The University of North Carolina (UNC) is dedicated to fostering the next generation of global health leaders. Through its Global Health Scholars Program, UNC supports resident physicians and fellows in developing expertise and conducting impactful research in resource-limited settings worldwide. This prestigious program empowers emerging medical professionals to address critical health challenges and improve healthcare delivery on a global scale.
Showcasing Future Global Health Experts
Each year, the UNC Office of Global Health Education welcomes a new cohort of Global Health Scholars, representing diverse medical specialties and a shared commitment to global health equity. These scholars embark on unique research projects, collaborating with mentors and partners across the globe to tackle pressing health issues. Let’s meet some of these exceptional individuals and explore their groundbreaking work.
Kelby Brown, MD: Addressing Neurological Health Disparities
Dr. Kelby Brown Jr., a Neurology resident and chief resident at UNC, embodies a strong commitment to both family and global health. Balancing his demanding medical career with family life alongside his wife Angelita and their three children, Dr. Brown is dedicated to making a global impact. His academic journey includes degrees from Duke University in Evolutionary Anthropology, Anatomy, and Christian Studies, culminating in his MD. Dr. Brown’s background includes significant work in health policy, with publications examining the effects of opioids on adolescent health and international healthcare reform on stroke outcomes.
As a Global Health Scholar, Dr. Brown gained invaluable clinical experience in Lima, Peru, at the University Peruana Cayetano Heredia and the National Institute of Neurological Sciences. His current research, under the mentorship of Dr. Monica Diaz, focuses on HIV-associated polyneuropathy. He is investigating the effectiveness of various screening tools to improve the diagnosis of this condition among individuals living with HIV in resource-limited settings. This work is crucial for improving neurological care for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Pranati Panuganti, MD: Tackling Cardiovascular Disease Globally
Dr. Pranati Panuganti, a resident in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, is passionate about global cardiovascular health and preventative medicine. Her foundation in public health is strong, with a BS in Nutrition from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and research experience at the National Institutes of Health. She further solidified her expertise with a dual MD and MS in Primary Care and Population Medicine from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Dr. Panuganti’s Global Health Scholar project takes her to rural western Uganda, where she collaborates with the Bugoye Hypertension Improvement Project (B-HIP). Her research delves into cardiovascular risk factors within this community, specifically focusing on the nutritional and lifestyle habits of individuals struggling with uncontrolled hypertension. Under the mentorship of Dr. Raquel Reyes, co-founder of B-HIP, Dr. Panuganti aims to identify culturally relevant and effective strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention in this region.
Jeanette Van Steyn, MD: Improving Maternal and Child Health Outcomes
Dr. Jeanette Van Steyn, a Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine fellow, brings a unique perspective shaped by her service as a United States Army officer. Prior to her fellowship, she served as a general pediatrician, hospitalist, and Army Battalion Surgeon. Her prior global health research, in collaboration with PEPFAR and WRAIR, focused on healthcare access for mothers living with HIV and infant health outcomes.
Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health with a Global Health concentration at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Dr. Van Steyn’s research with Dr. Melissa Bauserman analyzes factors predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in mother-child pairs using data from the NICHD Global Network. This research has the potential to inform interventions aimed at improving the long-term health and development of children globally.
Vorapat Vorapanya, MD: Decentralizing Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Malawi
Dr. Vorapat Vorapanya, a Pathology resident, is driven to integrate her expertise in pathology with her background in global health and health systems research. Graduating from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok and earning an MPH from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Dr. Vorapanya’s previous work includes developing mental health service implementation tools in India.
As a Global Health Scholar, Dr. Vorapanya is focusing on improving breast cancer diagnosis in Malawi. Working with Dr. Amy Brownlee and Dr. Tamiwe Tomoka, she is implementing Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) at district hospitals as a task-shifting strategy. This innovative approach aims to decentralize breast cancer diagnosis, making it more accessible and cost-effective for Malawian women, ultimately improving early detection rates and patient outcomes.
Dedicated to Global Surgical and Cancer Care
The Global Health Scholars Program also supports residents and fellows focused on surgical and cancer care in underserved areas, addressing critical gaps in global health infrastructure.
Selena Jingjing An, MD, MPH, MA: Advancing Surgical Oncology in Low-Resource Settings
Dr. Selena Jingjing An, a General Surgery resident, is committed to advancing surgical and cancer care in low-resource environments. With advanced degrees from Duke, Johns Hopkins, and extensive prior research in maternal and child health and surgical barriers in Malawi, Dr. An’s expertise is multifaceted.
Dr. An aspires to become a surgeon-scientist focused on health systems capacity building. Under the mentorship of Dr. Anthony Charles, a leader in global surgery at UNC, her work as a Global Health Scholar contributes to the development of sustainable surgical solutions in resource-constrained settings.
Kenneth Busby III, DO, MPH: Optimizing Pediatric Cancer Care Worldwide
Dr. Kenneth Busby III, a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology fellow, is driven to improve care for children with cancer globally. His extensive experience in low- and middle-income countries includes establishing medical clinics and providing care in Tanzania, Guatemala, Honduras, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia. Dr. Busby is also pursuing an MPH at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, further strengthening his public health skillset.
Dr. Busby’s Global Health Scholar research, mentored by Dr. Thomas Alexander, takes him to Eldoret, Kenya. His project focuses on the implementation of precision diagnostics for pediatric cancer in resource-limited settings, aiming to optimize treatment strategies and improve survival rates for children facing cancer globally.
Luke Eastburg, MD: Improving Care for Sickle Cell Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa
Dr. Luke Eastburg, a Hematology fellow, is dedicated to enhancing care for young adults with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in sub-Saharan Africa. His previous research includes a Fogarty fellowship year in Malawi studying the cost-effectiveness of hydroxyurea for SCD patients.
As a Global Health Scholar, Dr. Eastburg is characterizing the adult SCD population at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. His work includes creating a local patient registry as part of the Globin Regional Data and Discovery (GRNDaD) initiative, contributing to a broader understanding of SCD complications in adults across Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa.
Utilizing Ethnography and Technology for Global Health Solutions
The Global Health Scholars Program encourages innovative approaches to address global health challenges, incorporating diverse methodologies and technological advancements.
Maniraj Jeyaraju, MD: Ethnographic Insights into Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Dr. Maniraj Jeyaraju, a Family Medicine resident, is passionate about using ethnography to improve clinical practices globally. His background in Health Ethnography informs his approach to understanding health beliefs and behaviors in different cultural contexts.
As a Global Health Scholar, Dr. Jeyaraju is returning to India to co-design and implement an ethnographic tool in rural schools to assess child and adolescent mental health beliefs. Collaborating with Dr. Christina Cruz, a psychiatrist and former Global Health Scholar, he aims to adapt and expand the evidence-based TeaLeaf intervention to improve mental health support for young people in India.
Farah Mechref, MD: Expanding Emergency Medicine in the MENA and East African Regions
Dr. Farah Mechref, an Emergency Medicine resident, is committed to expanding the field of emergency medicine in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and East African regions. Her project builds upon an ongoing collaboration between Dr. Justin Myers and Dr. Grace Wanjiku focused on implementing the WHO Basic Emergency Care course in Kenya.
Dr. Mechref’s involvement in this Kenyan initiative will provide her with valuable experience to develop a framework for expanding emergency medicine programs in the Middle East as she progresses in her fellowship training, addressing a critical need for specialized emergency care in these regions.
Sahal Thahir, MD: Advancing Vaccine Development and Implementation
Dr. Sahal Thahir, a Pediatric Infectious Disease fellow, focuses on effective vaccine development and implementation in low- and middle-income countries. His research spans from affordable tuberculosis microscopy concepts to preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Dr. Thahir’s current Global Health Scholar research in Kisumu, Kenya, investigates the impact of early-life pathogen exposures on the effectiveness of the RTS,S-AS01 malaria vaccine. This research is crucial for optimizing malaria vaccine strategies and improving child health outcomes in malaria-endemic regions.
Addressing Diverse Global Health Challenges
The breadth of projects undertaken by Global Health Scholars demonstrates the program’s commitment to addressing a wide range of global health challenges, from infectious diseases to chronic conditions and healthcare access barriers.
Heather Frank, MD: Interculturality and Adolescent Sexual Health in Bolivia
Dr. Heather Frank, an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics resident, focuses on addressing healthcare barriers for Spanish-speaking populations. Her Global Health Scholar project takes her to La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia, where she will study interculturality as a determinant of sexual health for adolescent Aymara women.
Working with Dr. Cecilia Uribe, an expert in socioeconomic determinants of health in low-resource settings, Dr. Frank aims to understand and address the cultural factors influencing adolescent sexual health in this region, contributing to more culturally sensitive and effective healthcare interventions.
Nadia Hoekstra, MD: Combating Childhood Pneumonia in Malawi
Dr. Nadia Hoekstra, a Pediatric Pulmonary fellow, is deeply committed to improving the health of children with respiratory diseases globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Her personal connection to Trinidad and Tobago and her prior research in Malawi have shaped her global health focus.
As a Global Health Scholar and NIH Fogarty Fellow, Dr. Hoekstra is spending a year in Malawi conducting clinical research on severe pneumonia in infants. This work aims to improve the diagnosis and management of childhood pneumonia, a leading cause of child mortality worldwide.
Anna Leone, MD: Improving HIV Prevention through Male Partner Self-Testing in Zambia
Dr. Anna Leone, an Obstetrics and Gynecology resident, is focusing on preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. Her Global Health Scholar project in Zambia investigates the feasibility and barriers to male-partner HIV self-testing.
Utilizing data from studies by her mentor, Dr. Benjamin Chi, Dr. Leone’s research aims to identify strategies to engage male partners in HIV testing and prevention efforts, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes in Zambia.
Amy Mackay, MD: Optimizing Newborn Resuscitation Practices in Low-Resource Countries
Dr. Amy Mackay, a Neonatology fellow, is dedicated to improving newborn resuscitation practices in low- and middle-income countries. Her Global Health Scholar project in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, involves establishing a newborn resuscitation registry and evaluating a platform for remote real-time resuscitation guidance.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Jackie Patterson, Dr. Mackay’s work aims to enhance the quality of newborn resuscitation in resource-limited settings, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes for newborns in critical situations.
The Legacy of Global Health Scholars
The UNC Global Health Scholars Program has a rich history of supporting impactful global health research and leadership development. Earlier cohorts have made significant contributions to diverse areas of global health.
Oludamilola “Dami” Aladesanmi, MD, MPH: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease in the Sub-Saharan African Diaspora
Dr. Oludamilola “Dami” Aladesanmi’s research focused on cardiovascular health among the sub-Saharan African diaspora. His Global Health Scholar project in Uganda with B-HIP analyzed the safety and efficacy of thiazide diuretics for hypertension management in resource-limited settings.
Alessandra Angelino, MD, MPH: Championing the Health of American Indian and Alaska Native Children
Dr. Alessandra Angelino’s work is dedicated to improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children, with a focus on adolescent and gender diverse youth health. Her ongoing work with community organizations and tribal epidemiology centers reflects her deep commitment to Indigenous health equity.
John Barber, MD: Strengthening Community Health Worker Programs in Uganda
Dr. John Barber’s Global Health Scholar project evaluated a Community Health Worker program in Uganda, aiming to identify gaps in pediatric care and improve guideline adherence, contributing to the optimization of community-based healthcare delivery.
April Evans, MD: Improving Quality of Life for Children with Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Dr. April Evans’ research in Malawi focused on implementing patient-reported outcome measures to assess the health-related quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, a crucial step towards improving supportive care and patient-centered outcomes.
Seth Morrison, MD, MPH: Addressing Childhood Malnutrition Globally
Dr. Seth Morrison’s Global Health Scholar work explored the genetic and environmental factors contributing to childhood malnutrition, with research in Nicaragua and a meta-analysis on the impact of parasitic infections on childhood growth.
Abiola Femi-Abodunde, MD: Enhancing Breast Cancer Management in Nigeria
Dr. Abiola Femi-Abodunde’s project focused on establishing interdisciplinary radiologic-pathologic conferences for breast tumor management in Nigeria, improving diagnostic accuracy and collaborative care for breast cancer patients.
Avital Yohann, MD, MPH: Studying Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients in Malawi
Dr. Avital Yohann’s research in Malawi evaluated the incidence of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients, addressing a critical but often overlooked complication in surgical care in resource-limited settings.
Jennifer Morgan, MD: Addressing Barriers to Breast Cancer Treatment in Malawi
Dr. Jennifer Morgan’s Global Health Scholar project examined patient and provider barriers to multimodality breast cancer treatment in Malawi, informing strategies to improve access to comprehensive cancer care.
Min Kim, MD: Preventing Mother-to-Child Hepatitis B Transmission in Uganda
Dr. Min Kim’s research focused on preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in Uganda, aiming to expand screening and intervention programs in rural areas and establish chronic hepatitis B clinics.
Katelyn Rittenhouse, MD: Modeling Preterm Birth Risk in Zambia
Dr. Katelyn Rittenhouse’s project modeled the impact of distance to healthcare facilities on preterm birth risk in Zambia, identifying high-risk regions and informing targeted interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Ashley Appiagyei, MD, MPH: Comparing Contraceptive Methods for HIV-Positive Women in Malawi
Dr. Ashley Appiagyei’s research compared pregnancy rates of different contraceptive methods for HIV-positive women in Malawi, providing crucial data for family planning and reproductive health in this vulnerable population.
Stephen Kimani, MD, MSc: Evaluating Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors in Sub-Saharan Africa
Dr. Stephen Kimani’s Global Health Scholar work evaluated the quality of life and physical function of cancer survivors in Malawi and Kenya, highlighting the long-term needs of cancer survivors in sub-Saharan Africa.
Amanda Kovacich, MD, MPH: Assessing Bedside Ultrasound Acceptability in Peru
Dr. Amanda Kovacich’s project evaluated the acceptability of bedside ultrasound in Peru, exploring the potential of this technology to improve diagnostic capabilities in resource-limited settings.
Krysten North, MD, MPH: Studying Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Hypothermia in Malawi
Dr. Krysten North’s research in Malawi focused on the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia and hypothermia in low birth weight infants, informing strategies to improve newborn care and reduce neonatal mortality.
Heather Root, MD: Addressing HIV Prevention among Men in South Africa
Dr. Heather Root’s Global Health Scholar project explored risk factors for virologic failure among men in South Africa, aiming to inform HIV prevention policies and guidelines to address the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Sarah Rutstein, MD, PhD: Analyzing Antiretroviral Therapy Outcomes in Malawi
Dr. Sarah Rutstein’s research analyzed antiretroviral therapy outcomes in Malawi, evaluating the impact of point-of-care viral load testing on programmatic and clinical outcomes for HIV patients.
Michael Sciaudone, MD: Investigating Tuberculous Meningitis in HIV-Infected Patients in Malawi
Dr. Michael Sciaudone’s project in Malawi investigated tuberculous meningitis among HIV-infected patients, estimating prevalence, identifying risk factors, and evaluating predictors of mortality for this serious co-infection.
Travis Wieland, MD: Implementing Emergency Care Training for Community Health Workers in Kenya
Dr. Travis Wieland’s Global Health Scholar project implemented emergency care training for community health workers in Kenya, building capacity and advocating for emergency medicine development in the region.
Brandon Hammond, MD: Developing Pediatric Resuscitation Training in Malawi
Dr. Brandon Hammond’s project focused on implementing a self-sustainable, simulation-focused pediatric resuscitation curriculum for healthcare providers in Malawi, improving emergency care skills for children.
Kristie Hadley, MD: Addressing Refugee and Women’s Health in Istanbul
Dr. Kristie Hadley’s Global Health Scholar project focused on refugee and women’s health, working with Syrian refugees in Istanbul to address their unique healthcare needs.
Laura Purcell, MD: Improving Pediatric Burn Care in Malawi
Dr. Laura Purcell’s global surgery project focused on pediatric burn care in Malawi, addressing a significant surgical need and contributing to improved outcomes for children with burn injuries.
Amber Beg, MD: Identifying Barriers to Asthma Care in Nicaragua
Dr. Amber Beg’s research in Nicaragua aimed to identify barriers to asthma treatment and prevention, informing strategies to improve asthma care for children in resource-limited settings.
Christina Cruz, MD: Developing School Mental Health Systems in India
Dr. Christina Cruz developed and piloted a school mental health system in India, utilizing task-shifting strategies to empower local leaders and teachers to provide mental health support to children and adolescents.
Emily Ciccone, MD, MHS: Establishing Pediatric Databases for Quality Improvement in Malawi
Dr. Emily Ciccone’s project focused on establishing an electronic pediatric database in Malawi to improve quality of care and facilitate funding acquisition for the KCH Pediatric Department.
Erica Bjornstad, MD: Addressing Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Trauma Patients in Malawi
Dr. Erica Bjornstad’s research in Malawi focused on acute kidney injury in pediatric trauma patients, addressing a critical complication and informing strategies for improved management.
Fan Lee, MD: Cervical Cancer Prevention in Malawi
Dr. Fan Lee’s Global Health Scholar project focused on cervical cancer prevention in Malawi, contributing to efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in this region.
Michael Dougherty, MD, MSCR: Studying Gastric Cancer in Nicaragua
Dr. Michael Dougherty’s research focused on gastric cancer in Nicaragua, contributing to a better understanding of this disease in Central America and informing prevention and treatment strategies.
Peyton Thomas, MD: Preventing Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Dr. Peyton Thomas’s AVERT-HBV study in the Democratic Republic of Congo aimed to prevent vertical transmission of Hepatitis B by identifying and treating high-risk pregnant women.
Steven Weinberg, MD: Developing Quality Improvement Guides in Ethiopia
Dr. Steven Weinberg’s project focused on developing quality improvement guides in Ethiopia, contributing to the enhancement of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in Ethiopian healthcare settings.
Kate Westmoreland, MD: Pediatric Cancer Care in Malawi
Dr. Kate Westmoreland’s research in Malawi focused on pediatric cancer patients, specifically Burkitt Lymphoma, contributing to improved understanding and management of pediatric cancers in Malawi.
Ross Boyce, MD, MSc: Dengue Fever Research in Uganda
Dr. Ross Boyce’s Global Health Scholar project focused on Dengue fever research in Uganda, contributing to a better understanding of vector-borne diseases in East Africa.
Mary Crocker, MD, MPH: Asthma Education for Community Health Workers in Nicaragua
Dr. Mary Crocker’s project in Nicaragua trained community health workers to identify and refer children with asthma, improving access to asthma care in underserved communities.
Matthew Collins, MD, PhD: Dengue Fever Research in Sri Lanka and Nicaragua
Dr. Matthew Collins’s research focused on Dengue fever in Sri Lanka and Nicaragua, contributing to a broader understanding of this global health threat.
Nadeem Modan, MD: Increasing Healthcare Access in Rural India
Dr. Nadeem Modan’s project aimed to increase healthcare access in villages across India through a collaborative effort involving UNC, Stanford, and various nonprofit organizations. It is important to acknowledge the mentorship of Dr. Nikki Benz in this impactful initiative, whose guidance as Program Director was crucial to its development and execution. While Dr. Benz is known for her contributions to emergency medicine, her role as a mentor in global health programs highlights the diverse expertise within the UNC Global Health Scholars Program. Although not directly related to cancer, the program’s comprehensive approach to global health encompasses a wide spectrum of medical challenges, and the dedication of mentors like Dr. Benz, regardless of their specific area of focus, is vital to the scholars’ success and the program’s overall impact.
Sonya Patel-Nguyen, MD: Refugee and Immigrant Health
Dr. Sonya Patel-Nguyen’s Global Health Scholar project focused on refugee and immigrant health, addressing the unique healthcare needs of these vulnerable populations and advocating for health equity and human rights.
Serena Zhou-Talbert, MD, MPH: Family Planning in Nicaragua
Dr. Serena Zhou-Talbert’s research focused on family planning in Nicaragua, contributing to improved access to reproductive health services and empowering women to make informed choices about their health.
The Future of Global Health Leadership
The UNC Global Health Scholars Program continues to cultivate a network of dedicated and skilled global health leaders. By providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and research opportunities, the program empowers these scholars to make lasting contributions to global health equity and improve the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.
