Mentorship Class of 2026

I am currently serving as a Junior Consultant Dermatologist at the Upazila Health Complex, Dohar, Dhaka, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Bangladesh. I completed my MD in Dermatology & Venereology from Bangladesh Medical University (formerly Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in 2018. 
 
Since 2014, I have been providing healthcare in under-resourced rural settings—initially as a General Physician and now as a Dermatologist since 2023. I aspire to ensure affordable, accessible, and holistic skin care, emphasizing not only disease management but also quality of life. 
 
My clinical interests include communicable skin diseases like scabies and fungal infections, and chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). I play a leadership role in the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Network Bangladesh and serve as Executive Member of the Bangladesh Academy of Dermatology. As International Affairs Secretary of the Psoriasis Awareness Club, I regularly train general physicians on psoriasis management. I am interested in clinical research & I have publications in national & international journals. 
 
My passion for dermatologic care has been recognized through awards such as the WCD 2023 Rising Star Award, EADV Congress HCP Scholarship 2024, and the Imrich Sarkany Memorial Scholarship 2025. I am also certified in Basic Dermatology, Dermatopathology, and Dermatosurgery from Chennai Skin Foundation, India. 
 
The GLODERM Mentorship Programme aligns with my commitment to skin health equity. I hope to gain insight into sustainable care models, strengthen research and advocacy skills, and collaborate globally to improve dermatologic outcomes for underserved communities. 

Mentor: 

Dr Atinuke Arinola Ajani, FWACP (Dermatology), MPH is a clinician-academic and consultant dermatologist based in Nigeria, with a career dedicated to advancing equitable skin health in underserved and resource-limited settings. Her work spans clinical care, public health, teaching and implementation research at the interface of dermatologic conditions, psychosocial well-being and systemic health inequities. 

She has vast clinical experience in managing diverse dermatoses including neglected tropical skin diseases and stigmatizing conditions. As a medical educator, she is actively involved in the undergraduate and postgraduate training of medical students and resident doctors, contributing to curriculum development, bedside teaching and dermatologic skills training. 

Dr Ajani leads and collaborates on research focused on psychodermatology, unsafe skin care practices and tropical dermatological conditions. She has authored publications in peer -reviewed journals and has presented her work at both regional and international conferences. Her research particularly emphasizes community-based interventions and health literacy initiatives aimed at addressing the behavioural and structural determinants of dermatologic harm. In addition, she is actively involved in implementation science projects that promote safer skin care behaviours, facilitate early detection of skin cancers among individuals with albinism and explore task-shifting strategies to expand access to dermatologic care within resource-limited primary care settings. 

Dr Ajani is committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring future dermatology leaders and influencing health policy through evidence-based advocacy. Her professional ethos reflects a transformative, preventive and inclusive model of skin health responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations. 

Mentor:

Medical Doctor graduated at Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro and Medical residency at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital. 
 
The only doctor in the family, living in a large peripheral city, I entered college in 2012, in a class with 2 black doctors. I handpicked Dermatology as a specialty and, not by chance, my fellowship in Skin of Color at the Instituto de Dermatologia Professor Rubem David Azulay at Santa Casa – Rio de Janeiro/RJ. 
 
I returned to my original university hospital to coordinate an outpatient clinic specifically for people of color. I believe that preceptorship is the best form of continuing medical education. 
 
In addition, I work with health authorities and the pharmaceutical industry on projects ranging from clinical studies to advertising. 
 
Today I believe that dermatology is a means by which I can impact society and transform the reality of national health through quality information, scientific evidence, and public policies. 

Mentor:

Dr. Bladimir Lechtig is a Colombian-Venezuelan physician currently training as a dermatology resident at Universidad El Bosque in Bogotá. Deeply committed to skin health in vulnerable populations, his main areas of interest include pediatric dermatology, immunodermatology, tropical dermatology, and global health. His thesis focuses on dermatological diseases affecting Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, reflecting his dedication to health equity. He has presented research and clinical cases at national and international congresses and has published several academic papers. Beyond clinical practice, he views dermatology as a discipline with humanistic, artistic, and educational dimensions, and works to bridge these worlds in order to transform how medicine is taught and experienced. 

Mentor:

Dr. Epipode Ntawuyamara is a Medical Doctor with a PhD in Dermatology and Venereology. He is a Lecturer and the only dermatologist working as a faculty member at the School of Medicine, University of Burundi. In addition to completing a residency in dermatology, he has also done important trainings useful for his specialty, such as postgraduate training in HIV/AIDS Management, Skin Cancer Medicine, and Leprosy Research and Control Technology. 

Dr. Epipode is the co-founder and President of the Burundi Society of Dermatology and Venereology (BSDV), a scientific community in Burundi that brings together healthcare professionals fighting against skin diseases. He serves as the Executive Director of the Initiative for Tropical Medicine (ITM), which aims to conduct research and provide training in tropical diseases and related sciences, with a central focus on tropical dermatology. 

Dr Epipode is a clinical researcher with research interests including Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Emerging Viral Diseases, Skin Cancer, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), inflammatory skin diseases, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. He has published over ten papers in peer-reviewed journals, including publications on mpox, STIs, management of psoriasis using biological treatment. 

Dr. Epipode Ntawuyamara is an early-career academic professional who is highly motivated and passionate about global health dermatology. He still requires mentorship and training to fully develop his ability to design, conduct, and report high-quality health research aimed at controlling diseases prevalent in low-resource settings. 

Mentor:

My name is Dr. Jean Nyakombo, currently serving as the only dermatologist in the Western region of Kenya. I am a compassionate doctor, who brings evidence-based approach to managing a wide range of skin, hair and nail disorders, with a deep commitment to improving skin health outcomes in undeserved populations. 

I hold a Master of Science in Dermatology from the University of Hertfordshire which I completed in 2019, after which I did two years as a senior resident in both public and private health institutions. I am well known for patient-centred care and advocacy for skin health education. 

My areas of interest include chronic skin conditions, pigmentary disorders in skin of color, HIV related skin conditions and cosmetic dermatology. I am also passionate about empowering communities through public health education and early detection of skin cancers and autoimmune conditions. 

Beyond clinical practice, I am working toward expanding dermatological services and training across western Kenya. I am actively involved in mentoring junior clinicians and advocating for better access to dermatological care and skin health awareness at both community level and policy levels. 

Mentor:

Dr. Jinisha Anand Jain is a dedicated and passionate dermatologist with a strong interest in clinical research and academics. A true ‘Derm-nerd’, she finds anything and everything about dermatology exciting. 
 
She completed her MBBS from B.J. Government Medical College, Pune, and pursued her MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy at KLE’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, where she was awarded the Gold Medal for academic excellence. With a strong inclination toward evidence-based medicine, Dr. Jinisha has authored several publications in reputed dermatology journals, including original research and rare case reports. 

As a GLODERM mentee, she looks forward to building global connections, strengthening her clinical skills, and continuing her journey in academic dermatology through collaborative learning and mentorship. 

Mentor:

Dr. John Stevens Mbeteh is a medical doctor and the sole practicing dermatologist at the Connaught Teaching Hospital which is the national referral Hospital in Freetown Sierra Leone. He holds a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Dermatology from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda and is also a trained Public Health Specialist. 

Dr. Mbeteh previously served as a medical doctor with the National HIV/AIDS Program and held the role of Acting National ART Coordinator for the National HIV/AIDS Control Program, where he contributed to national strategies for HIV care and treatment. 

He is also actively involved in academia as an Associate Lecturer at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, where he teaches dermatology to both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. 

He runs a weekly specialist dermatology clinic and conducts regular ward rounds at Connaught Teaching Hospital, providing expert care and follow-up for both outpatient and inpatient dermatological cases. 

Dr. Mbeteh is part of the case management team for National Mpox (Monkeypox) response in Sierra Leone, providing expert diagnosis and clinical management of Mpox-related skin manifestations. In addition, Dr. Mbeteh also supports the development of national clinical guidelines, treatment protocols, and public health strategies for Mpox preparedness. 

He also serves as a dedicated volunteer supporting individuals living with albinism in Sierra Leone working with the Sierra Leone Association of persons living with Albinism. Dr. Mbeteh leads outreach programs across the country, promoting skin cancer screening, sun protection education, and preventive dermatologic care. 

Mentor:

Dr. Maria Vinna Crisostomo is a board-certified dermatologist and public health practitioner with a strong interest in neglected tropical diseases and indigenous peoples’ health. She has formal training in tropical medicine and hygiene. She previously served in local government units in the Philippines before specializing in dermatology. She actively supports public health initiatives aimed at achieving universal health care and improving health outcomes through research.

Currently, she works as both a researcher and a private practitioner. She is a dedicated advocate for indigenous peoples’ health and for improving access to healthcare services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. 

Mentor:

I am a dermatologist-venereologist at the Kara University Hospital (CHU Kara) and a researcher at the University of Kara. I am particularly involved in awareness-raising activities and the treatment of cancerous and precancerous lesions in people with albinism. I aspire to develop projects that will contribute to improving the living conditions of people suffering from skin diseases in Togo, and more specifically those affected by albinism. 

Mentor:

Dr. Vinila is a Senior Medical Officer – Dermatology based in Fiji. With over seven years of dermatology training and a Master of Medicine in Dermatology completed in 2024, she now serves as the sole dermatology officer in Fiji’s Western Division, providing essential services to a population of over 340,000. 

Following her postgraduate training, Dr. Vinila has played a pivotal role in expanding access to dermatological care beyond the capital city, Suva—home to the country’s only established dermatology clinic. 

She was also the lead officer for Fiji’s Albinism Health Program, where she has been instrumental in raising awareness about the health needs and challenges faced by people with albinism. This program now offers free skin checks and treatment for premalignant and malignant lesions, government-funded sunscreens, protective hats and sunglasses, and educational materials for the albinism community. 

A passionate advocate for equitable skin health, Dr. Vinila is committed to building sustainable dermatology services in underserved regions. Her professional interests include medical and surgical dermatology, venereology, and albinism health. 

Mentor:

Dr. Yannick Mukendi Nkesu is a Congolese dermatologist, born in May 1985 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He graduated in medicine from the University of Mbujimayi (2013), with a specialization in dermatology obtained at the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (Mali) in 2023, completed by a hospital internship at the University Hospital of Tours (France) in 2022. 

Since 2017, he has been practicing at the Mbujimayi Pediatric Clinic, where he manages a wide range of dermatological conditions, with a particular focus on people with albinism. At the same time, he is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Mbujimayi, where he teaches dermatology and mycology, while also supervising student work. 

Engaged in mobile care missions in collaboration with NGOs and surgeons, he works to improve access to dermatological care in remote areas, particularly for people with albinism. 

An active researcher, Dr. Mukendi is the author or co-author of several international scientific publications on albinism, infectious dermatoses, and tropical medicine. He has presented his work at renowned conferences, including the Journées Dermatologiques de Paris (2022), the European Congress on Albinism (2025), and the congresses of the French-speaking African and Senegalese dermatology societies. 

He received scholarships from the Pierre Fabre Foundation (2017) and the French Society of Dermatology (2023). He speaks French, Tshiluba, Swahili, Lingala and has an intermediate level of English. 

Mentor:

Dr Niraj Parajuli is currently serving as the Senior Consultant Dermatologist and Assistant Professor at National Academy of Medical Sciences. He has been practicing dermatology for the last 12 years with keen interest in Skin-related NTDs and rare skin diseases. He is also the General Secretary for the Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON). 

Mentee: Jonny Alejandro García Luna

Professor Wendemagegn Enbiale is a professor of Dermatovenerology at Bahir Dar University and Collaborative Research and Training Center for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Arba Minch University, bringing 20 years wealth of experience and expertise to the field. With a Master in Public Health and a Ph.D. in Global Health and Dermatology, his career spans both clinical, academic and administrative roles. Prof Enbiale was actively involved in diverse areas such as outbreak management, community-based research, operational research, and clinical trials. His research contributions encompass 42 papers published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. 

As a Fellow for Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, he is actively engaged in national and global health initiatives. He is serving as a member of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases. Prof Enbiale’s leadership extends also to the role as the vice-chair of the International Alliance for Global Health Dermatology (GLODERM) and as a member of the advisory board of Amref Ethiopia. 

Mentee: Harihar Adhikari

Dr Kari Wanat is a Professor in Dermatology and Dermatopathology and the Chair at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she practices complex medical dermatology, inpatient consults, and dermatopathology.  She is passionate about increasing access to dermatology care to underserved populations both locally and abroad through work in global health, teledermatology, and medical education. She has collaborators across the world with primary projects in Tanzania and Niger.

Mentee: Olufolakemi Cole

Esther Freeman MD PhD FAAD is Past-Chair of GLODERM and Founder of the GLODERM Mentorship. She is the Director of Global Health Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. She has worked to improve healthcare, especially those affected by HIV, in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and southeast Asia since 2003. She has collaborated with the World Health Organization. Most recently, her work includes COVID-19 as Principal Investigator of the international COVID-19 Dermatology Registry, which is a collaboration between the AAD and the ILDS.

Mentee: Joseph Sangatu

Helmut Beltramanelli is Vice-Chairman of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) in Switzerland. He is a committed clinician, a curious dermatopathologist, and an enthusiastic teacher, serving his community and collaborating to projects aimed to improve skin health where needed. During the last 12 years, Helmut regularly teaches (dermatology, dermatopathology, leadership) and mentors several younger African colleagues. He is also an International Society of Dermatology mentor. 

Mentee: Wosen Ketema

Cristina Galván is a senior dermatologist interested in global health, tropical medicine, Skin NTDs and research. She has work experience as a university dermatology teacher in Spanish public health hospitals and in the Sahrawi refugee camp. She works in the international dermatological health programme DerMalawi, as a promoter and leader where she campaigns for teledermatology.

Mentee: Karen Eugenia Férez Blando

Dr Morrison, an Associate Professor and dermatology residency program director at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He has broad clinical interests including medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, but specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders, including inflammatory disease (like psoriasis or lichen planus) and nail tumors (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc). He is an expert in nail surgery. He also is passionate about engaging global medicine. Dr. Morrison believes that medical education and mentorship are the best way to positively impact patient outcomes at home and abroad, so his focus is on supporting and teaching other physicians. His is a Cuban-American and speaks English and Spanish. 

Mentee: Monisha Madhumita

Beatrice Etemesi trained at the RDTC in Moshi, Tanzania and has worked with the government at different levels. She is currently a consultant dermatologist at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nakuru, Kenya, where she also acts as a coordinator of HIV services and deputy medical superintendent. She has also been involved in the initial scaling up of ART in South Rift Valley as a Provinvial ART coordinator. In addition, Beatrice works as a Chief Officer in medical services and Accounting Officer for Health in Kakamega County.

Mentee: Bienvenue Solal Nouboadinan

Dr Casas works at a public hospital in a small city in San Martin de los Andes city, Neuquen, Patagonia Argentina, where they receive patients from many rural areas with no specialist access. She runs a special Community Dermatology Programme that includes several educational activities destined to health care workers and one destined to the community.

Mentee: Sofia Paz Villagran Essmann

Dr White is an English Dermatologist working in a French-speaking hospital in Belgium. He has a particular interest in skin allergy, inflammatory dermatoses and occupational skin disease. He has been the Training Programme Director for South Thames for 5 years (for dermatology trainees), Educational coordinator for all London dermatology trainees for 10 years, and a Consultant Dermatologist for nearly 20 years. Dr White is passionate about dermatology education and is part of the panel developing a pan-European dermatology curriculum.

Mentee: Bakary Simpara

Dr Luly Kini is the Vice-principal of the Regional Dermatology Training Center (RDTC) in Moshi, Tanzania. She is also a lecturer at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo. She is currently doing a fellowship in Dermatopathology and has also an expertise in community dermatology projects such as Albinism Program, Xeroderma Pigmentosum Program and Community outreach program in Massai Lands.

Mentee: Danielle Nicolle Dionisio Mejia

Dr Saenz is a dermatologist and paediatric dermatologist who has been working for 25 years at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Universidad Central de Venezuela. She is eager to encourage her mentee to develop skills to give people answers to their skin diseases with the minimum needs. She likes to help people and share her knowledge to all who ask and need it.

Mentee: Doreen Mapunda