Dr. Mathilde Djeneba Billau is currently based in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada working with a variety of organizations such as our own UBC Global Surgery Lab. Read on to find out more about Mathilde, her experiences, what led her to the MGSC, and more!
What are some of your hobbies & interests (cooking, sports, travelling, etc?) What do you love to do in your spare time?
I recently picked up running but I like to try new hobbies every once in a while. The most recent ones included aerial hoop and boxing. Basketball and writing are my only constant ones that have always held a special place in my heart.
What has inspired you to study and work in the field of global surgery? Please share any experiences you have had in global surgery work.
Before attending medical school, I went to Atlantic College in the UK, where students were from all around the world. The values of the school sparked my interest in humanitarian work. During medical school, I got involved in committees surrounding the field of global health and by combining my interest in global health and surgery, I discovered global surgical care. First, it was through InciSioN (International Student Surgical Network) and presentations from Dr. Dominique Vervoort, a PhD in Health Services Research student at the University of Toronto. Through reaching out to people and being curious about the field, I discovered the McGill Centre for Global Surgery and the UBC Global Surgery Lab. All of which ultimately led me to become involved with the Canadian Global Surgery Trainees’ Alliance (CGSTA), InciSioN, and finally apply to the Master in Global Surgical Care at UBC. I’ve witnessed great exchanges of ideas from people interested in global surgery around the world in those spaces and it’s always motivated me further.
I understand you have experience with the Global Surgery Lab. What inspired you to join the Lab and what are some of your key lessons learned and experiences that you would like to share with our readers?
I was looking to be more aware of Canadian efforts in the field of global surgery, especially accessible to students. From getting involved with InciSioN, I got in contact with Dr. Emilie Joos from UBC who introduced me to the Global Surgery Lab. I’ve been attending meetings when available to witness the ongoing projects and discuss additional steps. I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the lab this year as I have more time than as a medical student during my rotations. I would advise readers to be willing to chase opportunities and get in contact with the people who are doing exciting things. In my experience, people have been very receptive, kind, and open to letting me learn more about global surgery. It can seem like a niche field, but a lot of help is needed so don’t be scared to reach out for these spaces.
What attracted you to the MGSC and do you have any advice for anyone who may be considering the program? How do you plan to use the skills and knowledge gained from this program in your career in the future?
I wanted to discover more about global surgery through a structured program. I am looking to apply to a general surgery residency post-Master’s but do want to work in the field of global surgery in the future as well. The MGSC felt like a good way to ensure I would acquire the necessary skills to achieve that goal as a medical professional. Student involvements have fed that interest of mine but I wanted to go a little further and this led me to apply. I would advise medical students to look into this program if they also share an interest in global surgery. I would also advise you to consider the time that can be dedicated to the Masters as there are options to do it full-time, part-time or complete the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Global Surgical Care instead of the full Masters.