Olivier Uwishema, an Aspire Leaders Program alumnus from Rwanda, is passionate about neurology advocacy, neuro-infectious diseases, global health leadership, and volunteering. His achievements are impressive and include publishing over 120 scientific articles in world-renowned journals, being recognized in the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Medicine and Research, as well as being awarded the 2024 International Scholarship Award by the American Academy of Neurology. He has also published an article on the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda in the Lancet Journal.
Early Influences
Olivier’s remarkable journey began in the village of Nyamagabe, Rwanda. It was his early experiences in this village that shaped his interest in neurology.
“Growing up, I witnessed many people suffering from various diseases,” Olivier recalls. “Back then, people often attributed conditions like epilepsy to poisoning or witchcraft, simply because they lacked medical knowledge. It wasn’t until medical school that I truly understood these conditions, and it inspired me to make a difference.” As the top student in physics, chemistry and biology at his school, he earned a presidential medical scholarship to study in Turkey.
Breaking Barriers In Medical Research
In 2018, despite skepticism from professors who claimed medical students couldn’t conduct meaningful research, Olivier established the Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO). This non-profit is dedicated to engaging young people in professional education and health research. The organization’s mission was clear: bridge the gap between medical education and research capabilities, particularly in underserved communities.
Through OHMO, Olivier has trained over 20,000 students in research methodologies. Many of his trainees have gone on to secure positions and scholarships at prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Oxford. The organization continues to host research webinars and collaborate with experienced professors from leading universities to disseminate knowledge.
Olivier’s breakthrough came in 2019 when he was invited to South Korea as one of 100 young innovators worldwide. This experience, which brought him in contact with students from prestigious institutions, opened doors for future collaborations.
Global Impact During COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Olivier’s organization proved its worth by partnering with Harvard Medical School on the Coronavirus Global Awareness Project. The initiative successfully translated critical COVID-19 information into over 40 languages, reaching communities worldwide. This work caught the attention of Forbes magazine, which featured his story. This endeavor also earned him recognition from the United Nations as one of the top 10 young people fighting COVID-19 globally.
Expanding Research and Recognition
Despite initial rejections of his scientific articles, Olivier’s persistence to improve his work has led to numerous papers being published in respected journals, including the Journal of Medical Virology and the Lancet Journal. His work spans various critical health areas, from COVID-19’s impact on healthcare systems to HIV research and brain cancer studies. He has presented his work at several conferences in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Japan.
He is also part of the first-ever cohort of the American Academy of Neurology’s Global Advocacy Leadership Program. Graduates of this program will as global ambassadors for the American Academy of Neurology and the World Federation of Neurology.
“Despite initial skepticism, we’ve shown that with passion and persistence, we can create meaningful change in global health research”, Olivier reflects.
Looking ahead, Olivier plans to continue expanding his organization’s reach while maintaining its core mission. He is also deeply passionate about giving back to his village in Rwanda and wants to build a school there.
