Visiting medical scholars bring global perspectives and a passion for change to UCalgary

Four international scholars are bringing their expertise — from cancer care to public health, diabetes research and medical education — to the Cumming School of Medicine’s Indigenous, Local and Global Heath Office (ILGHO) as part of the 2025 Visiting Scholars Program. 

The program, supported by Global Affairs Canada, seeks individuals poised to take on leadership roles within their home institutions and whose research interests align with University of Calgary faculty expertise.

This year’s scholars exemplify these qualities. They spent the winter term at Foothills campus, bringing innovative research projects and a commitment to institutional development in their home countries.

The ILGHO has longstanding relationships with the students' universities, some for as long as 29 years. These exchanges — including UCalgary students spending time at the same universities overseas — are just one part of the collaborative connection between institutions. 

The incoming scholars’ housing and everyday needs, including adjusting to winter in Calgary from tropical and equatorial climates averaging 30+ C, were supported by the ILGHO.

Meet the scholars

• Dr. Ivan Taremwa, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda: Improving Transfusion Safety for Cancer Patients

For Ivan Taremwa, a PhD student, the University of Calgary’s advanced lab infrastructure enables analysis of blood samples from hematological cancer patients. 

His research focuses on the presence of alloantibodies — immune responses in the blood to foreign blood products that can compromise the safety and efficacy of transfusions. He is working on establishing laboratory approaches for blood typing and alloantibody screening to improve transfusion safety.

Taremwa explains that hematological cancer patients rely heavily on transfusions because they can no longer depend on their own blood systems to produce what they need. If these patients produce alloantibodies, it could impact the course of treatment for that patient. 

“No matter the medication a patient receives during cancer care, they will require a transfusion at some point,” says Taremwa. 

Taremwa hopes the research will inform policy changes and improve care for vulnerable populations in Uganda. “I hope this research helps drive future antibody testing and improves health outcomes for people with cancer.”

He believes that international collaborators like UCalgary can inform infrastructure improvements and bring new ideas and approaches to cancer research and care in Uganda. 

Dr. Ivan Taremwa’s research project, Assessment of Transfusion Safety and Efficacy Among Cancer Patients in Uganda and Caregivers' Perceptions on Blood Use, was supervised by Drs. Guido Van, Marle, May Choi. It was also supported by Dr. Craig Jenne through the Jessie Boden Lloyd Professorship in Immunology Research. 

• Dr. Eva Malindisa, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Uganda: Exploring Diet and Diabetes Through Animal Models

Eva Malindisa, a lecturer in physiology and a medical doctor, is using her time at UCalgary to gain hands-on experience with animal models — something she didn’t have access to back home.

“I’m studying how diet affects diabetes, specifically looking at liver tissues in mice to understand metabolic pathways,” she says. “Animal models allow us to control variables in a way that’s impossible with human studies.”

Beyond the lab, Malindisa sees her time in Calgary as a launchpad for future collaborations. “This is more than four months of research. It’s about building a network, learning new techniques, and bringing that knowledge back to my institution. I want to inspire others and help create a stronger research culture at home, connecting my peers to a broader research community.”

Dr. Eva Malindisa’s research project, The Role of Dietary Patterns and Enteropathy on Prediabetes and Diabetes Among Adults in Mwanza, Tanzania, was supervised by Dr. Jennifer Thompson.

• Amonelath Som Oulay, Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, the University of Health Sciences – Laos, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Advocating for Migrant Youth in Public Health

Som Oulay, a master’s student in public health, is conducting research on sexual and reproductive health among young migrant workers in the restaurants of Vientiane, Lao’s capital. Her time in Calgary has deepened her understanding of qualitative research methods and expanded her academic horizons.

“This is my first time abroad, and everything is new — from the snow to the research environment,” she says with a smile. “I’ve learned how to analyze qualitative data, how to ask the right questions, and how to make my research more visible.”

She hopes her work will contribute to a more equitable public health system in Lao. “I want to help improve access to health care and help build a system where everyone can get the care they need.”

Amonelath Som Oulay’s research project, Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges among Laotian Young Migrants Working in Vientiane, Lao PDR: A Qualitative Study, was supervised by Drs. Gwen Hollaar and Jennifer Hatfield.

• Dr. Jennifer Araneta, Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine, Philippines: Enhancing Medical Education Through Bedside Assessment

Araneta, the program director in obstetrics and gynecology and internship co-ordinator for medical students at her university, is using her time at UCalgary to study bedside assessment techniques in medical education.

“My dean asked me to explore how bedside assessments are done in Calgary, especially structured tools like the Team Objective Structured Bedside Assessment (TOSBA),” she explains. “We want to improve the clinical skills of our graduates so they can provide better care, especially in underserved and rural areas.”

Araneta has embraced the experience. “I came with an open mind. Every time I observe something, I learn something new that I can take back home.”

Dr. Jennifer Araneta’s research project, Evaluating the Impact of Bedside Teaching on Clinical Competence Using TOSBA, was supervised by Dr. Nishan Sharma.

A shared vision for the future

Though their disciplines differ, all four scholars share a common goal: to use their time in Calgary to build something lasting — not just for themselves, but for their institutions and communities.

“This opportunity is so important for exposure, connection, and the future. I want to be a good ambassador for this program, says Malindisa.

Their stories are a testament to the power of international collaboration, and to the University of Calgary’s commitment to fostering global leadership through research and education.

Scholars for the 2026 program have already been selected by Global Affairs Canada and will be arriving in Calgary this coming January.