Adanma Ekenna

As far back as my second year of medical school, I was attracted to the myriad determinants of health and it led to my love for Public health. These many-sided determinants across the sectors of the society and economy are my driving interest in improving health systems using the tools of epidemiology. I have an interest in the primary healthcare system in under-resourced settings, with a desire for universal health coverage. My residency training pre-fellowship research is hinged on health care financing mechanisms in the primary healthcare system.

My expertise in research started under the supervision of Prof Benjamin Uzochukwu as part of my Master in Public Health degree from which I have published an assessment of primary health centres in Enugu State of Nigeria in the Health Policy and Planning journal as my first first-author paper. This was published by the Health Systems Global Women Mentorship Program in which I worked with Prof. Lisa Hirschhorn. The rigorous program improved my writing skills and gave me the opportunity to go from conception to publication as a corresponding author. It made me conversant with long-distance correspondence and virtual meetings long before the Covid-19 pandemic. Data colIection exposure in both urban and rural communities was acquired as a lots quality assurance surveyor for the World Health Organisation, Enugu regional office. I have also presented oral and poster presentations at the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria from this research endeavor. At the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja, I worked with a team of senior residents led by Prof.Chima Onoka on the production of a book of the Agency on defining the standards of primary health care practice in Nigeria. Writing as a team, meeting deadlines and editing were skills honed by that exposure. As part of my residency training, I teach medical students and junior residents and supervise them on the rural postings. I redesigned the students’ questionnaire for community diagnosis and tutor them on the use of statistical software. I am a research assistant with the Health Policy Research Group of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus where my exposure to research skills like desk reviews is sharpened. As a result of these previous experiences, I am aware of the importance of frequent communication and integrity in academic research and writing. My appeal for research and skills acquired will be an addition to any team.