Dr. Melsa Omaya is a clinical-Radiation Oncologist and researcher with extensive experience in both clinical care and health systems leadership. She is a founding fellow of the prestigious Ford Foundation Global Fellowship, a recognition that underscores her commitment to leadership, equity, and social impact in global health.
Dr. Omaya has contributed significantly to advancing healthcare access for underserved populations through her work with Shining Hope for Communities, a multi-award-winning organization dedicated to improving health, education, and economic opportunity in marginalized communities. She is also a founder and Clinical Board Member of Goodlife Access in Rwanda, where she supports the development of innovative, integrated primary healthcare models aimed at expanding access to high-quality, affordable services.
She is a fellow of the Ascend Oncology Fellowship Program at Academy of Sindhu Hospitals, where she advanced her expertise in precision cancer care. Currently, Dr. Omaya is further specializing in gynaecological oncology and translational research through a postdoctoral fellowship at University of California, San Francisco.
Her work focuses on improving cancer prevention, early detection, and access to treatment in low- and middle-income countries, with a particular interest in women’s cancers, implementation science, and innovative care delivery models.