Capacity Building through VirTUAL

My PhD focused on developing physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict drug disposition in populations that are often less represented in clinical trials and with inadequate information to guide their drug dosing. I developed a pregnancy PBPK model for long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine to assess if approved adult doses for these drugs could maintain efficacious levels during pregnancy. In addition, I was also interested in evaluating the extent of fetal exposure to these drugs during gestation. Thus, a fetal compartment was incorporated into the pregnancy PBPK model to estimate the extent of fetal exposure to long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine also with comparison to their corresponding oral formulations. Lastly, I also developed pregnancy and paediatric PBPK models to explore the pharmacokinetics of modified dosing regimens of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir when co-administered with rifampicin. The goal was to identify the dosing regimen of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir that is likely to overcome the drug-drug interaction effect of rifampicin in pregnant women and children, respectively, who are co-treating HIV and tuberculosis.

With the aid of my scholarship, I was able to embark upon my PhD studies. In this period, I was able to improve my expertise and confidence in identifying important research gaps and designing studies to address vital research questions which are capable of significant impact to global health particularly for underserved populations. During my studies, I was able to acquire news skills and expertise while honing older ones. My unique experience has increased my confidence in collaborating to bring about positive change via research.

The PhD scholarship from VirTUAL was instrumental in my training, providing the opportunity to engage with leading experts, collaborate on groundbreaking research, and make significant contributions to personalized medicine. The knowledge and experiences gained have been invaluable, equipping me to advance the field of pharmacometrics and mentor the next generation of researchers. I was able to move back to Uganda to take up a postdoctoral pharmacokinetic modeller role at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, and so put all these skills into practice.

The Virtual Consortium has given me an extraordinary, transformative opportunity to pursue my research and academic goals without financial constraints. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my PhD have not only shaped my career but also expanded my contributions to the field, and opening doors I never imagined possible. After graduating my PhD, I spent a further year at the University of Cape Town working on VirTUAL as a postdoctoral pharmacokinetic modeller before moving to my current role as a MIDD consultant at Pharmetheus.

Receiving the Virtual scholarship for a Master’s in Clinical Trials has been a fundamental moment in my career journey. The scholarship has opened doors to valuable networking opportunities, connecting me with experienced mentors who have guided me in my studies, career planning and growth. It has also enhanced my resume, making me a more competitive candidate for roles in clinical research.

Throughout the master’s program, I developed critical skills, including proposal writing, data analysis, dissemination of study findings, management, and leadership abilities. These enhanced skills have been crucial in my role as a study coordinator, where they have empowered me to manage and coordinate research projects with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Specifically, the scholarship and obtaining a masters in Clinical Trials has given me new job opportunities and notable achievements, such as winning the £5000 RSTMH early career grant 2023. This success highlights how the writing skills acquired during my master’s program have translated into tangible professional accomplishments. All in all, the support from the scholarship has tremendously helped me to move forward in my career and achieve my professional goals.

I completed the online Master of Science in Clinical Trials at LSHTM, allowing me to work and study simultaneously. Over the two years, I improved my multitasking skills to meet deadlines effectively. The course modules offered specialized training in clinical trial design, data management, reporting and reviewing clinical studies, and writing study protocols. This program refined my research interests and prepared me to tackle the challenges of PhD research. The in-depth knowledge and essential skills gained have helped me design my PhD proposal and conduct data collection.

I undertook a Master’s degree in Clinical Trials. I enrolled for the distance learning program that is offered by the University of London. I was excited and quickly jumped at the opportunity as it came at a time when I was longing for career advancement. I was even more thrilled at the fact that I could keep my job whilst in school. The course was an easy choice for me because I was already participating in clinical trials. I however wanted to learn more about analysing and understanding decisions that affect the design, delivery and assessment of clinical trials. I was also keen on expanding my knowledge of key concepts in statistics and epidemiology. Because of the scholarship I received through the VirTUAL consortium, I can say that I am equipped to make my contribution in shaping the future of global health. Since completion of the course, I have published one first author and co-authored eight publications in the area of antiretroviral drugs in HIV. I have also had the opportunity to present some of our work at international conferences and meetings including the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, the Internal AIDS conference and the International Workshop on Clinical Pharmacology. I am currently a study coordinator and PhD scholar at the Infectious Diseases Institute positions for which I heavily rely on skills I learnt during my training in Clinical Trials. Thank you VirTUAL Consortium!

Through the VirTUAL Consortium, I was able to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, where I focused on modeling the impact of preventive interventions for Malaria among Pregnant women in Uganda. My thesis, titled “Modelling Threshold Doses of Intermittent Preventive Therapy and Treated Bed Nets Utilization for Malaria among Pregnant Women in Uganda,” has allowed me to merge my passion for mathematics with real-world health challenges. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my career, providing me with the tools and confidence to contribute to the health and well-being of communities on a larger scale. I’m excited to continue using my skills to make a difference in public health.