Mentorship Class of 2024-2025

Simpara Bakary, born on October 28, 1988, in Mali, is a distinguished dermatologist. He resides in Bamako with his wife and their child. Dr. Simpara’s journey in medicine began at the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 2017. He further specialized in dermatology, obtaining a Diploma of Specialized Studies in Dermatology and Venereology in 2022. Additionally, he holds a university diploma in epidemiology and statistical methods, achieved in 2021. 
 
Dr. Simpara has amassed extensive clinical and teaching experience. Since 2017, he has served as a general practitioner at the Hippodrome Community Health Center. In 2020, he worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF-France) at a COVID-19 treatment center. His teaching credentials include delivering dermatology courses at the « Les 4 O » health school in 2019. Moreover, he has participated in outreach medical consultations, including a campaign in the Ségou region and a mobile initiative to aid people with albinism across several regions in Mali. 
 
Dr. Simpara is a prolific researcher with numerous publications in reputable medical journals. His work spans topics such as therapeutic pathways for chronic dermatology patients, childhood onychomycosis, and the impact of climate change on skin conditions. Notable journals featuring his research include « Health Sciences and Disease » and the « SAS Journal of Medicine. » 
 
He has presented his findings at prestigious international conferences, such as the 2nd International Congress of the Senegalese Society of Dermatology and the 7th Scientific Congress of the Burkinabe Society of Dermatology. In 2022, he completed an observational internship at the University Hospital of Bordeaux in France and participated in dermatology conferences in Paris and Bordeaux. 
 
Fluent in French and Bambara, with intermediate proficiency in English, Dr. Simpara is adept in using Word, PowerPoint, and Stata. He is known for his team spirit, sociability, perseverance, sincerity, and empathy. As a member of the Malian Society of Dermatology (SOMADEV), Dr. Simpara remains dedicated to advancing dermatological care and research in Mali. 

Mentor: Jonathan White

Danielle Nicolle Dionisio Mejia, MD, FPDS is a board-certified dermatologist from the Philippines. She is one of the three pioneer graduates of the Rizal Medical Center Department of Dermatology (Rizal Med Derm), an accredited training institution of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and finished with academic excellence. She currently on her last step in fulfilling her modular sub-specialty training in Venereology. 
 
Dr. Dionisio Mejia is the head of the community dermatology unit of Rizal Med Derm, an end-referral, center of excellence, providing advanced and comprehensive dermatologic care to the East of the National Capital Region and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) . She is actively engaging local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions to form linkages and forge a strong service delivery referral network bringing quality care to the community and the vulnerable population. 

Mentor: Luly Kini

Dr Sangatu is a second year Dermatology Resident from Solomon Islands, currently working and training at the Pacific Dermatology Training Centre in Fiji. In 2021, he completed a year of residency and returned to Solomon Islands to set up the country’s first Dermatology Clinic. In 2023, he helped facilitate a partial residency training for a second Solomon Islanders. He is passionate about Universal Health Coverage and Health Equity. His goal is to strive for a ‘Skin Friendly Pacific’, where access to dermatology services is not limited by the geography of the region.

Mentor: Esther Freeman

Dr. Sofía Villagrán Essmann is a second-year Dermatology resident at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She graduated medical school in 2022 and has actively participated in multiple social projects since the beginning of her medical education. Throughout her residency, she has continued pursuing her passion for social service, organizing medical outreach programs to provide dermatological care to patients in remote communities. She is dedicated to addressing the health inequities faced by these groups in Chile, where access to specialized dermatological care is limited. 
 
In the course of the GLODERM Mentorship Programme, Dr. Villagrán endeavors to cultivate her proficiency in project management and collaboration, leadership, and effective communication. She aspires to acquire professional approaches for project development and resource coordination, especially in environments with limited resources. Moreover, she aims to gain insights into diverse healthcare realities and to develop strategic partnerships. 
 
She is committed to bridging healthcare gaps and implementing sustainable solutions in her community and beyond. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this experience to enhance skin health education and facilitate access to dermatological care for underserved rural populations in Chile. 

Mentor: Isabel Casas

Dr. Wosen a a licensed Dermatologist at Boru Meda Dermatology Referral Center, Dessei, Ethiopia. 
 
He received his medical degree from Mekelle University and completed dermatology residency at Bahir Dar University. He is also pursuing Tropical Medicine at ITM, Antwerp, Belgium. 
 
Through GLODERM Mentorship Program, Wosen aspires to acquire leadership skills and become part of the global community of change-makers in access to skin health care in underserved communities. 

Mentor: Helmut Beltraminelli

Dr. Karen Eugenia Férez Blando is an internist and dermatologist from Mexico City. Trained at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, she merges internal medicine and dermatology in her practice there. As a lecturer at Panamerican University, she trains future healthcare professionals. She is also the founder and president of the Mexican Foundation for Vitiligo and Skin Diseases, A.C., where they provide medical care, fight discrimination, and conduct research on vitiligo. One of her proudest initiatives is the “Vitiligo Project,” using photography to challenge societal beauty norms and promote acceptance. Through her book “Dermatoons” and other educational initiatives, she aims to make dermatology fun and accessible. 

Mentor: Cristina Galván

Dr Adhikari completed his MBBS from Janaki Medical College in 2017, followed by his MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology from Nepal Medical College. He has been a practising dermatologist since 2022. Currently, he is working at Jumla, Nepal since late 2022. He is a firm believer that true everlasting satisfaction and happiness can only be gained by helping those who are in need.

Mentor: Wendemagegn Enbiale

Dr Olufolakemi Cole is a consultant physician, dermatologist, venereologist and associate lecturer based in Lagos, Nigeria. She works at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the Lagos State University College of Medicine. She is a graduate of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and has specialist training in Internal Medicine and Dermatology with Membership of the West African College of Physicians and Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. She also has a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and an MSc in Public Health and Health Promotion from Brunel University, London.

She is an active clinician and clinical researcher, working on various areas of research in dermatology and global health, including albinism, skin biophysical parameters in darker skin, skin lightening practices, acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, skin NTDs like leprosy and scabies, and dermatological infectious diseases like mpox. She is an active member of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists and an associate member of the International Society of Dermatology.
 
Olufolakemi is also a skin health advocate and frequently engages and educates the public about skin health on radio, television, print media, and various social media platforms. In addition to putting smiles on the faces of her patients by treating and beautifying their skin, she enjoys dancing and creative writing. She is happily married with a son. 

Mentor: Kari Wanat

I am a third year and chief of Dermatology residents of Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. I completed my medical training at Universidad del Valle in 2017 and graduated first in my class. I then joined the clinical and community research unit of Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Medicas-CIDEIM in Cali, Colombia. There, I participated in research projects on the immune response to Treponema pallidum in persons with syphilis, the molecular epidemiology of syphilis, and the evaluation of mHealth tools for the community-based screening of persons with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis. In 2018, I was awarded the International Master’s Fellowship of The Wellcome Trust to pursue studies for the MSc in Global Health Sciences and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford; as part of this fellowship, I conducted an evaluation of rapid tests for syphilis in people living with HIV in Cali. Upon my return to CIDEIM, I was appointed co-leader of the clinical and community research unit and scientific researcher. I further enhanced my quantitative skills by obtaining training in mathematical modeling of sexually transmitted infections through a Global Health Equity Scholars fellowship from Yale University. Currently, I am enhancing my clinical skills in the Dermatology Residency Program of Universidad del Valle, where I have been able to continue my research career with CIDEIM along my clinical training at the largest publich hospital in the Southwest of Colombia. I am interested in the development of targeted interventions to reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections and other dermatosis in transgender people in Cali, Colombia.

Mentor: Niraj Parajul

Dr. Bienvenue Solal Nouboadinan is currently a Dermatology senior resident at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa, where she served as chief representative of international residents at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT. She earned her medical degree at Université Gamal Abdel-Nasser de Conakry, Guinea. In Chad, she served as Medical Officer at Hôpital Général de Référence National in N’Djaména, Head of Massakory District Hospital, Hadjer-Lamis. She worked as MO with Centre de Support en Santé International, CARE International USA, and UNFPA as lecturer on Obstetric and neonatal emergency care to midwives, in Sarh. Her goal is to implement teledermatology to enhance access to appropriate dermatology services to underserved communities in Chad. In addition, she does charity, and active member of organizations like Saint Egidio, SOCS, WSD, and ISPD. She was awarded scholarships including Pierre Fabre company for the World Congress of Dermatology, Singapore 2023, Mrs. Roy S. Rogers and Strauss & Kartz World Congress fund for the AAD in Boston 2022, WHO African regional office for, and Agence Francçais de Development for HIV Diploma in Burkina Faso, 2013. 

Mentor: Beatrice Etemesi

Dr Madhumita, a dermatologist working with vulnerable populations, aims to improve access to care and influence skin health policy. She is passionate about using digital tools to better manage chronic skin conditions, boosting digital health literacy, and studying the impact of climate change on skin conditions. When she is not working, she enjoys long-distance cycling and illustrating children’s books.

Mentor: Brian Morrison

Dr. Doreen Mapunda is a final-year resident specializing in Dermatovenereology at the RDTC in Moshi, Tanzania. Her areas of interest include community dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric dermatology. She recently led a research project on acne treatments for adolescents in Moshi and initiated an outreach clinic at an Arusha hospital for the Maasai community. With a blend of clinical excellence and community service, Doreen is dedicated to advancing dermatological care and making a positive impact in her field. 

Mentor: Ana Saenz

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 dermatologist with 15 years clinical, research and leadership experience. He is a medical doctor by training with Dermatovenerology specialty. He has a MPH from the Manchester Metropolitan University and a PhD in global health from the University of Amsterdam. He is a full Professor of Dermatology in Bahir dar University in Ethiopia.

Mentee: Harihar Adhikari

Dr Kari Wanat is currently on faculty as an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee where she practices complex medical dermatology, inpatient consults, and dermatopathology and is the Residency Program Director. 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 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