The Power of Peer Mentorship to Transform Global Health

Operation Smile’s VP of Global Medical Education, Elizabeth Coté, MD, hosts Women Deliver 2023 Side Event:  “The Power of Peer Mentorship to Transform Global Health.” During this event, panelists explore how interpersonal investment can revolutionize Global Health and achieve Global Health Equity in this immersive experience. Listen to inspiring stories from leaders who recognize the vital role of peer mentorship in personal development and driving impactful change. 

Panelists:

Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Coté, MD, MPA, Vice President of Global Medical Education, Operation Smile 

Opening Remarks: Ms. Johanna Teague, Swedish Ambassador of Rwanda

Panelists:  

  • Dr. Fetiya Awol, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Assistant Professor and Chief Clinical Director, Jimma University Medical Center 
  • Dr. Francoise Nizeyimana, MD Anesthesia & Critical Care Program Director, University of Rwanda 
  • Dr. Jane Odubu Fualal, MD Head of the Breast & Endocrine Unit, Mulago National Referral Hospital, President of COSECSA
  • Dr. Francoise Mukagaju, MD Plastic Surgery and Vice Chair of Rwanda Women Surgeon

According to the World Health Organization, women hold just 25% of healthcare leadership roles – a disparity that affects patient outcomes, access to care and more. On July 19, 2023, Operation Smile – a global nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to healthcare – joined thousands of global changemakers and innovators at the Women Deliver conference in Kigali, Rwanda to advocate for peer mentorship as a sustainable pathway to gender equality in healthcare. 

Mentorship is a proven, powerful tool to bridge the global gender gap in healthcare, but systemic barriers and the lack of diversity in the field can make these connections difficult to foster. Through a dynamic panel event and networking session, “The Power of Peer Mentorship to Transform Global Health,” Operation Smile and healthcare leaders from around the world facilitate meaningful conversation on the impact of women’s mentorship in global healthcare and empower attendees to implement mentorship programs in their own communities.