MsLuisa Consuelo Rubiano

Having trained as physician and epidemiologist I have the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct clinical and epidemiological research and to incorporate mhealth approaches. Relevant experience for this application includes field research and secondary data analysis to address questions of public and community health. Prior to joining CIDEIM I participated in epidemiological surveillance programs with the Secretary of Health of Cali, Valle del Cauca and clinical research on vaccines at the Center for Studies on Pediatric Infectious Diseases, a CRO in Cali. Both as principal investigator and co-investigator, I have conducted clinical trials of efficacy and safety of medicines and vaccines in pediatric populations. More recently I have completed a non-inferiority trial of miltefosine compared with meglumine antimoniate in children, with less than 5% loss to follow-up over 6 months.

Through this work, I have established strong collaborative relationships with community health providers and gained experience in project management including staffing, good clinical practice compliance, and inter-institutional collaborations. These clinical research experiences have taught me the importance of effective communication among project team members and the development of a realistic research plan. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in the Fundamentals of International Clinical Research training course offered by Family Health International in 2008.

As an investigator in leishmaniasis and other transmissible diseases in CIDEIM I have interacted with patients, clinical specialists and the public health system. I believe that training and capacity building in mhealth strategies are crucial to achieve improved treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and other neglected diseases, and that my clinical and field experience is highly relevant to the interdisciplinary training in the use of mhealth for health research. I have conducted a case-control study and evaluation of the effectiveness of the decavalent vaccine in pediatric populations. Through this work I have established strong collaborative relationships with community health providers and gained experience in project management including staffing and ensuring adherence to good clinical practice.