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In September 2025, ASTMH introduced its Mid-Career Leaders Program, a one-year cohort program providing professional development support and growth opportunities through peer learning, educational and skill-building activities within the Society. The program was offered to mid-career professional with a terminal and/or doctoral level degree, and at least 7 years of professional work experience.
Hermali Silva, MD, PhD, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, recently posted about her experience in the program.
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“This program reflects ASTMH’s strong commitment to fostering leadership and advancing excellence in applied tropical medicine and global health. Through thoughtfully designed opportunities for peer learning and professional development, participants are able to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange perspectives, and strengthen their leadership capacity,” Dr. Silva wrote.
“I am truly honored to be one of the 17 mid-career professionals selected from around the world. Our journey began with an in-person inauguration, and as we moved into 2026, we recently had another highly engaging and insightful discussion. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of supportive peers and forward-thinking mentors in shaping impactful careers.”
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Program participants nurture their individual subject areas of expertise and hone in on leadership skills in applied tropical medicine and global health work, including scientific diplomacy, science communications and media, leadership style development and best practices in leading research programs.
ASTMH CEO Jamie Bay Nishi said, “Getting to support and engage with early- and mid-career leaders is one of the very best parts of my job here at American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Many thanks to Koya C. Allen, PhD, FASTMH, for launching and guiding the Mid-Career Leadership Program and to all within the inaugural cohorts.”
Dr. Silva also thanked Dr. Allen, Lemonge Norbert, MD, DTMH, and Sandra Lopez, PhD. Drs. Norbert and Lopez are program co-chairs and program participants who lead the discussion sessions.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ASTMH, and in particular to Koya, Sandra and Norbert, for their dedication in creating and sustaining this valuable initiative. I very much look forward to our continued engagement and the next meeting,” she wrote.