GMPHHM2024

Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD – is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Family and Community Medicine, and Psychiatry in the Departments of Medicine and in Psychiatry at the University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco (UCSF) where he is Director of the Corporate Health Improvement Program (CHIP). Dr. Pelletier is also Chairman of the American Health Association, is a Vice President with American Specialty Health (ASH), and served on the Board of Directors of the Rancho la Puerta Resort/Spa. Prior to these positions, Dr. Pelletier served as Clinical Professor, of Medicine, Family Medicine, and as Professor of Public Health at the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Also he served as Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine; was Director of the Stanford Corporate Health Program (SCHP); and was Director of the NIH funded Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program at Stanford (CAMPS).  From 1974 until joining the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1990, Dr. Pelletier held a dual appointment as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco (UCSF).

Professor Quazi Monirul Islam is a globally recognized public health specialist and maternal and newborn health experts with extensive experiences in Universal Health Coverage including Health System, PHC programmes, Maternal and Child Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health including family planning, communicable, non-communicable diseases, and health promotion. He qualified from Dhaka University, Bangladesh and received MPH from Amsterdam University and the Royal Tropical Institute in the Netherlands. He was awarded FRCOG by the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UK, Fellowship by Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologist and Indian College of Maternal and Child Health. He worked in a rural health complex in Bangladesh before going to Botswana in 1981. In 1991 he left Botswana and joined Ministry of Foreign Affair, the Netherland as Senior Public Health Specialist assessing, advising, monitoring and evaluating Dutch development assistance in health sectors. In 1992, he was invited to join the Global Programme on AIDS in the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and was responsible for Sexually Transmitted Diseases programme and thereafter joined the Reproductive Health Programme as Chief of Population and Family Planning Unit, responsible for developing family planning norms and guidelines. Subsequently he was appointed as Team Coordinator, Norms and Tools in the Reproductive Health and Research Department. In 2002, he was appointed as Director, Family and Community Health Department which included Reproductive Health and Research, Maternal, newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, Nutrition, Nursing and Midwifery, Human Resources and Essential Drugs, immunization programmes in the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India. Prof Islam was appointed as Director, Making Pregnancy Safer with global responsibility for maternal and newborn health in WHO7HQ, Geneva in January 2005. In 2010 he was reassigned and appointed as the Director Health System and Development in WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office and in 2012 was assigned as the WHO Representative to Thailand. In 2013 he was reassigned as Director, Health System and Development in WHO, Southeast Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, India before coming to Namibia in February 2014 as WHO Representative to Namibia. He retired from WHO after 25 years of services in January 2017. He joined Liverpool School of Tropical medicine in February 2017. He resigned from the school in June 2020 and joined International Centre for Migration, Health and Development in Geneva, Switzerland as Senior Specialist Maternal and Newborn Health as well as the Head of Resource Mobilization, Southeast Asia Regional Coordination Mechanism Forum based in New Delhi, India. Prof Islam visited and provided policy and technical assistances to 122 countries in all six continents. Now lives in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Cathy Rehfus-Wilsek, MD, MBA, is a seasoned academic medical doctor and healthcare administrator with a passion for underserved communities. Her three decades in healthcare administration and clinical medicine showcase a dedication that knows no boundaries. Her work in global health is noteworthy. She has participated in medical missions, delivering primary care to remote areas and leading key health initiatives. Beyond direct healthcare, Dr. Rehfus-Wilsek invests in the next generation, mentoring international medical and nursing students and supporting community health programs. With a keen understanding of the importance of workforce diversity, Dr. Rehfus-Wilsek works towards reducing health disparities in minority populations. She actively promotes diversity in the healthcare sector, understanding that varied perspectives can address and alleviate health inequities. On the academic front, Dr. Rehfus-Wilsek is always pushing boundaries. Her endeavours have led to the development of curricula that equip healthcare professionals to address the specific challenges of working in underserved areas. Her upcoming Healthcare Management Program Development workbook, set to release in Fall 2023, is a testament to her commitment to education and service.

DR. ABU-HUSSEIN MUHAMAD is limited to Pediatric Dentistry, DDS,MSc,MScD,Cert.Ped., Athens-Greece -DDS 1986 ,DPD(Drodont)Dentistry for Children1988 -International Short-Term Programme in Orthodontics1994,6WEEKS Aarhus,Denmark -Postgraduate taught course (two-years) in Oral Biology/Pathology, Dental Faculty, University of Athens 1998 -Master of Biostatistics,School Mathematics/Medicine,Athens2001 Postgraduate Bioesthetic Dentistry. OBI,International Faculty -Diploma. Roth/Williams Center for Functional Occlusion -Short course: Molecular Epidemiology of Chronic Disease and the Exposome,30 Sep, 2001 to 04 Oct, 2001, Utrecht University -2003- 2005 : New York University College of Dentistry Implants "Aesthetics and Occlusion Oral Rehabilitation in Current Concepts in American Dentistry in continuing Dental Education Program"Athens,Greece -Certificate of Attendance the course on: “Orthodontic treatment with the magic lingual system – theoretical basis and clinical practice”,Prof.Ol.Sorel,Ispringen, Dentaurum,Germany,June 30th-10July 1st,2007 -OVER 3000 HOURS WITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS, RELATED TO ENDODONTICS,PROSTHODONTIC,PERIODONTOLOGY, DENTAL IMPLANT, IMPLANT BIOMECHANICS, OCCLUSION AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY. -350publications as author or co-author in peer-reviewed journals/bookchapters -175 lectures and CE courses(Cleft lip/palate,Pediatric Dentistry) in many countries .

Dr. Ioannidis is currently an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He studied medicine in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and graduated at 2005. He received his MSC in “Medical Research Methodology” in 2008 from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and in “Surgery of Liver, Biliary Tree and Pancreas” from the Democritus University of Thrace in 2016. He received his PhD degree in 2014 from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as valedictorian for his thesis “The effect of combined administration of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in ulcerative colitis. Experimental study in rats.” He is a General Surgeon with special interest in laparoscopic surgery and surgical oncology and also in surgical infections, acute care surgery, nutrition and ERAS and vascular access. He has received fellowships for EAES, ESSO, EPC, ESCP and ACS and has published more than 180 articles with more than 3000 citations and an H-index of 28

LCDR Devin Nikki Thomas is a Health Promotion Specialist in the US Public Health Service, stationed at the CDC and has been deployed for several public health crises. She is a graduate of Hampton University (BA), Emory University (MPH), and Radford University where she obtained her Doctorate in Health Science (DHSc). Dr. Thomas is also an actress, writer, and director for both screen and stage. She and can be seen on “We Own this City” (HBO), “Sinking Spring” (Apple+), “Revenge Prank” (MTV) and “The Color of STEM” (HBCUGo TV) as the host of the 2nd season. Her blended expertise applies the power of theatre arts and scripted media to effect positive change in both public health and social justice.

Dr. M-Obadah Dandashi is a distinguished dentist, renowned researcher, and certified dental care professional in the United Kingdom. Immersed in his research studies, Dr. Dandashi's scholarly journey encompasses the attainment of a prestigious Doctor Degree in Dentistry (BDS) from the esteemed Faculty of Dental Medicine at the International University for Science and Technology (IUST), signifying his groundbreaking contributions to the discipline. His pioneering work in the domain of orthodontic extrusion at IUST stands as a significant milestone in the realm of oral rehabilitation. Through the introduction of an innovative approach, Dr. Dandashi garnered widespread recognition and achieved a noteworthy distinction, securing a place among the top five individuals in his country during the esteemed "4th Clinic Case Reports Posters Competition." Furthermore, his erudition and proficiency were showcased as he assumed the role of a speaker at the illustrious "4th World Congress on Dental and Oral Health" held in Valencia, Spain, in August 2019. This notable platform fostered the exchange of remarkable experiences among esteemed researchers worldwide, thereby further enriching Dr. Dandashi's academic journey. Dr. M-Obadah Dandashi's profound dedication to his craft is epitomized by his resolute statement: "My utmost pleasure lies in staying abreast of the latest developments and academic conferences within Dentistry, as it enables me to contribute towards bringing smiles to the faces of each and every patient." Driven by an unyielding commitment to his patients' well-being, Dr. Dandashi's continuous pursuit of knowledge ensures that he remains at the vanguard of dental excellence, relentlessly striving to provide optimal care and effect transformative changes in the field.

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Dr. Joseph Pikkel is a Chairman of the department of Ophthalmology, Assuta Samson Hospital , Ashdod (2017-on), Chairman of the department of Ophthalmology, Ziv Medical Center, Saffed, Israel and a Professor at the Ben-Gurion University, Ber-Sheva, Israel. His research interests are : i. Vitreo-retina Surgeries ii. Retinal Vascular Diseases iii. Ophthalmology iv. Multifocal Lenses

Dr. Cheepsattayakorn graduated Doctor of Medicine from Chiang Mai Medical School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand in 1986. He then further had trained in Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, and Radiology at Chiang Mai University Medical School. Recently, on October 26, 2019, he was bestowed the Gold Medal Award (First-Class Award) from the Chiang Mai University Medical School Alumni Association in Chiang Mai, Thailand for his academic and medical practice excellence for cerebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Chiang Mai University Medical School, Chiang Mai, Thailand that was established on October 28, 1959. He graduated numerous Fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh, London and Thailand, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, American College of Physicians, and American College of Chest Physicians. Presently, he serves both Editor and Editorial Board Member and also referee of several international journals. He has very high experience in the fields of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis including Infectious Diseases and Immunology. He has numerous scientific publications, more than 300 publications both in national and international journals and books, including authored textbook of COVID-19, “ Thailand’s and Global Perspectives of COVID-19 ”, both the United Kingdom version (361 pages, first edition published by the Medical and Research Publications in 2021) and the United States of America version (367 pages, second edition published by the Science and Education Publishing in 2022). Recently, in 2022, he published a Book Chapter, entitled “ COVID-19 and Respiratory System ” in a Textbook, entitled “ Chest Medicine in Perspective ” published by Thammasat Printing House, Bangkok, Thailand (736 pages). He had been served a Director and Consultant in Respiratory Medicine of the 10th Zonal Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand for a long time, a Director of the 5th Office of Disease Prevention and Control and Consultant in Respiratory Medicine, Ratchaburi, Thailand and presently serves as Consultant in Respiratory Medicine (Pulmonologist) at the 10th Zonal Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand and Senior Expert Level 11 (Highest Level), Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. He serves as Faculty Member of the Faculty of Medicine, Western University, Thailand. Currently, he also serves the International Regional Adviser (Advisory Board) for Thailand of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, United Kingdom and the Reviewer for the journals of the Royal College of Physicians of London, United Kingdom. He was appointed the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Advisor in 2021-2022. He was directly invited & proposed to the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) Membership by the United Nations Former Secretary-General “ H.E. Ban Ki-Moon ”. Recently, he has been approved for the Membership of the WFUNA since 4 January 2022 (Ref. : UN-467-NYUN) and has been appointed the WFUNA Membership signed by the UN authorities (the UN Secretary-General, the UN President of the General Assembly, and the UN President of the Security Council) since January 15, 2022. Nationally, recently, he was appointed the chairman of the executive research ethical board committee for the health inspection region 4, Thailand Ministry of Public Health since September 5, 2022 and nationally, recently, he was appointed a board committee director for urban disease control academic planning since August 26, 2022. Since March 31, 2023, he has been appointed an executive committee member of the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Thailand under The Royal Patronage of H.M. The King (Bangkok). Recently, he was appointed the Secretary-General of the Urban Disease Control Foundation, Thailand.

Dr. Abdelmjid Bouazizi presently holds the position of Assistant Professor at the Department of Sciences within the Ecole normale superieure, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Morocco and he is a member of the Laboratory of Materials, Membranes, and Nanotechnology at Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University.He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Physical Sciences in 2011 from the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FST) at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco. He further pursued his academic journey by obtaining a Magister degree in 2013 and a Ph.D in 2018, both in the field of Materials Science and Environment, from the FST of Mohammedia at Hassan II University of Casablanca. Dr. Bouazizi's primary research interests revolve around ceramic membrane technologies. Notably, he has made significant contributions to the development and characterization of cost-effective nanofiltration membranes based on clay and phosphate materials, primarily utilized for the rejection of dyes and metal cations. His exceptional work led him to be honored with the prestigious Hassan II University of Casablanca Best Thesis Award in 2019. Dr.Bouazizi has amassed extensive expertise in both academic and research domains, particularly in the characterization of nanomaterials. His efforts have extended to encompass the preparation and evaluation of affordable microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration membranes using clay, pozzolan, and phosphate substrates, aimed at efficient dyes and metal cations separation. With a prolific publication record, he has authored over 17 research articles that have garnered more than 870 citations, reflecting his significant impact in his field. His academic influence is further highlighted by an H-index of 13. Dr.Bouazizi's contributions extend beyond written research, as he has actively presented his work at various renowned national and international conferences. He is deeply engaged in scientific projects and actively serves as a reviewer for multiple prestigious international journals. Furthermore, he holds membership in various international associations, notably including the Moroccan Membrane and Desalination Society.

Dr. Nilgun Baydogan is a Professor at Energy Institute, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul Turkey since 2014. 2014-2005: Associate Professor Dr., Energy Institute, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul Turkey 2002-2003: Visiting Researcher, University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,Accelerator and Fusion Division, Plasma Applications Group, California, USA. 2005-1998: Research Assistant, Nuclear Energy Institute, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul Turkey 1993-1998: Research Assistant, Science and Literature Faculty, Physics Department, Solid State Division, Kocaeli University, Izmit Turkey

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Since joining Boitekanelo College in 2019 Sejie worked as a Health Promotion and Education Lecturer and head of department (Current position) and involved in studies related to TB and NCD’s. Chaired the Institutional review board and currently a Public Health PhD candidate. Before joining the College, Sejie has worked for 9 plus years as a clinician in a rural settings of Boteti sub district, during which he was involved as an integral member towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. He also served as the chairperson of the institutional research ethics committee for the district.

Makwena Suzan Mathikhi is a trained nurse educator with 12 years of experience teaching and coordinating theory and practica at the Sovenga campus of a nursing institution. Extensive 11-year experience leading and organizing clinical practice.Suzan is a PHD student at Tshwane University of Technology, where she also holds a Master's degree in Technology. She earned the following degrees: BCur I et A in 1991, BCur Hons in 1994 from the Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA). Excellent facilitation skills, including the use of multiple approaches such as simulation exercises and case studies. Curriculum development experience is extensive. School: Passed matric 1982, in Polokwane then Pietersburg SA. The class of 1982 made history when I was among the top 7 performing students and were honored by the school by slaughtering a cow. Professional journey, began nursing training in 1983 -1987 and completed a double diploma in general nursing and midwifery at Lebone Nursing College Pretoria in collaboration with Pietersburg Provincial Hospital South Africa. Suzan has been advising and mentoring students for over 20 years. Using her project management abilities, she managed the mentorship program at Tshwane University of Technology. Strategic and operational planning expertise. Learning to be a good communicator in both her professional and personal life entails developing the ability to communicate information with clarity, empathy, and understanding. Knowledge of technology, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, and Microsoft Outlook. Suzan has a wealth of expertise running and supervising Employee Wellness Programs. Strong resource mobilization, stakeholder management, and networking abilities. Working at the nursing college, university, and South African Nursing Council has provided her with understanding of the health governance framework and associated legislation, as well as extensive experience in policy development and implementation. Strong people management abilities and an excellent interpersonal relationship personality are required. Community engagement Activities Suzan contributed energy to the youth development program through community involvement by working with vulnerable groups such as women sex workers for the goal of health promotion and talent identification. This initiative had a high output because the majority of this vulnerable population returned to home regions with skills such as dressmaking for self and family sustenance. Their sense of self-worth was activated, revealing the group's untapped potential. Furthermore, she represented Tshwane University of Technology during Transport Month (October) to facilitate health awareness activities at taxi stands. She is involved in a taxi driver initiative that promotes good public health and a cheerful outlook. She attended taxi industry seminars to discuss occupational health issues related to their profession. A community development manual at NQF level 4 was created. Suzan was able to obtain accreditation from the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) for this guidebook, which addresses challenges in public health promotion. Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) are now using the manual. The outcome of the project's results for the vulnerable category was behaviour adjustment and a healthy lifestyle. A new mindset of "do it" was pushed. Setsong Indegenous Tea Crafters from (Limpopo Sekhukhuneland, South Africa) were born as a result of collaboration with Siyaphila Youth Support Service (of which I am now a board member). The community works together and employs women to produce this tea using Agri SETA. Awards obtained during personal and professional journey: Best performing student at MEDUNSA: Offered tour to Germany for 10 days: 1992 Facilitate Career Exhibitions at College. First group to design Critical – Cross Field when moving nursing was moving to higher Education. Developed a manual on Community Development (NQF level 4 HWSETA accredited (author). Earned 1st prize in Masters Best oral presentation (TUT Research Day). Earned 1st prize for Masters Best Prize poster presentation Tshwane Research Day). Masters Topic: “Occupational Health Risks concomitant to the job of taxi driving in the city of Tshwane.”

Emily Lincoln is a second-year student at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, pursuing her Masters in Public Health with the Environmental and Occupational Health Department. This project was completed in fulfillment of the Applied Practical Experience, a required engagement component of the degree. This collaboration is a joint venture between the Dornsife Global Development Scholars (DGDS) program and World Vision International (WVI) and World Vision Eswatini (WVE). The goal of the project is to engage in activities towards the achievement of sustainable development goal 6: “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” Emily’s interests include climate change, health disparities, health equity, health policy and systems analysis. She currently collaborates on research detailing the impacts of extreme heat on indoor occupational workers, and plans to work in action orientated positions post graduate in government and health management on projects that address the core causes of climate change, identifies the most impacted and implements solutions.