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: Isabel Casas

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: Beatrice Etemesi

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: Wingfield Rehmus

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: Consuelo Cárdenas de la Torre

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: Niraj Parajuli

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: Olayinka Olasode

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: Antonela Dusso

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: Wendemagegn Enbiale

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: Marlous Grijsen

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: Jonathan White

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: Ana María Sáenz 

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: Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier

Dr Niraj Parajuli is currently serving as the Senior Consultant Dermatologist and Assistant Professor at National Academy of Medical Sciences in Nepal. He has been practicing dermatology for the last 12 years with a 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: Epipode Ntawuyamara

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: John Stevens Mbeteh

Prof Olayinka Olasode, MBBCH, FWACP, FACP, IFAAD Professor of Dermatology and Venereology Consultant Physician, experienced clinician, trainer, researcher and mentor. Author of over 65 scientific journal articles, Reviewer for many scientific journals and assessor for academic promotions. Faculty Chair of Antisexual Harassment Committee and an executive of State Medical Women Association of Nigeria. I have had many fellowships and involved international exchange programs. Once African representative in preparation of ICD 11. 

Mentee: Jean Nyakombo

Dr Rehmus is currently the head of paediatric dermatology at BC Children’s Hospital, which provides dermatology services to children from throughout British Columbia including small remote communities. Her team also works in collaboration with a social paediatrics network in downtown Vancouver called RICHER, which is embedded into the community to support children and families living in vulnerable situations.

Mentee: Caue Reis

Dr. Marlous Grijsen, MD PhD, is a dermatologist and senior clinician scientist at Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) Indonesia, where she works with local partners on research and healthcare delivery for skin diseases in eastern Indonesia. Her work focusses on the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, diagnosis and management of neglected tropical skin diseases in rural impoverished communities. She also has an interest in social science and community engagement activities to raise awareness and better understand disease-related stigma. Marlous was a mentee in the first GLODERM mentorship programme under the mentorship from Dr. Esther Freeman. In 2023 she received the L’Oreal International Award for Social Responsibility in Dermatology. 

Mentee: Maria Vinna Crisostomo

Prof Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and allergologist with longstanding experience in patient care, translational research, and medical education. Since 2003, he has chaired the Allergy Unit in the Department of Dermatology in Switzerland. He has also worked in tropical medicine, with extended experience in Tanzania as well as assignments in Peru and Cambodia. He has mentored more than 30 MD theses and 3 MD-PhD theses and serves as a mentor in the EAACI Mentorship Programme. Prof Schmid- Grendelmeier speaks fluent German, English, Spanish and French, and intermediate Italian and Swahili. 

Mentee: Yannick Mukendi Nkesu

I’ve been working as a dermatologist at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) since 2013 and have served as an adjunct instructor since 2021. I also worked in the public health system from 2013 to 2021. In 2021, I was elected Director of Sochiderm and served as its President from 2023 to 2024. 

I’ve had the privilege of working in both academic and public healthcare settings in Chile, and I’ve led national dermatology campaigns to improve access to care. I want to be a mentor to share my experience in leadership, dermatologic surgery, and health systems, and to support the next generation of global dermatologists—especially those committed to underserved areas. I also believe mentoring is a two-way street: I look forward to learning from my mentee’s background and perspective. 

I’m a dermatologist and adjunct instructor at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. I’ve worked in public hospitals across Chile and led national dermatology campaigns as president of Sochiderm. My interests include dermatologic surgery, medical education, and improving access to skin cancer treatment. I enjoy supporting future leaders in dermatology and promoting collaborative solutions to health disparities. 

Mentee: Bladmir Rodríguez Lechtig

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: Atinuke Ajani

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: Afroza Jesmin

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: Panawé Kassang

I am an Argentinian dermatologist with a strong interest in global health, having recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Population Health Studies at the University of Western Australia. I trained and worked at a public hospital in Buenos Aires, where I served as a resident instructor before joining the dermatology staff. During this time, I was actively involved in both clinical care and academic activities. I also contributed to community healthcare projects, particularly in a vulnerable neighborhood of Buenos Aires, with a focus on prevention, education, and improving access to dermatologic clinical care. 

My clinical experience in dermatology has inspired me to explore the intersection between skin health and broader public health challenges. I am eager to contribute to multidisciplinary efforts that promote equitable access to skin health. 

Mentee: Jinisha Jain

Dr Sáenz 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: Vinila Swamy