Global Health Scholars Program Current Awardees
The ASTRO/ARRO Global Health Scholars (GHS) program provides scholarships allowing senior residents to work on cancer care projects and encourages ongoing outreach and research in developing countries. Congratulations to the 2024 GHS awardees.
 | Lamiaa Abdallah, 2024 Global Health Scholars Awardee- Institute: Loyola University Medical Center
- Visiting Country: Vienna, Austria
Dr. Lamiaa Abdallah is a PGY4 radiation oncology resident at Loyola University Medical Center who grew up in Egypt where she finished medical school and clinical oncology training. This is when her interest in global health and global oncology stemmed as she witnessed the economic and social burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients of low- and middle-income countries.
Relocating to the U.S. to pursue radiation oncology residency training, with all new challenges she faced as well as the eye opening experience gained every day, she realized how much she is determined to be more involved in global health outreach and addressing cancer care disparities.
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 | Phylicia Gawu, 2024 Global Health Scholars Awardee- Institute: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Visiting Country: Accra, Ghana
Dr. Phylicia Gawu, a soon to be PGY5 radiation oncology resident at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, hails originally from Ghana. She obtained her medical degree from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds an undergraduate degree in microbiology from Brigham Young University.
In addition to her residency training, Dr. Gawu serves as one of the vice-chairs of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on the executive board of the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology (SWRO). Her passion for diversifying the face of radiation oncology is evident in her active involvement in medical student pathways programs. She currently serves as a vice-chair of medical student pathway programs for the Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee of the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO).
Dr. Gawu's proudest achievement to date is spearheading the inaugural joint ARRO/ACRO/SWRO Radiation Oncology session at the 60th Student National Medical Association Annual Medical Education Conference. Her professional interests extend to expanding oncologic access globally, particularly in underserved communities, while also addressing oncologic toxicities, whether financial or treatment related.
Dr. Gawu is a member of several esteemed professional societies, including the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO), American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American College of Radiation Oncology, the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the National Medical Association (NMA).
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 | Yirong Liu, 2024 Global Health Scholars Awardee- Institute: Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center
- Visiting Country: Shanghai, China
Dr. Yirong Liu is a dedicated and innovative radiation oncology resident with a passion for improving global cancer care. Born and raised in rural China, Dr. Yirong pursued his medical education at Fudan University Shanghai Medical College and further specialized in oncology at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. His commitment to advancing cancer treatment led him to secure a residency in radiation oncology at Northwestern University, where he gained invaluable insights into the disparities in health care delivery between China and the U.S. Dr. Yirong's experiences in both Shanghai and Chicago have heightened his awareness of the urgent need for equitable access to quality health care, especially in cancer treatment. This conviction has fueled his interest in fostering international collaborations to enhance cancer care globally. Dr. Yirong is particularly focused on the role of technological advancements in radiation oncology, such as proton therapy and heavy ion therapy, which hold the potential to revolutionize treatment efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Currently, Dr. Yirong is eager to deepen his expertise in heavy ion therapy. By immersing himself in this cutting-edge environment and collaborating with leading experts, he aims to contribute to ongoing research initiatives and advance this transformative modality.
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 | Jacob Oyeniyi, 2024 Global Health Scholars Awardee- Institute: Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital
- Visiting Country: Abuja, Nigeria
Dr. Oyeniyi grew up in the high altitudes of the Jos plateau in Nigeria and earned his medical degree from the University of Ilorin. He then underwent over a year of clinical oncology training in Nigeria’s National Hospital, including a year-long research training with faculty from the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. He completed his internship at William Beaumont University Hospital where he currently serves as a chief resident in radiation oncology. His experiences in both resource-constrained and resource-rich settings provided exposure to the similarities of hope and resilience of patients, and the commitment of health care professionals across the world. These experiences also revealed the disparities in cancer diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and quality of life during survivorship for patients, and radiation oncology training for physicians. With the support of the ASTRO-ARRO Global Health Scholar Program, Dr. Oyeniyi will be working in Nigeria to improve medical education; foster knowledge sharing, sustainable clinical and research collaboration; and learn more about local practices, challenges and innovative solutions of malignancies that are more common in developing countries, including HIV-related malignancies. His other academic interests include exploring the role of radiation therapy to reduce cancer mortality in metastatic disease and innovations in radiation therapy delivery techniques to improve patient outcomes and toxicities.
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