Dr. Umme Kulsum is an Assistant Scientist at the Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi), where she has worked since May 2021. She earned her MBBS from Popular Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2019 and began her career as a surgeon at Central Hospital Ltd., Dhaka. Driven by a passion for public health, she pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from the State University of Bangladesh, enhancing her expertise in disease patterns and risk factors.

At ideSHi, Dr. Kulsum contributes to numerous national and international research projects. These include the pharmacokinetics and safety studies of Adalimumab for autoimmune diseases and clinical trials of Ranibizumab for macular degeneration. Her work extends into genetic disorders, particularly Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM), and she plays a crucial role in research on Covid-19 vaccine responses in adults and children.

In addition to her research, Dr. Kulsum is actively involved in public health awareness programs, focusing on Thalassemia and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). She also participates in research on mild typhoid in children, a prevalent condition in many regions. As a physician at ideSHi’s staff clinic and vaccination center, she provides patient care and oversees vaccination programs, contributing to disease prevention. Additionally, she supervised and trained field workers in the national oral cholera vaccination program in collaboration with icddr,b.

Dr. Kulsum’s commitment to public service is evident through her voluntary medical work for flood-affected communities. Her research interests lie in epidemiology, focusing on risk factors and prevention strategies for communicable and non-communicable diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Kulsum enjoys reading, traveling, and photography, activities that allow her to unwind and gain new perspectives. Her diverse contributions to both clinical medicine and scientific research make her a valuable asset to the healthcare and research communities.

This profile highlights Dr. Kulsum’s multifaceted role as a clinician, researcher, and humanitarian, dedicated to advancing public health both in Bangladesh and globally.