Congratulations to four of our Global Health Scholars who have been accepted to a competitive program: Afryea Henderson - BSOM's Masters of Pharmacology & Toxicology Program Brittany Hugue - United Health Foundation/National Medical Fellowship Diverse Scholars Program Empress James - Ohio's Health Physician Diversity Scholar Program Najah Queenland - Ohio's Health Physician Diversity Scholar Program
We are spotlighting each of these Global Health Scholars in our newsletter. Brittany was featured in February and Afryea was highlighted in July. For this month we will put the spotlight on Empress.
Empress James, Class of 2025
Empress was accepted into the Ohio Health Physician Diversity Scholar Program. She attended an information session that took place in the Fall semester before she applied for the program. We asked her to tell us a little about the program and its benefits.
"The program is a partnership between Ohio Health and various medical schools in Ohio to recruit diverse scholars, who are under-represented in medicine, into residencies here in Ohio through the Ohio Health system.
Through the program we are matched with a mentor who is employed by the Ohio Health system. We also work within the community, mainly in Columbus and have different things going on with the scholars involved in the program as well as the doctors so it represents a pipeline program in that regard.
We are also able to receive scholarship money specifically regarding help that we may need once we're in our clerkship years with things like going to different residencies, subbies, or things of that nature.
I've been happy to be part of it so far. They check in with us regarding how we're doing with school, any updates, etc. Being involved with this program is also a good way to connect with others who are at other medical schools in Ohio as well.
Myself and the other students who were chosen, we are the class that was chosen last year. Any current M1s that are interested will be able to apply to join and receive the benefits of the program. Essentially, it's a great way that the Ohio health system is working to extend additional support to students that are under-represented in medicine in Ohio, especially to recruit them. You may get exceptional help with repayment of loans by staying here in Ohio. If you match at certain residency programs, especially in more rural areas, you can get significate amounts of loan repayment. That's another really awesome feature of the program. If you stay in the program, match in Ohio, and stay in Ohio the program offers a range $10K to $50K in loan repayment per year. That's really promising as well because most all of us will be looking forward to opportunities like that once we do finish with medical and go on to residency.
Nsabimana (Laurent) Nzajyibwami, MBA
Laurent is the Community Health Advocate for Global Health for the Family Medicine Department at WSU BSOM.
What sort of duties do you have at work or what is your role at work?
Assisting refugees in accessing the community health and social service resources; and to navigate the systems of care
Coordinate scheduling new refugees to be seen by doctors
Serve as liaison between the GHSP, Five Rivers Health Centers, and refugee patients
Participate in the development of "glocal" curriculum for medical students as part of the GHSP and its implementation
Coordinate and expand opportunities for medical students and other healthcare professions in the Refugee Clinic at the Five Rivers Family Health Center and, where possible, to extend health care services into refugee patients' homes
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being in the position of making the refugee patient to meet his/her doctor when needed with no language barrier
Are there recent personal accomplishments you would like to mention?
I recently reconnected with my former activities that I have done a decade ago: helping people to restart life as a refugee in a new community; where life becomes full circle
Working with WSU as a Community Health Advocate puts me at the forefront where I will meet refugees and immigrants in need of help so that I can actively provide help. My pleasure is always to be of help when needed.
Who inspired you?
Born as a refugee and my life tell the whole story behind the call of duty. Frankly speaking, whenever I look back and see how families were struggling to make it, I find it worth it to try to give my best shot at life.
What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?
A fishing net, a machete, and a box of matches
GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
MEDICAL STUDENT TRIP FUNDRAISER
Students involved in the Global Health Scholars Program participate in global travel twice during their medical school career. Travel costs can up upwards of $3,000. Your donation helps our students pursue their passion as global leaders.
By donating to the GHI Fund, donors provide funds to sponsor students in completing their international travel requirement. Please visit our website to learn more about our amazing students, stellar programs, and how to donate online!
Afghan Welcome Event
A recent event that took place at the Dayton Metro Library gave newly arrived Afghans an opportunity to connect with each other and learn about resources in the community. Along with Dr. Kate Conway, director of the GHSP, our BSOM Global Scholars were there giving health screenings: Dani Khalilzadeh (M2), Natalie Castillo (M3), Adjoa Cofie (M2), Sydney Carnes (M2), Monica George (M3), and our GH clinic community health worker Laurent Nzajyibwami.
Afghan refugees are grateful for the welcoming to Dayton. Catholic Social Services (CSS) is the principle organization helping refugees from other countries get resettled in Dayton. In 2021, new arrivals to Dayton came from Afghanistan (57%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (38%), Sudan (3%), Eritrea (1%), Iraq (1%), and Uganda (1%). Read more about how CSS has been helping refugees navigate a new life in Dayton.
Cheers for a New School Year
Dayton Public Schools started back on Tuesday, August 16th. Students at the new International School at Residence Park were greeted with a "Clap-In" by members from the Welcome Dayton Committee.
