Jean-Christophe Rwigema | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jean-Christophe Rwigema | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Resident Physician at Endeavor Health, United States

Jean-Christophe N. Rwigema, MD, MPH, is a dedicated medical professional specializing in surgery, with a focus on foregut and bariatric surgery. He is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at NorthShore University Health System, where he engages in clinical research to advance surgical practices and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Rwigema earned his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of both clinical medicine and public health challenges. His commitment to improving community health is evident in his involvement in various health initiatives, and he continues to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals through mentoring and leadership roles in medical education.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Rwigema received his medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, where he also completed a Master of Public Health. His academic journey began at the University of California, Irvine, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. He further pursued postbaccalaureate training at the University of California, San Diego, in their School of Medicine. Currently, he is completing his residency in General Surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, anticipating graduation in June 2027. This diverse educational background, combining rigorous medical training with public health expertise, provides Dr. Rwigema with a unique perspective on patient care and healthcare systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rwigema’s professional experience encompasses various roles in clinical research and surgical practice. As a Surgical Research Fellow at NorthShore University Health System, he actively participates in clinical trials focused on foregut and bariatric surgery. He previously worked as a Medical Student Researcher at the Keck School of Medicine, where he assessed disparities in lung cancer incidence and the impact of electronic medical records on patient interactions. His leadership roles, including co-organizing the Firearm Violence Prevention Symposium and mentoring aspiring healthcare professionals, showcase his commitment to community health and education. These experiences highlight his strong foundation in both clinical practice and research, positioning him as a leader in the medical field.

Research Interests

Dr. Rwigema’s research interests lie at the intersection of surgical innovation and public health. His current focus on foregut and bariatric surgery aims to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. He has contributed to several studies assessing esophageal motility disorders and evaluating the effectiveness of surgical interventions such as Toupet fundoplication. Additionally, his interest in health disparities, particularly among gender minority individuals, reflects his commitment to addressing inequities in healthcare access and treatment. Through his research, Dr. Rwigema aims to advance surgical methodologies and enhance the quality of care for diverse patient populations.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Rwigema has received recognition for his contributions to medical research and community health initiatives. His work has led to multiple peer-reviewed publications, with articles published in notable surgical journals. He has presented his research at prestigious conferences, including the Central Surgical Association and SAGES Annual Meeting, further establishing his reputation in the surgical community. His leadership and mentorship roles, such as coordinating events for the Student National Medical Association, demonstrate his commitment to promoting diversity in medicine. As he continues his journey in the medical field, Dr. Rwigema is poised to achieve further accolades and make significant contributions to surgical research and public health.

Conclusion

Dr. Jean-Christophe N. Rwigema is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive and ongoing research in surgery, particularly foregut and bariatric surgery, with numerous publications and presentations that highlight his contributions. While he has demonstrated strong collaborative research and leadership skills, his profile could be further strengthened by more independent, focused research leadership and a clearer specialization. Overall, his academic and professional accomplishments, coupled with his promising career trajectory, make him a competitive candidate for the award.

Publication top noted

  • Using Impedance Planimetry (EndoFLIP) to Determine Ideal Distensibility Ranges for Esophageal Motility Disorders
    πŸ“„ Rwigema, J.-C.N., Kuchta, K., Anderson, D.J., … Hedberg, H.M., Ujiki, M.B.
    πŸ—“οΈ 2024
    πŸ”— Surgery (United States), in press
  • Impact of Toupet Fundoplication with Bougie on Post-Operative Dysphagia and Quality of Life
    πŸ“„ Anderson, D.J., Kuchta, K., Joseph, S., … Hedberg, H.M., Ujiki, M.B., Rwigema, J.-C.N.
    πŸ—“οΈ 2024
    πŸ”— Surgical Endoscopy, 38(9), pp. 5350–5355
  • Efficacy and Outcomes of Per Oral Plication of the (Neo)esophagus (POPE) for Impaired Emptying in Achalasia and Post-Esophagectomy Patients
    πŸ“„ Crafts, T.D., Seidel, H., Hedberg, H.M., … Ishii, S., Ujiki, M.B.
    πŸ—“οΈ 2024
    πŸ”— Surgical Endoscopy, 38(9), pp. 5239–5245
  • Assessing Disparities in Lung Cancer Incidence for Gender Minority Individuals Using California Cancer Registry Data
    πŸ“„ Liu, L., Rwigema, J.-C.N., Song, Z., … Kim, S.E., David, E.A.
    πŸ—“οΈ 2021
    πŸ”— Chest, 159(6), pp. 2491–2493