Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 5/1/2025 12:00:00 AM
Rissy Wesonga, MSc, African Institute of Biomedical Science & Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
What does being a Low-to-Middle Income Country (LMIC) Accelerator Cohort Member mean to you?
Being selected as a member of the LMIC Accelerator Cohort is an incredible honor, one that brings both professional and personal significance. As an emerging researcher, the opportunity to engage with experts across the drug discovery and development spectrum will be invaluable in advancing my career. However, this program holds an even deeper meaning for me as a patient living with Sickle Cell Disease. It represents a rare chance to bridge the worlds of decision-makers in healthcare and those of the patients we aim to serve. I am excited to contribute to the conversation around therapeutics while also ensuring that the voices of patients are heard and considered in shaping the future of healthcare.
What are you looking forward to in your time as part of the LMIC Accelerator Cohort?
The chance to engage with such a diverse and talented group of professionals within the ASCPT community is something I deeply value. I look forward to connecting with fellow researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders, as well as learning from their experiences. Attending the Annual Meeting will undoubtedly offer rich learning opportunities and a chance to explore innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. I am also eager to develop new collaborations, seek mentorship, and open doors for future career opportunities. The LMIC Accelerator Cohort promises to be a transformative experience, and I cannot wait to be a part of it.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my proudest accomplishments is the research I conducted during my Master's program on pharmacogenetic testing for irinotecan toxicity in cancer care. Under the guidance of Dr. Zedias Chikwambi at the African Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Technology (AiBST), I genetically profiled a cohort of cancer patients, identifying genetic markers associated with irinotecan toxicity. This research holds the potential to guide more personalized treatment strategies, benefiting patients by reducing adverse drug reactions. Being ranked in the top 2% of my class and receiving the Vice Chancellor's Award for Best Project further affirmed my commitment to advancing the field of genomics and precision medicine, and I am thrilled to have contributed to this area of research.
What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned the hard way?
The most important leadership lesson I have learned is the power of active listening. Early in my career, I was eager to make decisions quickly and move things forward. However, I quickly realized that effective leadership requires more than just making decisions—it involves listening attentively to the perspectives of others. By seeking input from diverse voices, especially those closest to the challenges, I have been able to make more informed and effective decisions. Active listening fosters collaboration, trust, and inclusivity within teams, which in turn leads to stronger and more sustainable outcomes.
Who has inspired you in your career?
I have been deeply inspired by my mentors, especially Professors Collen Masimirembwa and Ambroise Wonkam. Both have exemplified not only professional excellence but also a compassionate approach to leadership. Their ability to balance rigorous scientific work with genuine care for their teams and the communities they serve has shaped how I approach my own career. Their mentorship has taught me that being a successful leader in healthcare requires technical expertise, but also empathy, humility, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
What has been the greatest challenge of your career?
One of the greatest challenges in my career has been navigating the resource limitations that often exist in LMICs. The disparity between the demand for quality healthcare and the availability of infrastructure can be overwhelming, and as someone who has been both a researcher and a patient in these environments, I have felt the impact of these constraints first-hand. Seeing patients' unmet needs, knowing that there are solutions that could help, but lacking the resources to implement them has been incredibly challenging. Overcoming this has required creativity, resilience, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to find sustainable, impactful solutions. I have also had to overcome personal doubts, learning not to let the limitations of my environment define my aspirations and ambitions.
What is your favorite Society memory?
One of my favorite memories from the Society is attending the Mentor Monday sessions in 2023. These sessions not only provided me with valuable insights but also challenged my thinking in ways that helped reshape my approach to clinical pharmacology and translational science. The experience reinforced my belief that mentorship plays a critical role in career development, and it has given me a new perspective on the types of roles to which I aspire in the future. The guidance and inspiration I received during these sessions was invaluable, and I am grateful for the connections I made.
What was your childhood dream job?
As a child, my dream was to find a cure for Sickle Cell Disease. Although I did not know the term for this profession at the time, I knew it was something that needed to be done. This curiosity evolved into my decision to pursue a career in healthcare, and today, I am closer to that dream than I ever imagined. My passion for solving complex medical challenges continues to drive me forward as I work to develop innovative solutions that not only benefit me but also those around me.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
One thing people might be surprised to know is that I occupy a unique position as both a patient and a researcher within the drug discovery and development life cycle. Sitting at this intersection allows me to bring a rare perspective to the table—one that understands both the scientific and human sides of healthcare. While this dual role can be challenging at times, it also offers me the opportunity to advocate for patients and contribute to solutions from both sides of the equation.
Rissy has been a member of ASCPT since 2022.
