Napoleon Bellua Sam | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Best Researcher Award

University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam is a biostatistician, epidemiologist, and Senior Lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana. With a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, he has significant expertise in medical research, data governance, biostatistical modeling, and public health analytics. Dr. Sam has held roles including Research Development Officer and Statistician at UDS, and Senior Tutor at the University of Cape Coast. He has led multiple impactful research projects on disease trends, healthcare efficiency, and treatment adherence. Internationally engaged, he serves as Co-PI for the NIHR Global Health Group on equitable healthcare and actively contributes to workshops, editorial boards, and training programs across Africa and Asia. Dr. Sam’s work aims to enhance healthcare systems through advanced statistical applications and evidence-based practices, with a strong passion for mentoring and capacity building in research and academia.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Anhui Medical University, China (2017–2020), a Master’s degree in Industrial Mathematics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (2010–2012), and a BSc. in Statistics from the University of Cape Coast (2004–2008). He also earned a Higher National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Takoradi Polytechnic (2000–2003). In addition to his formal education, Dr. Sam has undertaken extensive global training through short courses on biostatistics, research ethics, statistical software, data management, climate science, and machine learning in countries such as Kenya, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. He also holds a diploma in Pastoral Counseling from Rhema Leadership Institute and is a ministerial candidate at Trinity Theological Seminary. These multidisciplinary credentials have shaped his expertise in statistical analysis, epidemiological modeling, and health research governance, enabling his leadership in academic and public health research domains across Africa and beyond.

Professional Experience

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam has amassed over 15 years of academic and research experience. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Research and Innovation at UDS. Previously, he was Research Development Officer (2016–2021) and Assistant Research Development Officer (2014–2016) at UDS. He also worked as a Senior Technician (Statistician) from 2009–2014. Concurrently, he has been a Senior Tutor at the University of Cape Coast’s Center for Distance Education since 2012. His academic contributions include teaching graduate-level courses in Biostatistics, Research Methods, and Health Statistics. Earlier in his career, he completed national service at Takoradi Polytechnic and the University of Cape Coast. His diverse roles have allowed him to bridge teaching, statistical consultancy, and research administration. Dr. Sam’s teaching and leadership roles underscore his commitment to enhancing academic excellence, research productivity, and evidence-informed policy-making in health and education systems.

Research Interests

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam’s research focuses on applying advanced biostatistics and epidemiological methods to improve public health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. His current projects explore the efficiency of healthcare delivery using data envelopment analysis, longitudinal quality of life assessments among leprosy patients, and statistical modeling of disease patterns such as cerebrospinal meningitis in Northern Ghana. He applies survival analysis, structural equation modeling, and time-series forecasting in his studies. Dr. Sam is also engaged in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly in inflammatory biomarkers like myeloperoxidase in rheumatoid arthritis patients. His research supports decision-making in health policy and planning. As Co-PI of the NIHR Equi-Injury project, his work centers on equitable healthcare access for injured populations across low- and middle-income countries. Passionate about data science for health systems strengthening, Dr. Sam continuously integrates machine learning and modern analytics to address complex healthcare challenges in Africa and beyond.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam has been honored with multiple prestigious awards and grants. He was named Best Postgraduate Foreign Student upon graduation from Anhui Medical University in 2020 and served as Alumni Liaison Ambassador for Ghana and Africa graduates of the university. He received a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council in 2017. He has secured several competitive international grants, including travel and training grants from institutions such as NIHR Global Surgery Unit, NAMBARI/DSSD, and the Data Science Initiative for Africa. These funded his participation in workshops on machine learning, climate change, health systems, and statistical data analysis in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India, and Liberia. As a Co-PI of the NIHR Global Health Group project, he is currently involved in a multi-country research program on equitable access to quality healthcare, managing a substantial grant of over £213,000. These recognitions affirm his impactful contributions to global health research.

Publications Top Notes

Thierry Daboval | Prescription | Excellence in Research

Prof. Thierry Daboval | Prescription | Excellence in Research

Professor at Prescription, Montfort Hospital, Canada

Prof. Thierry Daboval boasts a diverse educational background spanning Architecture, Urban and Rural Planning, Microbiology, Biostatistics, and more. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Infectious Disease Modeling, they hold a Master’s in Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, along with a Bachelor’s in Marine Science and Environment. With over a decade of experience in environmental science and management, their focus includes marine science, environmental sustainability, climate change, coastal pollution, marine litter, and solid waste management. Their expertise also extends to public health and environmental exposure research, particularly in mitigating household air pollution (HAP). Moreover, they possess five years of laboratory research management experience, having led investigations in various projects related to drug interventions and clinical trials.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Prof. Thierry Daboval has a strong academic background and extensive experience in neonatology and pediatrics. They have been a neonatologist and pediatrician since 1998, starting at the University of Sherbrooke and currently at the University of Ottawa. In 2021, they were promoted to Full Professor at the University of Ottawa. Since 2016, they have served as the NICU Site Chief in Level 3b NICUs at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), and they have held various leadership roles, including Medical Director of the Neonatal Follow-up (NNFU) Programs from 1997 to 2018 in several hospitals. Their research interests include neonatal ethics, medical education, communication in neonatology, and the long-term outcomes of high-risk infants. They have also completed several educational programs to enhance their skills and knowledge in these areas.

Academic Experience, and Leadership Role:

Prof. Thierry Daboval has a rich professional and academic background. Since 1998, they have held an academic position as a neonatologist and pediatrician, initially at the University of Sherbrooke and currently at the University of Ottawa. Their dedication and expertise led to their promotion to Full Professor in 2021 at the University of Ottawa. Since 2016, Prof. Daboval has served as the NICU Site Chief in Level 3b NICUs at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), where their leadership has been instrumental in the unit’s success. Additionally, they have held various leadership roles, including Medical Director of the Neonatal Follow-up (NNFU) Programs from 1997 to 2018, demonstrating their commitment to improving neonatal care across multiple hospitals.

Research Interest:

Prof. Thierry Daboval is actively involved in research focusing on neonatal ethics, particularly in the areas of medical education and communication. Their work includes the Neonatal Ethics Teaching Program, which aims to enhance understanding and practice of ethics in neonatology. Prof. Daboval’s research also explores the decision-making process in neonatology, emphasizing the importance of parents’ involvement in these critical decisions. In addition to their work in ethics, Prof. Daboval is interested in the long-term outcomes of high-risk infants. They are particularly focused on understanding resource utilization and developing assessment and screening tools to improve the care and outcomes of these vulnerable patients. Their research contributes significantly to the field of neonatology, aiming to enhance ethical practices and improve the long-term outcomes of high-risk infants.

Academic Positions:

Prof. Thierry Daboval has a distinguished career in neonatology and pediatrics, holding various academic and leadership positions. Since 2021, they have been a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, serving as Professor of Pediatric and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric under Dr. Ciaran Duffy’s leadership. From 2006 to 2021, Prof. Daboval was an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, also holding the positions of Professor of Pediatric and Chairman of the Department of Pediatric under Dr. John Joseph Reisman’s leadership. They briefly served as an Associate Professor at the University of Sherbrooke in 2006 and held the position of Assistant Professor at the same university from 2002 to 2006. They also worked as a Clinical Teacher at the University of Montreal from 1997 to 2001.

Professional Positions:

Prof. Thierry Daboval has been a neonatologist and pediatrician since 1998, starting at the University of Sherbrooke and currently at the University of Ottawa. They were promoted to Full Professor in 2021 at the University of Ottawa. Since 2016, they have held the position of NICU Site Chief in Level 3b NICUs at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) with great success. They have also held many different leadership roles, including Medical Director of the Neonatal Follow-up (NNFU) Programs from 1997 to 2018 in various hospitals. Prof. Daboval is actively involved in research on neonatal ethics, medical education, communication in neonatology, and long-term outcomes of high-risk infants. They have completed several educational programs to enhance their skills and knowledge, including the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Leadership Program at Telfer Executive Programs, University of Ottawa. Their extensive experience and dedication make them a respected figure in the field of neonatology.

Publications:

  1. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4 to 8 years of children born at 22 to 25 weeks’ gestational age: a meta-analysis
    • Authors: GP Moore, B Lemyre, N Barrowman, T Daboval
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 160
  2. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born at< 29 weeks of gestation admitted to Canadian neonatal intensive care units based on location of birth
    • Authors: R Amer, D Moddemann, M Seshia, R Alvaro, A Synnes, KS Lee, SK Lee, …
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 78
  3. Antenatal consultations at extreme prematurity: a systematic review of parent communication needs
    • Authors: A Kharrat, GP Moore, S Beckett, SG Nicholls, M Sampson, T Daboval
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 69
  4. CPS position statement for prenatal counselling before a premature birth: simple rules for complicated decisions
    • Authors: A Janvier, KJ Barrington, K Aziz, E Bancalari, D Batton, C Bellieni, …
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 54
  5. Field testing of decision coaching with a decision aid for parents facing extreme prematurity
    • Authors: GP Moore, B Lemyre, T Daboval, S Ding, S Dunn, S Akiki, N Barrowman, …
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 47
  6. Shared decision making for infants born at the threshold of viability: a prognosis-based guideline
    • Authors: B Lemyre, T Daboval, S Dunn, M Kekewich, G Jones, D Wang, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 46
  7. Ethical framework for shared decision making in the neonatal intensive care unit: communicative ethics
    • Authors: T Daboval, S Shidler
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 42
  8. Severe neurodevelopmental impairment in neonates born preterm: impact of varying definitions in a Canadian cohort
    • Authors: MD Haslam, S Lisonkova, D Creighton, P Church, J Yang, PS Shah, …
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 40
  9. A meta‐analysis of neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4–10 years in children born at 22–25 weeks gestation
    • Authors: S Ding, B Lemyre, T Daboval, N Barrowman, GP Moore
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 38
  10. Shared decision making at the limit of viability: a blueprint for physician action
    • Authors: T Daboval, S Shidler, D Thomas
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 28