Faculty Scholars
MHIGH Faculty Scholars play a vital role in advancing the mission of the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health (MHIGH) by promoting excellence across education, research, and service. These scholars are actively engaged in strengthening global health initiatives throughout the Heersink School of Medicine, identifying and pursuing opportunities to secure funding that expands and deepens global health work across all mission areas. Their efforts support the development of long-term, sustainable solutions to complex global health challenges, working in collaboration with MHIGH’s priority international partners.
In addition to their research and service contributions, Faculty Scholars participate in teaching within UAB’s Master of Science in Global Health program, mentor emerging global health professionals, and contribute to the institute’s broader service activities. Each scholar develops an annual career development plan to guide their professional growth and outline their use of allocated institute resources. Collectively, these scholars advance the institute’s impact by fostering innovation, strengthening global collaborations, and expanding the reach of MHIGH’s research and educational programs.
Luke Bishop, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine
Research/Education/Service focus: Teaching ultrasound in resource-limited settings. Training healthcare professionals and community members in life-saving techniques using Basic Life Support (BLS) courses to improve survival rates and overall healthcare infrastructure.
Geographical focus: Nicaragua, Kenya
William Davis, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine
Research/Education/Service focus: Programs that create sustainable, community-driven education programs focusing on point-of-care ultrasound and clinical emergency medicine in places where emergency medicine is a growing specialty
Geographical focus: Cameroon, Kenya
Trainee Scholars
MHIGH Trainee Scholars are emerging global health professionals who contribute to, and learn from, the institute’s mission across education, research, and service. Through structured training experiences, they engage in global health activities that strengthen their academic foundations while preparing them for advanced roles in the field. Trainee Scholars actively explore opportunities to support and expand global health work across mission areas, with MHIGH providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to facilitate their growth. Their training emphasizes developing long-term, sustainable approaches to global health challenges in collaboration with the institute’s priority international partners.
As part of their development, Trainee Scholars participate in teaching and learning opportunities through UAB’s MSGH program, engage in MHIGH service initiatives, and gain exposure to global health research through funded projects.
Rasheed Musa, M.D.
Fellow, UAB Transplant Hepatology
Musa promotes the institute’s initiatives and opportunities to other HSOM fellows, serving as a key liaison between UAB fellows and MHIGH. Through his efforts, he helps enhance awareness and engagement in global health activities, courses, and programs, strengthening connections and expanding participation across the fellow community.
Udbhav Ram
International Visiting Scholar, UAB; McMaster University
In the role as the MHIGH ambassador at McMaster University, Ram serves as the institute’s primary representative on campus, coordinating activities for the McMaster Spring Symposium and the UAB–McMaster Summer Program. Ram actively promotes MHIGH’s initiatives and opportunities to students, helping increase awareness and engagement in global health activities, courses, and programs. Ram also leads outreach efforts, organizes informational sessions, and serves as a key liaison between McMaster and MHIGH, facilitating strong communication and collaboration.