Accountability & Attention to Results: Dr. Andrew Oryono, OBGYN at Rwinkwavu District Hospital
OBGYN specialist Dr. Andrew Oryono discusses his career journey, why practicing medicine is a calling to him, and the value of quality care.
OUR TEAM
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Pacifique Iradukunda
- Aug 12, 2021
- 9 min
Celebrating Youth PIHers
On International Youth Day, we are celebrating the imaginative, compassionate, and vital members of our community: bright-eyed Youth PIHers.
IMB Team
- Oct 15, 2018
- 4 min
Q&A with Joanna Galaris – Impact and Systems specialist
As we begin this discussion, would you tell us a little about yourself: My name is Joanna Galaris, I hold dual citizenship: I am Greek...
Dr. Joel M. Mubiligi
Executive Director
Dr. Joel Muhoza Mubiligi has been the Executive Director of Partners In Health in Rwanda (PIH/IMB) since 2018. He holds a Medical Degree from the University of Rwanda, a Master in Science in Global Public Health from the Queen Mary University of London, and a Diploma in Tropical Medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is also an alumnus of the International Program in Public Health Leadership at the University of Washington in Seattle. As the Executive Director of PIH/IMB, Dr. Joel is also a faculty and board member of the University of Global Health Equity. Prior to his current role as Executive Director, Dr. Joel was the Chief Medical Officer of PIH in Rwanda, where he oversaw all clinical service innovations and implementation research in three districts that serve a catchment area of close to 1 million people and supported the translation of best practices in the area of non-communicable diseases, mental health, Maternal and child health and Oncology into national policies and protocols. Dr. Joel has also served as the Medical Advisor to the Ministry of Health’s National Human Resources for Health program, where he supported the government efforts to improve the medical training programs at the University of Rwanda in collaboration with more than 20 U.S. institutions.
Dr. Joel Muhoza Mubiligi has been the Executive Director of Partners In Health in Rwanda (PIH/IMB) since 2018. He holds a Medical Degree from the University of Rwanda, a Master in Science in Global Public Health from the Queen Mary University of London, and a Diploma in Tropical Medicine from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is also an alumnus of the International Program in Public Health Leadership at the University of Washington in Seattle. As the Executive Director of PIH/IMB, Dr. Joel is also a faculty and board member of the University of Global Health Equity. Prior to his current role as Executive Director, Dr. Joel was the Chief Medical Officer of PIH in Rwanda, where he oversaw all clinical service innovations and implementation research in three districts that serve a catchment area of close to 1 million people and supported the translation of best practices in the area of non-communicable diseases, mental health, Maternal and child health and Oncology into national policies and protocols. Dr. Joel has also served as the Medical Advisor to the Ministry of Health’s National Human Resources for Health program, where he supported the government efforts to improve the medical training programs at the University of Rwanda in collaboration with more than 20 U.S. institutions.
Nadine Karema
Deputy Executive Director
Nadine Karema joined PIH/IMB in November 2013 as Health Information Systems (HIS) Implementation Manager to support the implementation of new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) functionalities while improving use of the system and use of data by all stakeholders. In September 2015, she moved up to the Health Information System Director position, overseeing the expansion of EMR implementation and collaborating with IMB programs on strengthening EMR with the aim of efficiently supporting IMB processes and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
In 2016, Nadine took on additional responsibilities as the Director of Health Informatics in charge of leading synergy for the functions of HIS and M&E across all the IMB sites to improve processes towards data-driven decision-making and an evaluation framework that facilitates in-depth review of IMB current and future impact. Since July 2019, Nadine is Chief Informatics Officer, leading IMB strategic goal of integrating HIS, M&E, and IT platforms needed for impactful action, effective care, and improved services within IMB and in the districts we support.
Besides her strategic involvement at PIH/IMB, Nadine represents the organization at the Ministry of Health eHealth workgroups, providing technical support, review, and advice regarding national decisions and vision of eHealth applications. She also represents PIH and health sector NGOs as the co-chair of the National e-Learning Committee chaired by MOH. In addition, Nadine performs guest speaker engagements at local universities events aimed at educating the next generation of Rwandan innovators on eHealth implementation.
Nadine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Technology and an MBA in International Business and Organizational Leadership. Prior to joining PIH/IMB, Nadine worked in various positions at the University of California-San Diego. Nadine has also taught undergraduate courses in Computer Programming and Business in California career colleges.
Nadine Karema joined PIH/IMB in November 2013 as Health Information Systems (HIS) Implementation Manager to support the implementation of new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) functionalities while improving use of the system and use of data by all stakeholders. In September 2015, she moved up to the Health Information System Director position, overseeing the expansion of EMR implementation and collaborating with IMB programs on strengthening EMR with the aim of efficiently supporting IMB processes and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
In 2016, Nadine took on additional responsibilities as the Director of Health Informatics in charge of leading synergy for the functions of HIS and M&E across all the IMB sites to improve processes towards data-driven decision-making and an evaluation framework that facilitates in-depth review of IMB current and future impact. Since July 2019, Nadine is Chief Informatics Officer, leading IMB strategic goal of integrating HIS, M&E, and IT platforms needed for impactful action, effective care, and improved services within IMB and in the districts we support.
Besides her strategic involvement at PIH/IMB, Nadine represents the organization at the Ministry of Health eHealth workgroups, providing technical support, review, and advice regarding national decisions and vision of eHealth applications. She also represents PIH and health sector NGOs as the co-chair of the National e-Learning Committee chaired by MOH. In addition, Nadine performs guest speaker engagements at local universities events aimed at educating the next generation of Rwandan innovators on eHealth implementation.
Nadine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Technology and an MBA in International Business and Organizational Leadership. Prior to joining PIH/IMB, Nadine worked in various positions at the University of California-San Diego. Nadine has also taught undergraduate courses in Computer Programming and Business in California career colleges.
Brian Kasigazi
Chief Finance Officer
Brian Kasigazi joined PIH/IMB in July 2017 as Resource Development and Grants Director, and currently serves as Chief Finance Office since 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Finance) and a Master of Business Administration degree (Finance). He is a Grants Management Specialist with 20 years of practical work experience in resource mobilization, grants and contracts management and business management. His previous work engagements have been with Infectious Diseases Institute (Uganda) and Makerere University Business School (Uganda) where he worked as a Senior Grants and Contracts Manager and Finance Lecturer respectively.
Brian Kasigazi joined PIH/IMB in July 2017 as Resource Development and Grants Director, and currently serves as Chief Finance Office since 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Finance) and a Master of Business Administration degree (Finance). He is a Grants Management Specialist with 20 years of practical work experience in resource mobilization, grants and contracts management and business management. His previous work engagements have been with Infectious Diseases Institute (Uganda) and Makerere University Business School (Uganda) where he worked as a Senior Grants and Contracts Manager and Finance Lecturer respectively.
Dr. Vincent Cubaka
Director of Training & Research Department
Vincent K. Cubaka is a medical doctor, health researcher and educator. For the past fourteen years he practiced as a rural clinician, then served as a lecturer and researcher and head of the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Rwanda (UR). He recently joined Partners In Health Rwanda to hold the position of Director of Research and Training. He trained as a specialist in Family and Community Medicine at UR. He also holds a doctorate in medicine from Aarhus University in Denmark. His doctoral work explored patient-provider communication in primary healthcare in Rwanda. His scientific publications can be found here.
Vincent K. Cubaka is a medical doctor, health researcher and educator. For the past fourteen years he practiced as a rural clinician, then served as a lecturer and researcher and head of the Department of Primary Health Care at the University of Rwanda (UR). He recently joined Partners In Health Rwanda to hold the position of Director of Research and Training. He trained as a specialist in Family and Community Medicine at UR. He also holds a doctorate in medicine from Aarhus University in Denmark. His doctoral work explored patient-provider communication in primary healthcare in Rwanda. His scientific publications can be found here.
Gilbert Rwigema
Chief Operations Officer
Mr RWIGEMA Gilbert is the Chief Operating Officerfor Partners In Health/ Inshuti Mu Buzima in Rwanda. As COO, he works day to day with PIH/IMB Executive Director and other PIH/ IMB Senior Leaders in driving effective and efficient implementation of health systems strengthening programs and delivering a preferential option for the poor in health care. The COO role oversees district programs as implementation sites, and all non-clinical programs of PIH/IMB including social and economic development programs, health infrastructure and support functions like logistics, transport and administration. He is in charge of establishing, implementing and evaluating all necessary systems to supports the delivery of PIH clinical and non-clinical programs.
Mr. Rwigema holds an MBA with professional experience as Programs Manager and Teams leader. Prior to being appointed COO, he served PIH as a District Program Director of Burera, one of the 3 PIH supported districts. Through this role, he significantly led the site operations, health infrastructure development projects and partnership development within the district.
Mr. Rwigema has an extensive experience of more than 26 years in humanitarian industry in Rwanda, with a significant experience leading community development programs, working with community and local partners within International NGOs and currently leading health systems strengthening programs.
Mr RWIGEMA Gilbert is the Chief Operating Officerfor Partners In Health/ Inshuti Mu Buzima in Rwanda. As COO, he works day to day with PIH/IMB Executive Director and other PIH/ IMB Senior Leaders in driving effective and efficient implementation of health systems strengthening programs and delivering a preferential option for the poor in health care. The COO role oversees district programs as implementation sites, and all non-clinical programs of PIH/IMB including social and economic development programs, health infrastructure and support functions like logistics, transport and administration. He is in charge of establishing, implementing and evaluating all necessary systems to supports the delivery of PIH clinical and non-clinical programs.
Mr. Rwigema holds an MBA with professional experience as Programs Manager and Teams leader. Prior to being appointed COO, he served PIH as a District Program Director of Burera, one of the 3 PIH supported districts. Through this role, he significantly led the site operations, health infrastructure development projects and partnership development within the district.
Mr. Rwigema has an extensive experience of more than 26 years in humanitarian industry in Rwanda, with a significant experience leading community development programs, working with community and local partners within International NGOs and currently leading health systems strengthening programs.
Alice Uwingabiye
Chief Human Resources Officer
Alice Uwingabiye is an MBA holder, with over 14 years of experience working directly with communities focusing on empowerment of Rwanda’s rural health sector and the most vulnerable people. She joined PIH/IMB in 2006 when PIH/IMB was expanding its activities in Kirehe District. She occupied different positions. From the Administrative Assistant to Deputy Program Manager and then District Program Director where she was a PIH representative in Kirehe, overseeing and coordinating all PIH activities also ensuring the partnership and collaboration between PIH and local government in Kirehe District. This has enabled her to analyze and solve social, economic, and health challenges in grassroots communities. Together with other PIHers, she advocated for more than 300,000 people without a hospital or adequate Health Clinics in Kirehe District.
Alice Uwingabiye is an MBA holder, with over 14 years of experience working directly with communities focusing on empowerment of Rwanda’s rural health sector and the most vulnerable people. She joined PIH/IMB in 2006 when PIH/IMB was expanding its activities in Kirehe District. She occupied different positions. From the Administrative Assistant to Deputy Program Manager and then District Program Director where she was a PIH representative in Kirehe, overseeing and coordinating all PIH activities also ensuring the partnership and collaboration between PIH and local government in Kirehe District. This has enabled her to analyze and solve social, economic, and health challenges in grassroots communities. Together with other PIHers, she advocated for more than 300,000 people without a hospital or adequate Health Clinics in Kirehe District.
Dr. Cyprien Shyirambere
District Program Director (Butaro)
District Program Director at Partners In Health in Rwanda, leads the implementation of cancer care delivery at our sites in this country. This includes supporting the daily operations of the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE), the first national referral cancer center in Rwanda, and accompanying Rwanda’s Ministry of Health in designing, implementing and scaling up evidence-based and cost-effective strategies to advance cancer prevention and care in Rwanda.
. He graduated from University of Rwanda with a master’s of Medicine in Pediatrics and child health and received pediatric oncology trainings at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s hospital. Before joining PIH/IMB in 2014 he was a faculty and head of postgraduate training program in the department of pediatrics at University of Rwanda and a lecturer at Catholic University of Rwanda, faculty of public health.
As a researcher he is interested in the use of implementation science as a framework for iterative evaluations of our cancer care model, to understand programmatic efficacy, where gaps exist and where improvements can be made. This not only informs changes in clinical practices or policies, it will also offer lessons to others seeking to start cancer centers in low-income settings.
District Program Director at Partners In Health in Rwanda, leads the implementation of cancer care delivery at our sites in this country. This includes supporting the daily operations of the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE), the first national referral cancer center in Rwanda, and accompanying Rwanda’s Ministry of Health in designing, implementing and scaling up evidence-based and cost-effective strategies to advance cancer prevention and care in Rwanda.
. He graduated from University of Rwanda with a master’s of Medicine in Pediatrics and child health and received pediatric oncology trainings at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s hospital. Before joining PIH/IMB in 2014 he was a faculty and head of postgraduate training program in the department of pediatrics at University of Rwanda and a lecturer at Catholic University of Rwanda, faculty of public health.
As a researcher he is interested in the use of implementation science as a framework for iterative evaluations of our cancer care model, to understand programmatic efficacy, where gaps exist and where improvements can be made. This not only informs changes in clinical practices or policies, it will also offer lessons to others seeking to start cancer centers in low-income settings.
Frederick Kateera
Chief Medical Officer
Fredrick Kateera is a Rwanda Medical Doctor with Postgraduate Trainings in Epidemiologist and Immunology & Immunogenetics. He completed his Doctorate studies in Malaria Epidemiology and a Post- Doctoral Fogarty Global Health Fellowship in Malaria Epidemiology. He has over 15 years of experience as a Rural Hospital and Research Clinician. He has also worked in HIV program management, and he is a Global Fund Certificated Public Health Expert involved in Monitoring and Evaluating Malaria Program implementation. Currently, he works as the Chief Medical Officer at Partners In Health – Rwanda overseeing all Clinical, Research and Training functions. He is a Global Health advocate with a passion for rural setting Clinical and research program design, Implementation and evaluations. He is a Principal Investigator on multiple research grants including NIH funded grant in the field of Infectious Diseases.
Fredrick Kateera is a Rwanda Medical Doctor with Postgraduate Trainings in Epidemiologist and Immunology & Immunogenetics. He completed his Doctorate studies in Malaria Epidemiology and a Post- Doctoral Fogarty Global Health Fellowship in Malaria Epidemiology. He has over 15 years of experience as a Rural Hospital and Research Clinician. He has also worked in HIV program management, and he is a Global Fund Certificated Public Health Expert involved in Monitoring and Evaluating Malaria Program implementation. Currently, he works as the Chief Medical Officer at Partners In Health – Rwanda overseeing all Clinical, Research and Training functions. He is a Global Health advocate with a passion for rural setting Clinical and research program design, Implementation and evaluations. He is a Principal Investigator on multiple research grants including NIH funded grant in the field of Infectious Diseases.