, colleagues, friends and anyone who needs even a hug or pat on the back.
Dr. Begay joined HEAL in 2021 as a Senior Officer and leads HEAL’s Strategic Plan goals of 1) expanding to additional domestic sites in addition to Navajo Nation, 2) designing and building a pathway for Native American health workers to transform as they work with the underserved both in Navajo Nation and nationally 3) advocating for policy and programs on behalf of Native American health care equity, and 4) serving as a mentor to fellows based in Navajo Nation.
Raised on the Navajo reservation, Adriann Begay is Tábaahi (Edge of the Water clan) and born for Bít’ahnii (Folded Arms People clan). Her maternal grandparents are Ta’néészahnii (Badlands People clan) and paternal grandparents are Tl’aashchí’í (Red Cheek People clan). While raising three children, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona; and received a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. Adriann worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years initially at Salt River Clinic under Phoenix Indian Medical Center for 4 years as a primary care provider. Then at Gallup Indian Medical Center as an urgent care physician and administrator for 17 years. Her career is dedicated to elevating healthcare for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN). Increasing the pipeline of AI/AN students who can come home and care for their people is a major part of her dedication. Adriann’s greatest accomplishments are being a mother of three, being a grandmother to nine beautiful grandchildren, being a daughter to a strong Navajo woman who she can now care for, being a wife to a caring artistic husband, and always being a source of support for family, colleagues, friends and anyone who needs even a hug or pat on the back.
Dr. Begay joined HEAL in 2021 as a Senior Officer and leads HEAL’s Strategic Plan goals of 1) expanding to additional domestic sites in addition to Navajo Nation, 2) designing and building a pathway for Native American health workers to transform as they work with the underserved both in Navajo Nation and nationally 3) advocating for policy and programs on behalf of Native American health care equity, and 4) serving as a mentor to fellows based in Navajo Nation.
Anthony Morin specializes in international relations, strengthening operational procedures and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining the HEAL Initiative at UCSF, Anthony supported Bay Area and international start-ups during the pandemic, through global trade strategies and international programs, effectively boosting economic development as Senior Manager of Operations at GlobalSF.
As a French and Spanish speaking-Latinx person, they are committed to championing inclusion, diversity and cultural appreciation. Their professional experiences have taken them around the world, where they have developed cultural exchanges, and relationships with an array of diplomatic and community leaders, as well as corporations and nonprofit organizations. In addition, Anthony has acted as a liaison between the City and County of San Francisco and the international community, where he welcomed Heads-of-State, and international delegations, while serving the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Protocol.
Anthony is looking forward to supporting the mission and organization of HEAL, and making an impact on some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. In their spare time Anthony helps create change in local queer communities through grants made by their Giving Circle to nonprofits that support immigration services, mental health resources, youth leadership development and the arts.
Anthony is a proud graduate of San Francisco State University and attended the Institut Catholique de Paris, while living abroad.
Anthony Morin specializes in international relations, strengthening operational procedures and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining the HEAL Initiative at UCSF, Anthony supported Bay Area and international start-ups during the pandemic, through global trade strategies and international programs, effectively boosting economic development as Senior Manager of Operations at GlobalSF.
As a French and Spanish speaking-Latinx person, they are committed to championing inclusion, diversity and cultural appreciation. Their professional experiences have taken them around the world, where they have developed cultural exchanges, and relationships with an array of diplomatic and community leaders, as well as corporations and nonprofit organizations. In addition, Anthony has acted as a liaison between the City and County of San Francisco and the international community, where he welcomed Heads-of-State, and international delegations, while serving the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Protocol.
Anthony is looking forward to supporting the mission and organization of HEAL, and making an impact on some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. In their spare time Anthony helps create change in local queer communities through grants made by their Giving Circle to nonprofits that support immigration services, mental health resources, youth leadership development and the arts.
Anthony is a proud graduate of San Francisco State University and attended the Institut Catholique de Paris, while living abroad.
Averie Lico (she/her) joins HEAL with a deep commitment to social justice, infectious disease prevention, and community-centered public health. Prior to joining HEAL, she served as a CDC Public Health Advisor at the local level, working with the health departments in Monterey County and Alameda County. During this time, she gained hands-on experience in project and grant management, HIV prevention, syphilis case management, and emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work in the Salinas Valley and the East Bay deepened her understanding of what it means to advance health equity in practice. Averie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is excited to bring her skills, values, and love for California to the HEAL initiative and contribute to its growing impact across the state.
Averie Lico (she/her) joins HEAL with a deep commitment to social justice, infectious disease prevention, and community-centered public health. Prior to joining HEAL, she served as a CDC Public Health Advisor at the local level, working with the health departments in Monterey County and Alameda County. During this time, she gained hands-on experience in project and grant management, HIV prevention, syphilis case management, and emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work in the Salinas Valley and the East Bay deepened her understanding of what it means to advance health equity in practice. Averie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is excited to bring her skills, values, and love for California to the HEAL initiative and contribute to its growing impact across the state.
Aylin Ulku, MD, PhD is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine at UCSF. After completing her Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, she continued as Chief Resident in the Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency at Waterbury/Yale-New Haven Hospitals. In 2010, she began work in Kigali, Rwanda, as an Assistant Clinical Professor for Yale School of Medicine, to assist in medical education capacity building within the National University of Rwanda (NUR) School of Medicine. Her work included direct teaching and clinical care supervising Rwandese medical students and residents in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics as well as collaboration with NUR and the Rwanda Ministry of Health in revising undergraduate and graduate curricula and training programs. Her clinical and research interests focus on global health education and training in non- communicable diseases in limited-resource settings.
Aylin Ulku, MD, PhD is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine at UCSF. After completing her Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, she continued as Chief Resident in the Primary Care Internal Medicine Residency at Waterbury/Yale-New Haven Hospitals. In 2010, she began work in Kigali, Rwanda, as an Assistant Clinical Professor for Yale School of Medicine, to assist in medical education capacity building within the National University of Rwanda (NUR) School of Medicine. Her work included direct teaching and clinical care supervising Rwandese medical students and residents in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics as well as collaboration with NUR and the Rwanda Ministry of Health in revising undergraduate and graduate curricula and training programs. Her clinical and research interests focus on global health education and training in non- communicable diseases in limited-resource settings.
Binu earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from Saint Louis University. She began her career at a trauma-informed care training start-up in St. Louis, where she developed the organization’s evaluation infrastructure. She then served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer and Sexual Health Educator to provide access to HIV/STI testing and counseling and inclusive safe sex education for unhoused, LGBTQ+, young people in Chicago. Prior to joining Heal, she was a Public Health Administrator at the Chicago Department of Public Health. Binu is passionate about building efficient systems and processes to best serve marginalized communities and is thrilled to join HEAL as a Program Associate.
Binu earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from Saint Louis University. She began her career at a trauma-informed care training start-up in St. Louis, where she developed the organization’s evaluation infrastructure. She then served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer and Sexual Health Educator to provide access to HIV/STI testing and counseling and inclusive safe sex education for unhoused, LGBTQ+, young people in Chicago. Prior to joining Heal, she was a Public Health Administrator at the Chicago Department of Public Health. Binu is passionate about building efficient systems and processes to best serve marginalized communities and is thrilled to join HEAL as a Program Associate.
Desiree Carmen is a family medicine physician and faculty member at UCSF and the HEAL Initiative. Desiree proudly claims the Texas-Mexico Frontera as her home, which continues to inspire her career in healthcare equity. After completing medical school at Texas Tech, El Paso, she attended the Sutter Family Medicine Residency program in Santa Rosa. During that time, she served as Chief Resident in diversity and equity initiatives. She then completed a Global Health Fellowship through Contra Costa Family Medicine, supporting the education of medical students in Neno, Malawi, in partnership with Partners In Health. Additionally, she worked with the Refugee Health Alliance in Tijuana to provide primary care to asylum seekers. She continues to provide full-spectrum care as an attending, splitting her time as a hospitalist at UCSF and practicing obstetrics in Oakland and Fresno. Her passions include refugee and migrant advocacy, reproductive healthcare, and health policy. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring new San Francisco neighborhoods with her partner.
Desiree Carmen is a family medicine physician and faculty member at UCSF and the HEAL Initiative. Desiree proudly claims the Texas-Mexico Frontera as her home, which continues to inspire her career in healthcare equity. After completing medical school at Texas Tech, El Paso, she attended the Sutter Family Medicine Residency program in Santa Rosa. During that time, she served as Chief Resident in diversity and equity initiatives. She then completed a Global Health Fellowship through Contra Costa Family Medicine, supporting the education of medical students in Neno, Malawi, in partnership with Partners In Health. Additionally, she worked with the Refugee Health Alliance in Tijuana to provide primary care to asylum seekers. She continues to provide full-spectrum care as an attending, splitting her time as a hospitalist at UCSF and practicing obstetrics in Oakland and Fresno. Her passions include refugee and migrant advocacy, reproductive healthcare, and health policy. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring new San Francisco neighborhoods with her partner.
Joseph Scarpelli is the Program Director for the HEAL Initiative. He completed his degree in Global Health with a focus on management from the Boston University School of Public Health. Joseph did his undergraduate studies in English and Peace and Conflict Studies at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He has worked on global health issues with Management Sciences for Health in Uganda as well as the University of the Philippines and the World Health Organization in the Philippines. Joseph’s most recent position was managing innovations projects for One Acre Fund in Kenya.
Joseph Scarpelli is the Program Director for the HEAL Initiative. He completed his degree in Global Health with a focus on management from the Boston University School of Public Health. Joseph did his undergraduate studies in English and Peace and Conflict Studies at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He has worked on global health issues with Management Sciences for Health in Uganda as well as the University of the Philippines and the World Health Organization in the Philippines. Joseph’s most recent position was managing innovations projects for One Acre Fund in Kenya.
Kialani Mackey specializes in driving change through strategic communications and value-aligned partnerships. Before joining the HEAL Initiative at UCSF, Kialani drove digital communications strategies to protect land in the Bay Area, bring the US to zero emissions and shift the juvenile justice system to champion accountability and healing.
With a degree in Biology and Public Health from Occidental College, Kialani is looking forward to bringing together her experience in strategic communication and education to support global health equity. Every day, Kia looks forward to supporting the mission and vision of HEAL to make lasting change in historically resource-denied communities through storytelling and building the HEAL community.
Kialani Mackey specializes in driving change through strategic communications and value-aligned partnerships. Before joining the HEAL Initiative at UCSF, Kialani drove digital communications strategies to protect land in the Bay Area, bring the US to zero emissions and shift the juvenile justice system to champion accountability and healing.
With a degree in Biology and Public Health from Occidental College, Kialani is looking forward to bringing together her experience in strategic communication and education to support global health equity. Every day, Kia looks forward to supporting the mission and vision of HEAL to make lasting change in historically resource-denied communities through storytelling and building the HEAL community.
Margaret is joining the HEAL team as a Program Associate for the Southwest Leadership Cohort. She began work in public health with the Peace Corps in Dagui, Guinea where she partnered on childhood nutrition and farming projects. She then worked as a health systems coordinator on the Rosebud Nation with AmeriCorps where she helped design a curriculum for medical providers on settler colonialism as a structural determinant of health and worked on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy programming. She earned a degree in Global Studies at Pacific Lutheran University and completed two and a half years of medical school at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine who has supported a leave of absence for this role with HEAL. She is thrilled to join the community based in Gallup, New Mexico and continue to learn how to advance health equity in resource-denied communities.
Margaret is joining the HEAL team as a Program Associate for the Southwest Leadership Cohort. She began work in public health with the Peace Corps in Dagui, Guinea where she partnered on childhood nutrition and farming projects. She then worked as a health systems coordinator on the Rosebud Nation with AmeriCorps where she helped design a curriculum for medical providers on settler colonialism as a structural determinant of health and worked on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy programming. She earned a degree in Global Studies at Pacific Lutheran University and completed two and a half years of medical school at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine who has supported a leave of absence for this role with HEAL. She is thrilled to join the community based in Gallup, New Mexico and continue to learn how to advance health equity in resource-denied communities.
Meg earned her degree in Global Health Systems and Development at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She began her work in global health in rural Zambia, working in collaboration with community health workers and partners to implement health and economic initiatives. Since then she’s served as a community health worker in Seattle, WA, and most recently as a Regional Prevention Coordinator, partnering with communities in New Orleans, LA to improve access to comprehensive HIV/STI services. She is passionate about ensuring equal access to quality health services for underserved communities and working with communities to address inequities through advocacy and collaboration.
Meg earned her degree in Global Health Systems and Development at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She began her work in global health in rural Zambia, working in collaboration with community health workers and partners to implement health and economic initiatives. Since then she’s served as a community health worker in Seattle, WA, and most recently as a Regional Prevention Coordinator, partnering with communities in New Orleans, LA to improve access to comprehensive HIV/STI services. She is passionate about ensuring equal access to quality health services for underserved communities and working with communities to address inequities through advocacy and collaboration.
Phuoc V. Le, MD, MPH, DTM&H is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at UCSF, and Assistant Professor of Public Health at UC Berkeley. Dr. Le completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Global Health Equity at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. During residency, he worked with PIH to provide equitable health care in Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, and post-earthquake Haiti. With Dr. Sriram Shamasunder, he co-founded the nation’s first Global Health-Hospital Medicine Fellowship, and co-founded the HEAL Initiative in 2014.
Phuoc V. Le, MD, MPH, DTM&H is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at UCSF, and Assistant Professor of Public Health at UC Berkeley. Dr. Le completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Global Health Equity at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. During residency, he worked with PIH to provide equitable health care in Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, and post-earthquake Haiti. With Dr. Sriram Shamasunder, he co-founded the nation’s first Global Health-Hospital Medicine Fellowship, and co-founded the HEAL Initiative in 2014.
Rachael brings a strong background in operations, finance, and organizational management, with expertise in building systems, infrastructure, and strategic processes that allow organizations to thrive. With a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Administration and Inter-Professional Leadership from UCSF, she has worked across financial management, operational strategy, and organizational development, ensuring that teams have the structure and resources needed to drive impact. She is passionate about developing long-term strategies that sustain growth, maintain mission alignment, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
In her role at HEAL, Rachael oversees finance, operations, and philanthropy, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability and ability to grow while remaining deeply committed to its mission. She plays a key role in financial planning, fundraising efforts, and operational strategy, building the infrastructure needed to support HEAL’s expanding programs. She thrives in cross-functional collaboration, high-level problem-solving, and strategic planning, bringing a practical, solutions-oriented approach to her work. Rachael is deeply committed to mentorship, building strong teams, and fostering innovation.
Rachael brings a strong background in operations, finance, and organizational management, with expertise in building systems, infrastructure, and strategic processes that allow organizations to thrive. With a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Administration and Inter-Professional Leadership from UCSF, she has worked across financial management, operational strategy, and organizational development, ensuring that teams have the structure and resources needed to drive impact. She is passionate about developing long-term strategies that sustain growth, maintain mission alignment, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
In her role at HEAL, Rachael oversees finance, operations, and philanthropy, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability and ability to grow while remaining deeply committed to its mission. She plays a key role in financial planning, fundraising efforts, and operational strategy, building the infrastructure needed to support HEAL’s expanding programs. She thrives in cross-functional collaboration, high-level problem-solving, and strategic planning, bringing a practical, solutions-oriented approach to her work. Rachael is deeply committed to mentorship, building strong teams, and fostering innovation.
Robin Goldman was a rotating fellow at UCSF in San Francisco and at Partners in Health affiliated hospital in central Haiti (2014-2016). She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at Amherst College. Prior to going to medical she worked as a research assistant focusing on environmental health projects at Resources for the Future in Washington D.C. and then as a science teacher in Monterrey, Mexico. She attended medical school at the University of Maryland. During medical school, she was selected to be an Albert Schweitzer fellow and was part of a health education project for at-risk teens in Baltimore. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Michigan.
Field of work: Education, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Program Implementation
Areas of interest: Professional Development, Anti-racism Education, Social Medicine Education, Health Systems and Capacity Building
Current Job: Med-Peds Hospitalist at UCSF, SFVA & Washington Hospital, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Mentorship at HEAL Initiative
Robin Goldman was a rotating fellow at UCSF in San Francisco and at Partners in Health affiliated hospital in central Haiti (2014-2016). She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at Amherst College. Prior to going to medical she worked as a research assistant focusing on environmental health projects at Resources for the Future in Washington D.C. and then as a science teacher in Monterrey, Mexico. She attended medical school at the University of Maryland. During medical school, she was selected to be an Albert Schweitzer fellow and was part of a health education project for at-risk teens in Baltimore. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Michigan.
Field of work: Education, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Program Implementation
Areas of interest: Professional Development, Anti-racism Education, Social Medicine Education, Health Systems and Capacity Building
Current Job: Med-Peds Hospitalist at UCSF, SFVA & Washington Hospital, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Mentorship at HEAL Initiative
Robin Tittle works clinically at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where she previously served as the co-director of the residency global health pathway. She completed internal medicine residency at UCSF, after which she was a Global Health Hospital Medicine Fellow in Haiti. Prior to residency training, she was a member of the inaugural class of the UCSF global health masters program, completing her fieldwork project in rural Kenya with Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES). She is a founding member of the UCSF HEAL Initiative and continues to serve as HEAL’s director of curriculum. She is passionate about leveraging social medicine as a tool for achieving global health equity.
Robin Tittle works clinically at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where she previously served as the co-director of the residency global health pathway. She completed internal medicine residency at UCSF, after which she was a Global Health Hospital Medicine Fellow in Haiti. Prior to residency training, she was a member of the inaugural class of the UCSF global health masters program, completing her fieldwork project in rural Kenya with Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES). She is a founding member of the UCSF HEAL Initiative and continues to serve as HEAL’s director of curriculum. She is passionate about leveraging social medicine as a tool for achieving global health equity.
Sangeeta joined the HEAL Initiative after more than a decade of work in global health and a deep belief in the possibility of a more just world. She has worked on the rapid acceleration of pediatric HIV treatment and on strategies to scale the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (pMTCT) with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), UNICEF, and the WHO-primarily francophone Africa. She has focused on working with key stakeholders – especially Ministries of Health, partners, and local health workers, to build ever-more responsive and impactful programming at sub-national, national, and global levels. In recent years, she has focused on health system transformation through health worker capacity building, in partnership with Ethiopia’s national CEMONC training program and SPARK Health Africa.
Sangeeta earned her Bachelors in International Development (Brown) and a Masters in Public Policy (Harvard Kennedy School) but has learned the most from working alongside and in support of public sector workers on the African continent. Sangeeta believes deeply in strengthening people, teams, and in innovating systems to transform what is possible in health.
Sangeeta joined the HEAL Initiative after more than a decade of work in global health and a deep belief in the possibility of a more just world. She has worked on the rapid acceleration of pediatric HIV treatment and on strategies to scale the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (pMTCT) with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), UNICEF, and the WHO-primarily francophone Africa. She has focused on working with key stakeholders – especially Ministries of Health, partners, and local health workers, to build ever-more responsive and impactful programming at sub-national, national, and global levels. In recent years, she has focused on health system transformation through health worker capacity building, in partnership with Ethiopia’s national CEMONC training program and SPARK Health Africa.
Sangeeta earned her Bachelors in International Development (Brown) and a Masters in Public Policy (Harvard Kennedy School) but has learned the most from working alongside and in support of public sector workers on the African continent. Sangeeta believes deeply in strengthening people, teams, and in innovating systems to transform what is possible in health.
Sriram Shamasunder, MD, DTM&H is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Harbor UCLA. He has worked extensively in Rwanda, Liberia, Haiti, Burundi, and India. Recently, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship where he studied implementation in resource-poor tribal areas in rural India. In 2010, he was named an Asia 21 fellow as well as the Northern California Young Physician of the Year. He continues to work with Partners in Health (PIH) several months a year.
Sriram Shamasunder, MD, DTM&H is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Harbor UCLA. He has worked extensively in Rwanda, Liberia, Haiti, Burundi, and India. Recently, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship where he studied implementation in resource-poor tribal areas in rural India. In 2010, he was named an Asia 21 fellow as well as the Northern California Young Physician of the Year. He continues to work with Partners in Health (PIH) several months a year.
California Program Team
Moazzum Bajwa, MD, MPH, MSc leads the Inland Empire hub of the California HEAL Program, based at the Riverside University Health System (RUHS/UCR) Family Medicine Residency Program. He is an associate professor of family medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, where he directs the three-year longitudinal integrated clerkship in primary care. He is also president of the Riverside-San Bernardino Chapter of the California Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Bajwa’s commitment to community-oriented primary care is grounded in formative experiences in community health centers in North Carolina and Philadelphia that served working-class and immigrant families. He witnessed the transformative power of community collaboration and accompaniment, guided by family physicians, in promoting the health and brilliance of all people.
He earned degrees in public health from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina and from the College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University. After completing medical school at Ross University on the beautiful island nation of Dominica, Dr. Bajwa completed his residency in family medicine at RUHS/UCR Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Bajwa joined the HEAL team to build innovative pathways for leadership in social medicine across the Inland Empire region of southern California. He believes that through the core pillars of the HEAL curriculum, a coalition of committed leaders can help communities break the cycles of structural violence with solutions rooted in solidarity and shared purpose.
Moazzum Bajwa, MD, MPH, MSc leads the Inland Empire hub of the California HEAL Program, based at the Riverside University Health System (RUHS/UCR) Family Medicine Residency Program. He is an associate professor of family medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, where he directs the three-year longitudinal integrated clerkship in primary care. He is also president of the Riverside-San Bernardino Chapter of the California Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Bajwa’s commitment to community-oriented primary care is grounded in formative experiences in community health centers in North Carolina and Philadelphia that served working-class and immigrant families. He witnessed the transformative power of community collaboration and accompaniment, guided by family physicians, in promoting the health and brilliance of all people.
He earned degrees in public health from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina and from the College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University. After completing medical school at Ross University on the beautiful island nation of Dominica, Dr. Bajwa completed his residency in family medicine at RUHS/UCR Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Bajwa joined the HEAL team to build innovative pathways for leadership in social medicine across the Inland Empire region of southern California. He believes that through the core pillars of the HEAL curriculum, a coalition of committed leaders can help communities break the cycles of structural violence with solutions rooted in solidarity and shared purpose.
Shoaib Khan, MD is the Fresno lead for the California HEAL fellowship. Currently, he is an assistant professor and a core faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine at UCSF Fresno. His training is in Family Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Global and Public Health, and Research. Dr. Khan leads the addiction medicine and family medicine-obstetrics teams. He is also the Director of Research and Scholarly Activity in the department and the Chair of Family Medicine at the Community Regional Medical Center in Downtown Fresno.
Originally from Karachi and carrying out his initial clinical and research training in Pakistan, Dr. Khan developed a deep interest and passion in caring for underserved communities. He moved to the US in 2010 and, after completing residency, joined the HEAL Initiative in 2018 with the Global HEAL Program. This was a transformative program during which he lived and worked in Liberia in West Africa and on the Navajo Reservation in the Four Corners Area. This experience reinvigorated his desire to serve underserved communities, and with that, he came to the Central Valley of California.
Utilizing the fellowship training, Dr. Khan quickly identified several areas that needed immediate attention in Fresno County, and with his colleagues, he was able to develop meaningful initiatives that started to make real change for people across the Central Valley. However, it was immediately clear to him that to sustain the difference they are making in these communities, they needed to grow their team with others who follow HEAL’s mission of practicing leadership while striving for health equity and social justice. That is when he reached out and began the journey to collaborate on developing the California HEAL Program. He is excited to have the first class of four incredibly dedicated individuals who he’s sure will act as the beacon of hope for Fresno communities.
Shoaib Khan, MD is the Fresno lead for the California HEAL fellowship. Currently, he is an assistant professor and a core faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine at UCSF Fresno. His training is in Family Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Global and Public Health, and Research. Dr. Khan leads the addiction medicine and family medicine-obstetrics teams. He is also the Director of Research and Scholarly Activity in the department and the Chair of Family Medicine at the Community Regional Medical Center in Downtown Fresno.
Originally from Karachi and carrying out his initial clinical and research training in Pakistan, Dr. Khan developed a deep interest and passion in caring for underserved communities. He moved to the US in 2010 and, after completing residency, joined the HEAL Initiative in 2018 with the Global HEAL Program. This was a transformative program during which he lived and worked in Liberia in West Africa and on the Navajo Reservation in the Four Corners Area. This experience reinvigorated his desire to serve underserved communities, and with that, he came to the Central Valley of California.
Utilizing the fellowship training, Dr. Khan quickly identified several areas that needed immediate attention in Fresno County, and with his colleagues, he was able to develop meaningful initiatives that started to make real change for people across the Central Valley. However, it was immediately clear to him that to sustain the difference they are making in these communities, they needed to grow their team with others who follow HEAL’s mission of practicing leadership while striving for health equity and social justice. That is when he reached out and began the journey to collaborate on developing the California HEAL Program. He is excited to have the first class of four incredibly dedicated individuals who he’s sure will act as the beacon of hope for Fresno communities.
Natalie Rodriguez, MD, is a Clinical Professor in Family Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. After completing her Family Medicine Residency at Scripps Chula Vista, she returned to UC San Diego for an Underserved Medicine Fellowship. She also returned to the UC San Diego Student-Run Free Clinic Project, where she is now the Associate Director. She has dedicated her career to caring for under-resourced and vulnerable populations throughout San Diego, while teaching and inspiring the next generation of physicians to provide compassionate, humanistic, and equitable care to all patients.
She joined the HEAL family in 2024 and is excited to bring the HEAL pillars to San Diego as the Hub Lead for the California Program.
Natalie Rodriguez, MD, is a Clinical Professor in Family Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. After completing her Family Medicine Residency at Scripps Chula Vista, she returned to UC San Diego for an Underserved Medicine Fellowship. She also returned to the UC San Diego Student-Run Free Clinic Project, where she is now the Associate Director. She has dedicated her career to caring for under-resourced and vulnerable populations throughout San Diego, while teaching and inspiring the next generation of physicians to provide compassionate, humanistic, and equitable care to all patients.
She joined the HEAL family in 2024 and is excited to bring the HEAL pillars to San Diego as the Hub Lead for the California Program.
Global Program Team
Diana is a Nurse and Public Health Professional working for Last Mile Health as a Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Officer in remote Liberia. She is passionate about serving rural, underserved, and minorized communities. She likes to help rural community dwellers by empowering them to take initiative of their health. She ensures quality health services are delivered through the National Community Health Assistants Program by building the capacity of the health facility staff, Community Health Services Supervisor, and Community Health Workers in rural Liberia. Her focus is on strengthening coordination among DHT members representing Last Mile Health at the district level. She has worked in rural Liberia for the past seven years to show that health for all is attainable. She is a 2018-2020 fellow.
Diana loves to watch people’s lives change daily by aiding them in accessing health services and attaining better health outcomes when in need.
Andrea Walker grew up in Southern California and completed her MD at the University of California, Los Angeles where she also graduated from the Ob/Gyn residency program. She completed the HEAL global health fellowship at Gallup Indian Medical Center in Gallup, New Mexico, and at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo in Malawi. After fellowship, she continued to work in Gallup for 4 years. She now works with an FQHC in Chicago, Illinois, where she enjoys kayaking and biking.
Andrea Walker grew up in Southern California and completed her MD at the University of California, Los Angeles where she also graduated from the Ob/Gyn residency program. She completed the HEAL global health fellowship at Gallup Indian Medical Center in Gallup, New Mexico, and at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo in Malawi. After fellowship, she continued to work in Gallup for 4 years. She now works with an FQHC in Chicago, Illinois, where she enjoys kayaking and biking.
Nadra Crawford was a fellow at LifeLong Medical Center in California, Possible in Nepal, and Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in Chinle, Arizona (2017-2019). She was a resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. She was born in Los Angeles, CA, received her bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Waterville, ME, and completed medical school at the Escuela Latino Américana de Medicina in Havana, Cuba. Nadra became interested in healing and bridging the gap between healthcare and her community at an early age. When she was 13, she participated in a “medical mission” in the Caribbean where she witnessed commensurate health inequities. These experiences led to her studying medicine abroad, working in the Amazon with the forgotten indigenous people of Peru, and joining the HEAL Initiative.
Field of work: Family Medicine
Areas of interest: A broad spectrum of interests
Nadra Crawford was a fellow at LifeLong Medical Center in California, Possible in Nepal, and Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in Chinle, Arizona (2017-2019). She was a resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. She was born in Los Angeles, CA, received her bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Waterville, ME, and completed medical school at the Escuela Latino Américana de Medicina in Havana, Cuba. Nadra became interested in healing and bridging the gap between healthcare and her community at an early age. When she was 13, she participated in a “medical mission” in the Caribbean where she witnessed commensurate health inequities. These experiences led to her studying medicine abroad, working in the Amazon with the forgotten indigenous people of Peru, and joining the HEAL Initiative.
Field of work: Family Medicine
Areas of interest: A broad spectrum of interests
Matias Iberico completed his internal medicine residency training at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. He was born in Lima, Peru and moved to Ohio when he was five. While in medical school he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study tuberculosis in Peruvian peri-urban slums and used that research to complete a master’s degree in public health. He is passionate about global health equity and hopes to return to Peru at some point in the future to work in medical education and health systems strengthening (while enjoying some of the world’s greatest cuisine). As a UCSF HEAL Initiative fellow, he will help build health systems that aim to eliminate illness rooted in poverty. Matias is a rotating fellow who will serve at Tséhootsooí Medical Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona and at Muso in Mali.
Matias Iberico completed his internal medicine residency training at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. He was born in Lima, Peru and moved to Ohio when he was five. While in medical school he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study tuberculosis in Peruvian peri-urban slums and used that research to complete a master’s degree in public health. He is passionate about global health equity and hopes to return to Peru at some point in the future to work in medical education and health systems strengthening (while enjoying some of the world’s greatest cuisine). As a UCSF HEAL Initiative fellow, he will help build health systems that aim to eliminate illness rooted in poverty. Matias is a rotating fellow who will serve at Tséhootsooí Medical Center in Fort Defiance, Arizona and at Muso in Mali.
Miranda Williams is originally from the cool waters of the Oregon coast and is an enrolled member of the Siletz Tribe. She has three sons, Sequoyah, Denali and Nakoa and two daughters, Priah and Yanabaa that lived and attended school in the Navajo community. Miranda worked in the Chinle Service Unit, Navajo Area Indian Health Service as a Supervisory Public Health Advisor from 2011 to 2022. She advocated on a local and national level for culturally-tailored diabetes services for the people of Navajo and worked on efforts to transform the care of diabetes.
Over the past year, Miranda returned to Oregon to work for her tribe as the new Executive Health Director at the Siletz Community Health Clinic. She is excited to be home building on existing projects and services to elevate the health and wellness of her tribal community.
Miranda received a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition (focus: Dietetics) from Arizona State University and obtained a Master of Public Health (focus: Management of Health Systems) from the University of Liverpool. Miranda has 19 years of combined experience in public health and clinical care systems, program development, implementation and evaluation to enhance and progress Indian healthcare and services. As a reflection of her systematic program successes, the improvements have blended public health and clinical medicine to effectively meet the needs of American Indian populations.
Miranda’s interests include hiking, camping and spending time with her family and children. Miranda was a 2016-2018 site fellow at Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in Chinle, Arizona
Miranda Williams is originally from the cool waters of the Oregon coast and is an enrolled member of the Siletz Tribe. She has three sons, Sequoyah, Denali and Nakoa and two daughters, Priah and Yanabaa that lived and attended school in the Navajo community. Miranda worked in the Chinle Service Unit, Navajo Area Indian Health Service as a Supervisory Public Health Advisor from 2011 to 2022. She advocated on a local and national level for culturally-tailored diabetes services for the people of Navajo and worked on efforts to transform the care of diabetes.
Over the past year, Miranda returned to Oregon to work for her tribe as the new Executive Health Director at the Siletz Community Health Clinic. She is excited to be home building on existing projects and services to elevate the health and wellness of her tribal community.
Miranda received a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition (focus: Dietetics) from Arizona State University and obtained a Master of Public Health (focus: Management of Health Systems) from the University of Liverpool. Miranda has 19 years of combined experience in public health and clinical care systems, program development, implementation and evaluation to enhance and progress Indian healthcare and services. As a reflection of her systematic program successes, the improvements have blended public health and clinical medicine to effectively meet the needs of American Indian populations.
Miranda’s interests include hiking, camping and spending time with her family and children. Miranda was a 2016-2018 site fellow at Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in Chinle, Arizona
Trisha Schimek, MD pursued a career in medicine to care for underserved populations and address health equity and thus was naturally drawn to a career in Family Medicine and Global Health. She is a former alumni of the first HEAL class and spent her fellowship working on Navajo Nation in Shiprock and with Companeros en Salud in Mexico. After the fellowship she decided to focus on “glocal” work as an attending physician in the Contra Costa County health care system in Martinez, CA. She does direct patient care and also teaches in the Family Medicine Residency program in hopes to teach and prepare more family physicians on how to provide quality care to a diverse patient population. She was born and raised in Minnesota and holds onto the Midwest values of caring for her neighbors. Her educational path has allowed her to live in a variety of places, starting in New Orleans to complete her bachelors and Masters in Public Health in Tropical Medicine at Tulane, next to Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and finally to University of Wisconsin, Madison, to complete her Family Medicine Residency. Her interests outside of medicine include spending time with her husband and daughter, salsa dancing, searching food blogs for fun recipes, and anything that will take her outdoors: hiking, biking, camping, running.
Trisha Schimek, MD pursued a career in medicine to care for underserved populations and address health equity and thus was naturally drawn to a career in Family Medicine and Global Health. She is a former alumni of the first HEAL class and spent her fellowship working on Navajo Nation in Shiprock and with Companeros en Salud in Mexico. After the fellowship she decided to focus on “glocal” work as an attending physician in the Contra Costa County health care system in Martinez, CA. She does direct patient care and also teaches in the Family Medicine Residency program in hopes to teach and prepare more family physicians on how to provide quality care to a diverse patient population. She was born and raised in Minnesota and holds onto the Midwest values of caring for her neighbors. Her educational path has allowed her to live in a variety of places, starting in New Orleans to complete her bachelors and Masters in Public Health in Tropical Medicine at Tulane, next to Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and finally to University of Wisconsin, Madison, to complete her Family Medicine Residency. Her interests outside of medicine include spending time with her husband and daughter, salsa dancing, searching food blogs for fun recipes, and anything that will take her outdoors: hiking, biking, camping, running.
Lena Wong was a rotating fellow who served at Tuba City Regional Health Care in Tuba City, Arizona and at Possible in Nepal (2015-2017). She was born and raised in the wonderland that is New Jersey. She attended Rutgers University as an undergrad where following a few trips overseas to South Africa and China, she saw the inequities in access to medicine and education and decided to go to medical school with an interest in international health. She moved to Philadelphia to attend medical school at Temple University, mostly to watch her beloved Flyers play. She went on to do a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Miami, working mostly in the county hospital. With the diversity in the patient population, ability to work with the underserved and a great exposure to tropical medicine, she travelled south for the first time in her life and found it warm and amazing. She then went onto the HEAL fellowship with a focus on health care systems development, program planning and quality improvement. She stayed in the Navajo Nation following this but then completed a second fellowship in Infectious Disease back in Miami. She will return to the Navajo Nation to continue working on adult and child medicine, as well as infectious disease.
Field of work: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease.
Areas of interest: Public Health, QI, ID, Community Engagement, Community Health Work
Lena Wong was a rotating fellow who served at Tuba City Regional Health Care in Tuba City, Arizona and at Possible in Nepal (2015-2017). She was born and raised in the wonderland that is New Jersey. She attended Rutgers University as an undergrad where following a few trips overseas to South Africa and China, she saw the inequities in access to medicine and education and decided to go to medical school with an interest in international health. She moved to Philadelphia to attend medical school at Temple University, mostly to watch her beloved Flyers play. She went on to do a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Miami, working mostly in the county hospital. With the diversity in the patient population, ability to work with the underserved and a great exposure to tropical medicine, she travelled south for the first time in her life and found it warm and amazing. She then went onto the HEAL fellowship with a focus on health care systems development, program planning and quality improvement. She stayed in the Navajo Nation following this but then completed a second fellowship in Infectious Disease back in Miami. She will return to the Navajo Nation to continue working on adult and child medicine, as well as infectious disease.
Field of work: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease.
Areas of interest: Public Health, QI, ID, Community Engagement, Community Health Work
Robin Goldman, MD, MPH spent time teaching and doing environmental health research prior to deciding to go into medicine. She joined the HEAL team after participating in the Global Health and Hospital Medicine/HEAL Initiative fellowship, during which she worked with Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health in Haiti) at a public hospital in the central plateau region of Haiti where she learned a lot from her patients and Haitian colleagues. After completing her fellowship, she decided to spend sometime in one place and started a combination of jobs as an adult hospitalist at the San Francisco VA, a pediatric hospitalist at a community hospital, supporting the HEAL program around curriculum, mentorship and evaluation and continuing to work on some small projects for Zanmi Lasante focused on capacity building through education and guideline development.
Robin Goldman, MD, MPH spent time teaching and doing environmental health research prior to deciding to go into medicine. She joined the HEAL team after participating in the Global Health and Hospital Medicine/HEAL Initiative fellowship, during which she worked with Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health in Haiti) at a public hospital in the central plateau region of Haiti where she learned a lot from her patients and Haitian colleagues. After completing her fellowship, she decided to spend sometime in one place and started a combination of jobs as an adult hospitalist at the San Francisco VA, a pediatric hospitalist at a community hospital, supporting the HEAL program around curriculum, mentorship and evaluation and continuing to work on some small projects for Zanmi Lasante focused on capacity building through education and guideline development.
Linda Sharp, MD, is an internist at Martin Luther King, Jr Community Hospital in South Los Angeles, where she currently chairs the hospital bioethics committee. At work she tries to provide good quality care and works to build organizational policies and practices that promote health equity and human rights. She has been with Doctors for Global Health for many years, supporting community health work in Mexico, El Salvador and Uganda. Doctors for Global Health tries to practice “liberation medicine”, the conscious, conscientious use of health to promote social justice and human dignity. As U.S. based health activists, they work with People’s Health Movement, the Social Medicine Consortium, and the global Campaign Against Racism. She has been a part of the HEAL global health fellowship for several years, and has been an advisor within the Nepal/Nyaya Health/Possible pod.
Linda Sharp, MD, is an internist at Martin Luther King, Jr Community Hospital in South Los Angeles, where she currently chairs the hospital bioethics committee. At work she tries to provide good quality care and works to build organizational policies and practices that promote health equity and human rights. She has been with Doctors for Global Health for many years, supporting community health work in Mexico, El Salvador and Uganda. Doctors for Global Health tries to practice “liberation medicine”, the conscious, conscientious use of health to promote social justice and human dignity. As U.S. based health activists, they work with People’s Health Movement, the Social Medicine Consortium, and the global Campaign Against Racism. She has been a part of the HEAL global health fellowship for several years, and has been an advisor within the Nepal/Nyaya Health/Possible pod.
Malawi Program Team
Arnold Jumbe was a site fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo in Malawi (2017-2019). He was born in Milepa, Chiradzulu District, Southern Malawi. He graduated from Mzuzu University with a Bachelor of Science in Education (BScEd) as a secondary school teacher, majoring in chemistry and biological sciences. He then taught at Marymount Secondary School and University of Livingstonia. Since he had a passion for Medicine from a young age, and after having observed how badly patients were being treated and deprived of quality health services (especially from rural areas and the vulnerable people), and through his own experience, Arnold decided to change his career and do medicine to be the voice of the voiceless and make an impact on the lives of vulnerable people. He graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Malawi College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, in Blantyre, Malawi and stayed in the Department of Surgery for a year post-internship. He decided to do a career in global health to acquire knowledge and skills of how best to manage avoidable morbidity and mortality in his region as a developing country, as well as learn the organization, financing and management of health care systems in this region. His interests lean towards surgery for general practice, pediatric TB and research. He is currently working as a District Medical Officer for Neno District Health office, a rural District hospital in southern Malawi. He enjoys gardening and social football during his free time.
Field of work: Administration, Family Medicine, Government, Public Health
Areas of interest: Research, Publication
Arnold Jumbe was a site fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo in Malawi (2017-2019). He was born in Milepa, Chiradzulu District, Southern Malawi. He graduated from Mzuzu University with a Bachelor of Science in Education (BScEd) as a secondary school teacher, majoring in chemistry and biological sciences. He then taught at Marymount Secondary School and University of Livingstonia. Since he had a passion for Medicine from a young age, and after having observed how badly patients were being treated and deprived of quality health services (especially from rural areas and the vulnerable people), and through his own experience, Arnold decided to change his career and do medicine to be the voice of the voiceless and make an impact on the lives of vulnerable people. He graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Malawi College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, in Blantyre, Malawi and stayed in the Department of Surgery for a year post-internship. He decided to do a career in global health to acquire knowledge and skills of how best to manage avoidable morbidity and mortality in his region as a developing country, as well as learn the organization, financing and management of health care systems in this region. His interests lean towards surgery for general practice, pediatric TB and research. He is currently working as a District Medical Officer for Neno District Health office, a rural District hospital in southern Malawi. He enjoys gardening and social football during his free time.
Field of work: Administration, Family Medicine, Government, Public Health
Areas of interest: Research, Publication
Lawrence Nazimera is a medical doctor working with Malawi’s Ministry of Health in the remote district of Neno. After graduating in 2011 from the Malawi College of Medicine with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Dr Nazimera did an eighteen month internship at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. In 2013, he was recruited by the Ministry of Health as Neno’s District Health Officer, the highest ranking health official in a district of 150,000 people. In the role of District Health Officer, Dr Nazimera leads, manages, and coordinates all health related programs that take place within the district. This includes supervising the District Health Management Team, managing the district’s health budget, performing clinical and mentorship duties in the inpatient wards, coordinating with several multi-sectoral partners, and spearheading strategic planning for the district. Dr. Nazimera is very passionate and committed to improving the health of the poor and vulnerable population of Neno as well as mentoring and building a strong clinical team in the district. Lawrence was a site fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo in Malawi.
Lawrence Nazimera is a medical doctor working with Malawi’s Ministry of Health in the remote district of Neno. After graduating in 2011 from the Malawi College of Medicine with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Dr Nazimera did an eighteen month internship at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. In 2013, he was recruited by the Ministry of Health as Neno’s District Health Officer, the highest ranking health official in a district of 150,000 people. In the role of District Health Officer, Dr Nazimera leads, manages, and coordinates all health related programs that take place within the district. This includes supervising the District Health Management Team, managing the district’s health budget, performing clinical and mentorship duties in the inpatient wards, coordinating with several multi-sectoral partners, and spearheading strategic planning for the district. Dr. Nazimera is very passionate and committed to improving the health of the poor and vulnerable population of Neno as well as mentoring and building a strong clinical team in the district. Lawrence was a site fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo in Malawi.
Dr. George Dalitso Limwado is a medical doctor working with Partners In Health (PIH) – Malawi, based in rural Neno District. He leads the Medical Education Programme, supporting clinical training, mentorship, and capacity-building for frontline health workers. In addition, he contributes to implementation research focused on antimicrobial stewardship, surgical site infections, and community-driven health innovations.
A Global HEAL Program alumnus, Dr. Limwado, now serves as a mentor within the program, guiding facility teams and district leadership in implementing quality improvement initiatives and health systems strengthening strategies. He has a deep commitment to advancing equitable and data-driven health interventions in under-resourced settings.
Prior to joining PIH, Dr. Limwado served in the Malawi Ministry of Health as a Senior Medical Officer at both Salima District Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, where he led clinical mentorship and spearheaded programs integrating non-communicable disease care and surgical services into district-level health delivery.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative. His professional interests span infection prevention and control, digital health innovations, and health policy and economic evaluation. Outside of work, Dr. Limwado enjoys football, physical fitness, and mentoring early-career health professionals.
Dr. George Dalitso Limwado is a medical doctor working with Partners In Health (PIH) – Malawi, based in rural Neno District. He leads the Medical Education Programme, supporting clinical training, mentorship, and capacity-building for frontline health workers. In addition, he contributes to implementation research focused on antimicrobial stewardship, surgical site infections, and community-driven health innovations.
A Global HEAL Program alumnus, Dr. Limwado, now serves as a mentor within the program, guiding facility teams and district leadership in implementing quality improvement initiatives and health systems strengthening strategies. He has a deep commitment to advancing equitable and data-driven health interventions in under-resourced settings.
Prior to joining PIH, Dr. Limwado served in the Malawi Ministry of Health as a Senior Medical Officer at both Salima District Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, where he led clinical mentorship and spearheaded programs integrating non-communicable disease care and surgical services into district-level health delivery.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences and is an alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative. His professional interests span infection prevention and control, digital health innovations, and health policy and economic evaluation. Outside of work, Dr. Limwado enjoys football, physical fitness, and mentoring early-career health professionals.
Charles Malindi completed primary school education at Ntambanyama Full Primary School then secondary education at Phalombe Secondary School. He studied certificate in Nursing/ Midwifery Technician course at Malamulo College of Health Sciences from 1997 to 2000. After working for few years he went for upgrading at Kamuzu College of Nursing and graduated with Diploma in Registered Nursing / Midwifery in 2009. Furthermore, Charles completed a Bachelors of Science in Public Health (mature entry) at the University of Livingstonia-Laws campus and graduated in 2014. Charles worked in different health facilities and has been taking the following roles; Nurse/ Midwifery care provider, theoretical and clinical teaching of nursing students and nursing management. In December 2015, Charles left Holy Family Mission Hospital after working for 10 years and joined Partners In Health as a Maternal Health Nurse and Project Coordinator at Chifunga Health Centre. He transferred to Dambe Model Health Centre in 2016. Charles joined PIH because of his interest in serving unprivileged rural communities. Charles’ vision is to ensure that people in rural communities are accessing quality, affordable, and acceptable maternal and neonatal health care services. Through the Global HEAL Program, he has a deep understanding of the 4 pillars of HEAL, which has helped him to play advocacy roles at Dambe Health Centre and also lead several Quality Improvement projects.
Charles Malindi completed primary school education at Ntambanyama Full Primary School then secondary education at Phalombe Secondary School. He studied certificate in Nursing/ Midwifery Technician course at Malamulo College of Health Sciences from 1997 to 2000. After working for few years he went for upgrading at Kamuzu College of Nursing and graduated with Diploma in Registered Nursing / Midwifery in 2009. Furthermore, Charles completed a Bachelors of Science in Public Health (mature entry) at the University of Livingstonia-Laws campus and graduated in 2014. Charles worked in different health facilities and has been taking the following roles; Nurse/ Midwifery care provider, theoretical and clinical teaching of nursing students and nursing management. In December 2015, Charles left Holy Family Mission Hospital after working for 10 years and joined Partners In Health as a Maternal Health Nurse and Project Coordinator at Chifunga Health Centre. He transferred to Dambe Model Health Centre in 2016. Charles joined PIH because of his interest in serving unprivileged rural communities. Charles’ vision is to ensure that people in rural communities are accessing quality, affordable, and acceptable maternal and neonatal health care services. Through the Global HEAL Program, he has a deep understanding of the 4 pillars of HEAL, which has helped him to play advocacy roles at Dambe Health Centre and also lead several Quality Improvement projects.
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.
Peter was born and raised in the Eastern province of Rwanda. He has Masters in Public Health and Bachelors of Science in Public Health. He graduated a two-year HEAL fellowship under University of California, San Francisco (Cohort 2020-2022). He attended Community Based Education training at Suez Canal University, Egypt in 2019. Peter has worked for Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) since December 2021. Prior joining CHAI, he worked for Partners In Health (PIH) more than a decade. Currently, he is Senior Associate-Hepatitis Program at CHAI-Rwanda. His primary responsibilities include program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation focusing on Hepatitis C elimination. As an educator, Peter led social medicine and palliative care rotations for medical students under the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Rwanda for more than five years. He also served as joint faculty for a community-based education program at the University of Global Health Equity, and for a Global Social Medicine course took place Uganda and Rwanda three times. Prior to becoming the Director of Social Medicine at PIH, Peter worked as a research department assistant, research teaching assistant and palliative care coordinator in non-communicable diseases at IMB.
Peter was born and raised in the Eastern province of Rwanda. He has Masters in Public Health and Bachelors of Science in Public Health. He graduated a two-year HEAL fellowship under University of California, San Francisco (Cohort 2020-2022). He attended Community Based Education training at Suez Canal University, Egypt in 2019. Peter has worked for Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) since December 2021. Prior joining CHAI, he worked for Partners In Health (PIH) more than a decade. Currently, he is Senior Associate-Hepatitis Program at CHAI-Rwanda. His primary responsibilities include program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation focusing on Hepatitis C elimination. As an educator, Peter led social medicine and palliative care rotations for medical students under the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Rwanda for more than five years. He also served as joint faculty for a community-based education program at the University of Global Health Equity, and for a Global Social Medicine course took place Uganda and Rwanda three times. Prior to becoming the Director of Social Medicine at PIH, Peter worked as a research department assistant, research teaching assistant and palliative care coordinator in non-communicable diseases at IMB.
Enoch Ndarama is a seasoned medical doctor and public health specialist with extensive experience in Malawi’s healthcare sector. Since 2017, he has been an integral part of the Ministry of Health, serving in Neno, a remote rural district, where he has held both clinical and leadership roles. As the Director of Health Services at Neno District Health Office, he plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policy, guiding strategic decision-making, overseeing all health services within the district, and ensuring the effective implementation of national policies. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Enoch remains actively engaged in secondary-level clinical care, demonstrating his commitment to both leadership and hands-on medical practice.
Dr. Enoch holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Malawi, as well as a Master of Science in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the UCSF Global HEAL Initiative – a Global Health program, further enriching his expertise in global health leadership and practice.
Enoch Ndarama is a seasoned medical doctor and public health specialist with extensive experience in Malawi’s healthcare sector. Since 2017, he has been an integral part of the Ministry of Health, serving in Neno, a remote rural district, where he has held both clinical and leadership roles. As the Director of Health Services at Neno District Health Office, he plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policy, guiding strategic decision-making, overseeing all health services within the district, and ensuring the effective implementation of national policies. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Enoch remains actively engaged in secondary-level clinical care, demonstrating his commitment to both leadership and hands-on medical practice.
Dr. Enoch holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Malawi, as well as a Master of Science in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the UCSF Global HEAL Initiative – a Global Health program, further enriching his expertise in global health leadership and practice.
Dr. Emilia Connolly is a pediatrician and public health implementor with a background in clinical and public health education, health equity, and health systems strengthening. She has trained and worked in the United States, Navajo Nation, and Malawi for over 10 years. She has served as the Chief Medical Officer in Neno District, Malawi, working closely with the District Health Leadership Team and local government to support and strengthen the healthcare delivery through community and clinical health and support of mentorship, education, and research. She then transitioned to her current role with a secondment to the Ministry of Health, Malawi Department of Planning and Policy. There, she supports the development of the Health Sector Strategic Plan and is currently working on redesigning health service packages for integration and development of processes for universal healthcare coverage. She has experience redesigning primary health care support to improve quality of care in rural health facilities, integration, maintenance, and expansion of essential health care systems with a focus on maternal-child health.
Dr. Connolly completed her pediatric residency and chief year at Thomas Jefferson University, Global HEAL Program from University of California, San Francisco, her master’s in public health from University of California at Berkeley, a specialization in pediatric hospital medicine and is working towards her doctorate in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine with a focus on neonatal follow up and care. She is currently an associate professor in the Hospital Medicine and Global Health at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and the University of Cincinnati Medical School, in addition to her implementation and policy role.
Dr. Connolly joined the Malawi HEAL Leadership Program as a mentor in 2025 to give back and continue to learn about accompaniment, teamwork, and leadership with like-minded healthcare workers.
Dr. Emilia Connolly is a pediatrician and public health implementor with a background in clinical and public health education, health equity, and health systems strengthening. She has trained and worked in the United States, Navajo Nation, and Malawi for over 10 years. She has served as the Chief Medical Officer in Neno District, Malawi, working closely with the District Health Leadership Team and local government to support and strengthen the healthcare delivery through community and clinical health and support of mentorship, education, and research. She then transitioned to her current role with a secondment to the Ministry of Health, Malawi Department of Planning and Policy. There, she supports the development of the Health Sector Strategic Plan and is currently working on redesigning health service packages for integration and development of processes for universal healthcare coverage. She has experience redesigning primary health care support to improve quality of care in rural health facilities, integration, maintenance, and expansion of essential health care systems with a focus on maternal-child health.
Dr. Connolly completed her pediatric residency and chief year at Thomas Jefferson University, Global HEAL Program from University of California, San Francisco, her master’s in public health from University of California at Berkeley, a specialization in pediatric hospital medicine and is working towards her doctorate in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine with a focus on neonatal follow up and care. She is currently an associate professor in the Hospital Medicine and Global Health at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and the University of Cincinnati Medical School, in addition to her implementation and policy role.
Dr. Connolly joined the Malawi HEAL Leadership Program as a mentor in 2025 to give back and continue to learn about accompaniment, teamwork, and leadership with like-minded healthcare workers.
Medson Boti hails from Neno, Malawi, and has a strong educational foundation, having attended Mphete Primary School in Mwanza and later Mwanza Secondary School. He furthered his studies at Malamulo College of Health Sciences, where he earned a Diploma in Clinical Medicine. Medson then pursued a degree in Palliative Care at Makerere University in Uganda, enhancing his clinical expertise.
Currently, Medson is expanding his knowledge by pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Liverpool. Professionally, he works with Partners In Health as a PEN-Plus Clinical Officer. In this role, he not only provides exceptional patient care but also dedicates time to training, mentorship, and research. Additionally, Medson serves as a facilitator/mentor for the Malawi HEAL program, where he shares his expertise and clinical experience with others.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Medson is a multifaceted individual with a passion for music, poetry, and writing. He also enjoys hiking and appreciating the beauty of nature. Through his work and personal interests, Medson continues to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.
Medson Boti hails from Neno, Malawi, and has a strong educational foundation, having attended Mphete Primary School in Mwanza and later Mwanza Secondary School. He furthered his studies at Malamulo College of Health Sciences, where he earned a Diploma in Clinical Medicine. Medson then pursued a degree in Palliative Care at Makerere University in Uganda, enhancing his clinical expertise.
Currently, Medson is expanding his knowledge by pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of Liverpool. Professionally, he works with Partners In Health as a PEN-Plus Clinical Officer. In this role, he not only provides exceptional patient care but also dedicates time to training, mentorship, and research. Additionally, Medson serves as a facilitator/mentor for the Malawi HEAL program, where he shares his expertise and clinical experience with others.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Medson is a multifaceted individual with a passion for music, poetry, and writing. He also enjoys hiking and appreciating the beauty of nature. Through his work and personal interests, Medson continues to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.
From 2018 to 2024, Juliana worked with Abwenzi Pa Za Umaoyo (Partners in Health, Malawi) as a Community Mobilization and Outreach Officer. In her work, Juliana provided support and education in disease prevention, gender and sexual reproductive health rights, and community health engagement. Juliana will bring her experience to her role at HEAL driving and organizing the Malawi Leadership Program. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education – Language from the University of Malawi and is pursuing a Masters of Education in Policy, Planning, and Leadership. Juliana is excited to join the HEAL community and serve communities in Malawi.
From 2018 to 2024, Juliana worked with Abwenzi Pa Za Umaoyo (Partners in Health, Malawi) as a Community Mobilization and Outreach Officer. In her work, Juliana provided support and education in disease prevention, gender and sexual reproductive health rights, and community health engagement. Juliana will bring her experience to her role at HEAL driving and organizing the Malawi Leadership Program. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education – Language from the University of Malawi and is pursuing a Masters of Education in Policy, Planning, and Leadership. Juliana is excited to join the HEAL community and serve communities in Malawi.
Brown David Khongo is a medical doctor by profession and a UCSF HEAL Global Health Fellow. Brown was born and grew up in Usisya, Nkhatabay District of Northern Malawi. Brown enrolled at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences) where he successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
Brown has since enrolled and completed a few professional development certificate courses with Washington University. These include Leadership and Management in Health, Project Management in Global Health, Policy Development and Advocacy for Global Health, Economic Evaluation in Global Health, and Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health. Brown is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (Health) with the University of London.
Brown is passionate about serving the underprivileged and advocating for social justice and health equity. Brown worked as a volunteer in a rural Community Hospital with Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU). He also got an attachment at PIH/APZU under the NCD BRITE internship. Brown then fully joined PIH/APZU in 2019 as a Medical Officer, where he served for 18 months. Brown has also served at APZU/PIH as Secondary Healthcare Manager, Site Program Lead for Lisungwi Office, and Acting Medical Director.
Currently, Brown is still serving at APZU/PIH as the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and Mental Health Director. He provides strategic oversight over the general administration, leadership, and discipline of the NCD and MH department, focusing on strategic planning and leadership, human capital development and management, strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement, and overall NCD & Mental Health operational management. He is also serving as a HEAL Fellowship program mentor and facilitator, supporting the Malawi HEAL national program in Malawi.
Brown David Khongo is a medical doctor by profession and a UCSF HEAL Global Health Fellow. Brown was born and grew up in Usisya, Nkhatabay District of Northern Malawi. Brown enrolled at the University of Malawi, College of Medicine (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences) where he successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
Brown has since enrolled and completed a few professional development certificate courses with Washington University. These include Leadership and Management in Health, Project Management in Global Health, Policy Development and Advocacy for Global Health, Economic Evaluation in Global Health, and Monitoring and Evaluation in Global Health. Brown is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (Health) with the University of London.
Brown is passionate about serving the underprivileged and advocating for social justice and health equity. Brown worked as a volunteer in a rural Community Hospital with Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU). He also got an attachment at PIH/APZU under the NCD BRITE internship. Brown then fully joined PIH/APZU in 2019 as a Medical Officer, where he served for 18 months. Brown has also served at APZU/PIH as Secondary Healthcare Manager, Site Program Lead for Lisungwi Office, and Acting Medical Director.
Currently, Brown is still serving at APZU/PIH as the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) and Mental Health Director. He provides strategic oversight over the general administration, leadership, and discipline of the NCD and MH department, focusing on strategic planning and leadership, human capital development and management, strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement, and overall NCD & Mental Health operational management. He is also serving as a HEAL Fellowship program mentor and facilitator, supporting the Malawi HEAL national program in Malawi.
George Talama completed his primary school at Naotcha Full Primary School and Chilomoni Catholic Primary School and secondary level education at Henry Henderson Institute. He enrolled at University of Malawi, College of Medicine in 2006 and finished his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in October 2011. He has 9 years’ experience working in resource limited setting mainly supporting primary health care system strengthening. Before joining Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU)/Partners In Health, he worked with Ministry of Health for 5 years as a clinician and later at top management level as director of health in a district with a population of about one million. In November 2016, he left the government and joined Partners in Health (PIH) where he currently works as a Clinical Manager. George joined PIH due to his passion to serve poor people and to gain a better understanding of health equity. George’s vision is to help in alleviating the health disparities that exist between the rich and the poor. He will be finishing his Master of Science in Public Health studies at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine end 2021. George’s areas of interest include research and building monitoring and evaluation systems for health projects. He is a fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umuyo in Malawi.
George Talama completed his primary school at Naotcha Full Primary School and Chilomoni Catholic Primary School and secondary level education at Henry Henderson Institute. He enrolled at University of Malawi, College of Medicine in 2006 and finished his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in October 2011. He has 9 years’ experience working in resource limited setting mainly supporting primary health care system strengthening. Before joining Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU)/Partners In Health, he worked with Ministry of Health for 5 years as a clinician and later at top management level as director of health in a district with a population of about one million. In November 2016, he left the government and joined Partners in Health (PIH) where he currently works as a Clinical Manager. George joined PIH due to his passion to serve poor people and to gain a better understanding of health equity. George’s vision is to help in alleviating the health disparities that exist between the rich and the poor. He will be finishing his Master of Science in Public Health studies at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine end 2021. George’s areas of interest include research and building monitoring and evaluation systems for health projects. He is a fellow at Abwenzi Pa Za Umuyo in Malawi.
Mexico Program Team
Southwest Program Team
Raised on the Navajo reservation, Adriann Begay is Tábaahi (Edge of the Water clan) and born for Bít’ahnii (Folded Arms People clan). Her maternal grandparents are Ta’néészahnii (Badlands People clan) and paternal grandparents are Tl’aashchí’í (Red Cheek People clan). While raising three children, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona; and received a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. Adriann worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years initially at Salt River Clinic under Phoenix Indian Medical Center for 4 years as a primary care provider. Then at Gallup Indian Medical Center as an urgent care physician and administrator for 17 years. Her career is dedicated to elevating healthcare for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN). Increasing the pipeline of AI/AN students who can come home and care for their people is a major part of her dedication. Adriann’s greatest accomplishments are being a mother of three, being a grandmother to nine beautiful grandchildren, being a daughter to a strong Navajo woman who she can now care for, being a wife to a caring artistic husband, and always being a source of support for family, colleagues, friends and anyone who needs even a hug or pat on the back.
Dr. Begay joined HEAL in 2021 as a Senior Officer and leads HEAL’s Strategic Plan goals of 1) expanding to additional domestic sites in addition to Navajo Nation, 2) designing and building a pathway for Native American health workers to transform as they work with the underserved both in Navajo Nation and nationally 3) advocating for policy and programs on behalf of Native American health care equity, and 4) serving as a mentor to fellows based in Navajo Nation.
Raised on the Navajo reservation, Adriann Begay is Tábaahi (Edge of the Water clan) and born for Bít’ahnii (Folded Arms People clan). Her maternal grandparents are Ta’néészahnii (Badlands People clan) and paternal grandparents are Tl’aashchí’í (Red Cheek People clan). While raising three children, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona; and received a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine through the Indians into Medicine program. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Arizona and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. Adriann worked for the Indian Health Service for 21 years initially at Salt River Clinic under Phoenix Indian Medical Center for 4 years as a primary care provider. Then at Gallup Indian Medical Center as an urgent care physician and administrator for 17 years. Her career is dedicated to elevating healthcare for American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN). Increasing the pipeline of AI/AN students who can come home and care for their people is a major part of her dedication. Adriann’s greatest accomplishments are being a mother of three, being a grandmother to nine beautiful grandchildren, being a daughter to a strong Navajo woman who she can now care for, being a wife to a caring artistic husband, and always being a source of support for family, colleagues, friends and anyone who needs even a hug or pat on the back.
Dr. Begay joined HEAL in 2021 as a Senior Officer and leads HEAL’s Strategic Plan goals of 1) expanding to additional domestic sites in addition to Navajo Nation, 2) designing and building a pathway for Native American health workers to transform as they work with the underserved both in Navajo Nation and nationally 3) advocating for policy and programs on behalf of Native American health care equity, and 4) serving as a mentor to fellows based in Navajo Nation.
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.
Cynthia Teller is a bubbly, sweet individual from a small town located on the Navajo Nation known as Ganado, AZ. Here, she graduated from high school as valedictorian, enabling her to become a scholar of Gates Millennium and Chief Manuelito in May of 2016. These scholarships paved the path for her to tackle undergrad debt-free. In November of 2020, Cynthia completed nursing school at Northern Arizona University, located in Flagstaff, AZ, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After passing the NCLEX, she fulfilled her promise by returning home to care for and promote the health of her people. Cynthia served as a Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum nurse for two and a half years before proceeding forward with pediatric case management in Fort Defiance, AZ. In her current role, she is dedicated to teaching her community how to navigate the healthcare system while simultaneously fighting structural barriers to balance the walk of both worlds for better health outcomes.
Being a first-generation college graduate, Cynthia aims to inspire and mentor those who have aspirations to pursue a career in the healthcare field. In June of 2024, Ms. Teller became a mentor for the Southwest HEAL Leadership Program of which she enjoys wholeheartedly. Cynthia joined HEAL as a Global Fellow to collaborate with those who enjoy improving their community with genuine devotion and everlasting love. During her free time, she enjoys: journaling, zumba, creative writing, couponing, exploring cooking recipes, roller skating, and thrift shopping. If you ask her about Bruno Mars or Kali Uchis, she will talk forever. Her formal interest is exploring the effect of prevalent comorbidities and environmental factors on the Navajo Nation to one’s pregnancy, delivery, and early years of life, with the hope of discovering prevention or early intervention methods.
Fun fact: on August 1, 2018, she delivered her nephew, Lucus, during an unexpected home birth. He is now six years old and ready to start second grade!
Cynthia Teller is a bubbly, sweet individual from a small town located on the Navajo Nation known as Ganado, AZ. Here, she graduated from high school as valedictorian, enabling her to become a scholar of Gates Millennium and Chief Manuelito in May of 2016. These scholarships paved the path for her to tackle undergrad debt-free. In November of 2020, Cynthia completed nursing school at Northern Arizona University, located in Flagstaff, AZ, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After passing the NCLEX, she fulfilled her promise by returning home to care for and promote the health of her people. Cynthia served as a Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum nurse for two and a half years before proceeding forward with pediatric case management in Fort Defiance, AZ. In her current role, she is dedicated to teaching her community how to navigate the healthcare system while simultaneously fighting structural barriers to balance the walk of both worlds for better health outcomes.
Being a first-generation college graduate, Cynthia aims to inspire and mentor those who have aspirations to pursue a career in the healthcare field. In June of 2024, Ms. Teller became a mentor for the Southwest HEAL Leadership Program of which she enjoys wholeheartedly. Cynthia joined HEAL as a Global Fellow to collaborate with those who enjoy improving their community with genuine devotion and everlasting love. During her free time, she enjoys: journaling, zumba, creative writing, couponing, exploring cooking recipes, roller skating, and thrift shopping. If you ask her about Bruno Mars or Kali Uchis, she will talk forever. Her formal interest is exploring the effect of prevalent comorbidities and environmental factors on the Navajo Nation to one’s pregnancy, delivery, and early years of life, with the hope of discovering prevention or early intervention methods.
Fun fact: on August 1, 2018, she delivered her nephew, Lucus, during an unexpected home birth. He is now six years old and ready to start second grade!
Margaret is joining the HEAL team as a Program Associate for the Southwest Leadership Cohort. She began work in public health with the Peace Corps in Dagui, Guinea where she partnered on childhood nutrition and farming projects. She then worked as a health systems coordinator on the Rosebud Nation with AmeriCorps where she helped design a curriculum for medical providers on settler colonialism as a structural determinant of health and worked on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy programming. She earned a degree in Global Studies at Pacific Lutheran University and completed two and a half years of medical school at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine who has supported a leave of absence for this role with HEAL. She is thrilled to join the community based in Gallup, New Mexico and continue to learn how to advance health equity in resource-denied communities.
Margaret is joining the HEAL team as a Program Associate for the Southwest Leadership Cohort. She began work in public health with the Peace Corps in Dagui, Guinea where she partnered on childhood nutrition and farming projects. She then worked as a health systems coordinator on the Rosebud Nation with AmeriCorps where she helped design a curriculum for medical providers on settler colonialism as a structural determinant of health and worked on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy programming. She earned a degree in Global Studies at Pacific Lutheran University and completed two and a half years of medical school at Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine who has supported a leave of absence for this role with HEAL. She is thrilled to join the community based in Gallup, New Mexico and continue to learn how to advance health equity in resource-denied communities.
Sheryl Bahe Livingston was born and raised on the Diné reservation, outside of the Gallup, NM city limits. Sheryl is of the Towering House clan, born for the Meadow People. She is licensed as a Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico. Sheryl currently works at Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC). At GIMC, she facilitates SBIRT sessions with patients referred by the Emergency Department. Sheryl received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Gerontology and Healthcare from Northern Arizona University. She has taught special education, early intervention with children from birth to age 5, and has worked with New Mexico State Probation and Parole in providing clinical counseling legally required for clients. She is a proud Global HEAL alumnus from cohort 2017 to 2019. Currently, Sheryl is honored to serve as a mentor for the Southwest HEAL Leadership Program directed by Dr. Adriann Begay. Sheryl shares one of her favorite quotes “Your mental health is everything- prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.” – Mel Robbins.
Sheryl Bahe Livingston was born and raised on the Diné reservation, outside of the Gallup, NM city limits. Sheryl is of the Towering House clan, born for the Meadow People. She is licensed as a Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico. Sheryl currently works at Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC). At GIMC, she facilitates SBIRT sessions with patients referred by the Emergency Department. Sheryl received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Gerontology and Healthcare from Northern Arizona University. She has taught special education, early intervention with children from birth to age 5, and has worked with New Mexico State Probation and Parole in providing clinical counseling legally required for clients. She is a proud Global HEAL alumnus from cohort 2017 to 2019. Currently, Sheryl is honored to serve as a mentor for the Southwest HEAL Leadership Program directed by Dr. Adriann Begay. Sheryl shares one of her favorite quotes “Your mental health is everything- prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.” – Mel Robbins.
Valerie L. Tenequer is a member of the Navajo Nation and is of the Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line clan from Leupp, AZ and born for the Near the Water clan of Chilchinbeto, AZ. She grew up on the Navajo reservation and graduated from Chinle High School in Chinle, AZ, then went onto complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. While working as a Public Health Nurse, Valerie became inspired to continue her formal education in Public Health and completed the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Graduate Certificate Program with the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson, AZ. Currently, Valerie is an Infection Control Nurse at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility and looks forward to strengthening her skill-set in leadership and public health delivery as a HEAL Initiative Site Fellow. Valerie loves spending time with her husband, three sons & family; and enjoys running, hiking, watching movies, listening to music, and reading. Valerie was a fellow at Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in Chinle, Arizona.
Valerie L. Tenequer is a member of the Navajo Nation and is of the Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line clan from Leupp, AZ and born for the Near the Water clan of Chilchinbeto, AZ. She grew up on the Navajo reservation and graduated from Chinle High School in Chinle, AZ, then went onto complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. While working as a Public Health Nurse, Valerie became inspired to continue her formal education in Public Health and completed the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Graduate Certificate Program with the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson, AZ. Currently, Valerie is an Infection Control Nurse at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility and looks forward to strengthening her skill-set in leadership and public health delivery as a HEAL Initiative Site Fellow. Valerie loves spending time with her husband, three sons & family; and enjoys running, hiking, watching movies, listening to music, and reading. Valerie was a fellow at Chinle Comprehensive Healthcare Facility in Chinle, Arizona.
HEAL Advisors
Damon Francis, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Health Leads, a non-profit that envisions a healthcare system that addresses basic needs such as food and housing as a standard part of quality care. His work involves re-imagining and re-designing primary care as a collaborative enterprise among patients, clinics, and community based organizations, and leveraging the potential for integrated health and human services data to accelerate the impact of public health interventions. He previously directed the Health Care for the Homeless program at a local health department in California. He received an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
Damon Francis, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Health Leads, a non-profit that envisions a healthcare system that addresses basic needs such as food and housing as a standard part of quality care. His work involves re-imagining and re-designing primary care as a collaborative enterprise among patients, clinics, and community based organizations, and leveraging the potential for integrated health and human services data to accelerate the impact of public health interventions. He previously directed the Health Care for the Homeless program at a local health department in California. He received an M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
With an ultimate goal of reducing healthcare disparities in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Dr. Lopez’ research addresses issues relating to patient safety and language barriers, optimizing primary care clinical services for Latinos with cultural and linguistic barriers, and using health information technology to decrease disparities. A second line of research is investigating the epidemiology of acculturation among Latinos in the US and its impact on the prevalence and development of cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes. This research will help inform how to better design clinical interventions for improving chronic disease management among Latinos.
Dr. Lopez’s work is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIDDK) and the Harold Amos Faculty Development Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Past funders have included the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Aetna Foundation and the McKesson Foundation.
Currently, Dr. Lopez serves as the Chief of Hospital Medicine at the UCSF – San Francisco VA Medical Center. In addition, he is a faculty member in the following research translational centers: The UCSF Center for the Study of Adversity and Cardiovascular Diseases (NURTURE Center) (http://nurture-center-ucsf-cardiology.org), the Center for Vulnerable Populations (https://cvp.ucsf.edu) and the Kidney Health Research Collaborative (http://khrc.ucsf.edu).
With an ultimate goal of reducing healthcare disparities in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Dr. Lopez’ research addresses issues relating to patient safety and language barriers, optimizing primary care clinical services for Latinos with cultural and linguistic barriers, and using health information technology to decrease disparities. A second line of research is investigating the epidemiology of acculturation among Latinos in the US and its impact on the prevalence and development of cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes. This research will help inform how to better design clinical interventions for improving chronic disease management among Latinos.
Dr. Lopez’s work is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIDDK) and the Harold Amos Faculty Development Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Past funders have included the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Aetna Foundation and the McKesson Foundation.
Currently, Dr. Lopez serves as the Chief of Hospital Medicine at the UCSF – San Francisco VA Medical Center. In addition, he is a faculty member in the following research translational centers: The UCSF Center for the Study of Adversity and Cardiovascular Diseases (NURTURE Center) (http://nurture-center-ucsf-cardiology.org), the Center for Vulnerable Populations (https://cvp.ucsf.edu) and the Kidney Health Research Collaborative (http://khrc.ucsf.edu).
Phuoc V. Le, MD, MPH, DTM&H is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at UCSF, and Assistant Professor of Public Health at UC Berkeley. Dr. Le completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Global Health Equity at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. During residency, he worked with PIH to provide equitable health care in Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, and post-earthquake Haiti. With Dr. Sriram Shamasunder, he co-founded the nation’s first Global Health-Hospital Medicine Fellowship, and co-founded the HEAL Initiative in 2014.
Phuoc V. Le, MD, MPH, DTM&H is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at UCSF, and Assistant Professor of Public Health at UC Berkeley. Dr. Le completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Global Health Equity at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. During residency, he worked with PIH to provide equitable health care in Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, and post-earthquake Haiti. With Dr. Sriram Shamasunder, he co-founded the nation’s first Global Health-Hospital Medicine Fellowship, and co-founded the HEAL Initiative in 2014.
UCSF Faculty Mentors
Bibhav Acharya has extensive experience in developing global health programs. He is the co-founder of Possible (www.possiblehealth.org), a non-profit company that has been operating a health delivery system in rural Nepal since 2008 in partnership with the Nepali Government. The health system employs over 200 staff members and sees over 200 patients a day in Achham, a remote district in Nepal where previously a population of 250,000 people did not have access to a physician. Since 2013, he has been serving as a member of the Board of Advisors for Possible and is focused on developing mental health programs in this area. He conducts implementation science research in mental health services at Possible (http://hsdg.partners.org/team/) and manages a group of US-based volunteer psychiatrists who provide remote assistance to primary care providers in Nepal. He is a co-founder and the Executive Director of Shared Minds, a non-profit organization that provides culturally-appropriate, evidence-based clinical training and supervision for clinicians in Nepal. Bibhav was born and raised in Nepal and completed his M.D. at Yale University School of Medicine.
Bibhav Acharya has extensive experience in developing global health programs. He is the co-founder of Possible (www.possiblehealth.org), a non-profit company that has been operating a health delivery system in rural Nepal since 2008 in partnership with the Nepali Government. The health system employs over 200 staff members and sees over 200 patients a day in Achham, a remote district in Nepal where previously a population of 250,000 people did not have access to a physician. Since 2013, he has been serving as a member of the Board of Advisors for Possible and is focused on developing mental health programs in this area. He conducts implementation science research in mental health services at Possible (http://hsdg.partners.org/team/) and manages a group of US-based volunteer psychiatrists who provide remote assistance to primary care providers in Nepal. He is a co-founder and the Executive Director of Shared Minds, a non-profit organization that provides culturally-appropriate, evidence-based clinical training and supervision for clinicians in Nepal. Bibhav was born and raised in Nepal and completed his M.D. at Yale University School of Medicine.
Doruk Ozgedizis The Associate Professor of Surgery at UCSF, Director of the UCSF Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, and in the leadership team of the Institute for Global Health Sciences. He trained in medicine at UCSF and completed a general surgery residency at UCSF before pursuing a pediatric surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. Dr. Ozgediz also completed a Master’s of Science in Public Health in Developing Countries at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Ozgediz became involved in surgical collaborations in Uganda in 2003 and since then has been part of multiple collaborations to strengthen surgery and anesthesia care there and in the region, mostly through support of capacity-building initiatives.
He is a co-founder of the Global Partners in Anesthesia and Surgery (GPAS) collaboration, focused in Uganda, as well as the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery (GICS). He is also on the advisory board of KIDS OR, an international charity dedicated to strengthening surgery and perioperative care in low resource settings.
Doruk Ozgedizis The Associate Professor of Surgery at UCSF, Director of the UCSF Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, and in the leadership team of the Institute for Global Health Sciences. He trained in medicine at UCSF and completed a general surgery residency at UCSF before pursuing a pediatric surgery fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. Dr. Ozgediz also completed a Master’s of Science in Public Health in Developing Countries at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Ozgediz became involved in surgical collaborations in Uganda in 2003 and since then has been part of multiple collaborations to strengthen surgery and anesthesia care there and in the region, mostly through support of capacity-building initiatives.
He is a co-founder of the Global Partners in Anesthesia and Surgery (GPAS) collaboration, focused in Uganda, as well as the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery (GICS). He is also on the advisory board of KIDS OR, an international charity dedicated to strengthening surgery and perioperative care in low resource settings.
Madhavi Dandu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UCSF. Her work is devoted to global health education, curriculum development, and mentorship. She is Director of the Masters of Science in Global Health, a one-year program designed for students or practitioners in a health science profession or related field who wish to achieve mastery and leadership skills in the field of global health. Additionally, she is Director of the Global Health Pathway/Area of Distinction for the Internal Medicine Residency. In this capacity she coordinates international experiences of residents, assists with their scholarly projects, and provides curriculum for trainees interested in careers in global health. She is also co-director of the Global Health Core for the Division of Hospital Medicine and a senior curriculum advisor for the HEAL Fellowship. Finally she continues to pursue her interest in health and human rights work.
Madhavi Dandu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UCSF. Her work is devoted to global health education, curriculum development, and mentorship. She is Director of the Masters of Science in Global Health, a one-year program designed for students or practitioners in a health science profession or related field who wish to achieve mastery and leadership skills in the field of global health. Additionally, she is Director of the Global Health Pathway/Area of Distinction for the Internal Medicine Residency. In this capacity she coordinates international experiences of residents, assists with their scholarly projects, and provides curriculum for trainees interested in careers in global health. She is also co-director of the Global Health Core for the Division of Hospital Medicine and a senior curriculum advisor for the HEAL Fellowship. Finally she continues to pursue her interest in health and human rights work.
Michael Lipnick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia at UCSF and based clinically at San Francisco General Hospital. He is a graduate of the UCSF School of Medicine and completed residency programs in Internal Medicine at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Anesthesia Residency at UCSF as well as Critical Care Fellowship at UCSF. Michael is co-founder of Global Partners in Anesthesia and Surgery (GPAS – www.globalsurgery.org) and has co-directed this collaboration’s efforts to increase access to quality surgical services in Uganda since 2007. Michael’s interests in public health have focused on injury, perioperative care, and the ethics and best practices surrounding global health collaborations. He has served as a contributor to the Global Burden of Disease Study Group and co-founded The Global Health Hub (www.globalhealthhub.org). Michael joined the HEAL Faculty in 2015 to help expand and direct anesthesia and surgery pathways for the fellowship.
Michael Lipnick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia at UCSF and based clinically at San Francisco General Hospital. He is a graduate of the UCSF School of Medicine and completed residency programs in Internal Medicine at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Anesthesia Residency at UCSF as well as Critical Care Fellowship at UCSF. Michael is co-founder of Global Partners in Anesthesia and Surgery (GPAS – www.globalsurgery.org) and has co-directed this collaboration’s efforts to increase access to quality surgical services in Uganda since 2007. Michael’s interests in public health have focused on injury, perioperative care, and the ethics and best practices surrounding global health collaborations. He has served as a contributor to the Global Burden of Disease Study Group and co-founded The Global Health Hub (www.globalhealthhub.org). Michael joined the HEAL Faculty in 2015 to help expand and direct anesthesia and surgery pathways for the fellowship.