As a strategist at the intersection of clinical research informatics and medical marketing, I have over 18 years of experience driving impactful healthcare innovations. I have successfully launched numerous R&D-based pharmaceutical, medical device, and digital health products across Canadian and international markets, positively influencing the lives of millions of patients with chronic and rare conditions. My contributions span diverse therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, oncology, respiratory health, diabetes, and ophthalmology, where I have collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver transformative healthcare solutions.
One of my notable achievements was managing the Communication, Engagement, and Social Mobilization project for Rotary International/WHO/UNICEF’s immunization campaign to eradicate polio in Kenya. In a challenging climate of vaccine skepticism, I led strategic stakeholder engagement with community leaders, media influencers, and religious groups, resulting in widespread support and the successful delivery of targeted immunization rounds. This sustained effort contributed to the region’s ultimate eradication of the wild poliovirus.
Currently, I am a Visiting Researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University,(TMU) where I am advancing an AI-enabled diabetes prevention program in Canada. This initiative includes applying predictive analytics to mitigate risks of ophthalmic conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, I am co-authoring a research publication investigating the impacts of anti-Black racism in Canadian workplaces, focusing on its effects on highly qualified professionals.
I am a committed advocate for research integrity and patient safety. As a member of Trillium Health Partners’ Research Ethics Board, I ensure Canadian research meets rigorous international ethical and regulatory standards. My contributions extend to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), where I have reviewed over 1,000 research proposals and business cases. These reviews have supported the scale-up of disruptive mobile and digital health solutions, particularly in the global south, enabling affordable and impactful healthcare innovations.
In addition to my professional work, I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. Aside from mentoring Executive Masters in Health Informatics (E/MHI) Scholars on their projects, I also mentor a team of Mastercard Foundation Scholars in the MHI and Master of Health Administration programs, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to drive innovation and equity in global healthcare systems.
I take pride in mentoring medical specialists to secure project funding and implement transformative healthcare initiatives. Notably, I guided a team in Kenya in establishing the country’s first HIV-linked cancer registry. This initiative enhanced disease awareness, garnered essential policy and stakeholder support, and significantly strengthened resources for cancer management in an underrepresented area of healthcare
Most recently, I spearheaded the development of a Rare Disease Centre of Excellence in South Africa through the Health Equity Diagnostic Infrastructure Initiative (HEDI). I brokered a partnership between Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and the U.S.-based Rare Advocacy Movement (RAM), laying the groundwork for advancing rare disease diagnostics, clinical management, and Research and Therapeutic Drug Development (R&D).
My work reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing health equity, integrating innovative technologies, and driving impactful solutions that improve patient care globally.
Research Interests: AI Enabled Healthcare and digital health in ethnically diverse, under-resourced global populations
Professional Interests: I am a seasoned strategist with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of clinical research informatics and medical marketing. My expertise lies in guiding healthcare innovators to successfully integrate health products and informatics solutions into healthcare systems and global markets. By leveraging in-depth knowledge of clinical processes, clinical and market research, I have consistently addressed challenges faced by healthcare professionals, enhancing the safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care. I am particularly passionate about advancing health equity through the integration of health technologies into clinical practice and simplifying complex scientific knowledge into accessible formats for diverse audiences..
Other Affiliations:
Rare Disease Diversity Coalition, Phraktion, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), BALM -Believe Act Live Manifest Inc.