General Reflections

Reflecting on INTEREST 2022, it stands out as a defining moment in my career. The conference not only offered a platform to share our work in Nigeria but also provided an opportunity to discover that there is still much more to be accomplished. Receiving the INTEREST scholarship was an incredibly surreal experience. It marked my first-ever scholarship, instilling a belief that such opportunities are genuine.

I was genuinely thrilled about this chance, and my gratitude extends to the INTEREST conference, the exceptional organizing committee, and Prof. Torpey for creating an unforgettable experience in Uganda.

Members of the INTEREST Community became an invaluable resource to Esther in her publication process.

I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support extended by Prof. Torpey and Dr. Joseph throughout the publication process of my paper. As a first-time lead author, their guidance proved instrumental in navigating this unfamiliar terrain. They meticulously reviewed each section of the manuscript, offering insightful suggestions for improvement with remarkable promptness. Their dedicated follow-up ensured that all revisions were promptly addressed.

In moments of uncertainty, an example was when I faced with challenging reviewer comments, Prof. Torpey went the extra mile by organizing a virtual meeting for my co-authors and me, providing further clarification and guidance. Unbeknownst to them, their unwavering support not only enhanced the quality of the manuscript but also served as a source of psychosocial encouragement during moments of fatigue. Knowing the substantial investment they made in the work became a motivating factor, preventing me from contemplating giving up.

I express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Torpey and Dr. Joseph for their expertise, timely assistance, and encouragement throughout this journey.

How do you think INTEREST has changed your view of medical practice or medical science?

Participating in INTEREST has profoundly influenced my perspective on medical practice and medical science. The exposure to diverse research, innovative methodologies, and discussions with experts such as the morning sessions with mentors like Dr Nadia, the abstract discussion session with Prof.Torpey broadened my understanding of the dynamic landscape of medical science.

INTEREST taught me that it does not have to end with an abstract; follow through and ensure abstracts become publications. It also emphasized that even the simplest intervention used to improve access and treatment outcomes should be shared with the scientific community.

It emphasized the importance of collaboration, staying updated on the latest research, and continually questioning and refining existing practices. INTEREST has instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning and a deeper appreciation for the global impact of medical research on healthcare practices.

Overall, the experience has enriched my approach to medical science, encouraging a more holistic and forward-thinking mindset in my professional journey.

Mentorship from Professor Torpey and the INTEREST Team

Professor Kwasi Torpey and team provided mentorship and technical assistance towards ensuring our abstract was developed into full manuscript and accepted for publication. My colleagues and I feel grateful that we received tremendous support. As the correspondence author in the work, I extend gratitude to the organizers on behalf of the team and leadership of our organization APIN Public Health Initiatives.

The mini oral abstract which I presented at INTEREST 2022 Conference was successfully published within seven months after the conference. It is titled Accelerating HIV epidemic control in Benue state, Nigeria, 2019–2021: the APIN program experience.

How do you think INTEREST has changed your view of medical practice or medical science?

I feel professionally challenged to publish my works either individually or as part of a team. INTEREST has helped stimulate my research capabilities as a public health physician. Our publication is being constantly cited by other authors and has provided HIV epidemic control implementation guides, especially in resource limited settings.

General Reflections on INTEREST

The conference is a great opportunity to interact with other researchers from different parts of the world. I had not been to a conference in 4 years, it was great to see how the program has evolved over time and the focus of mentoring young investigators beyond attending the conference is encouraging and a welcome development. I felt great to have attended such an event and I connected with a lot of people including Prof. Kwasi Torpey.

Review Support from Senior Scientists

Prof. Torpey supported reviewing the manuscript for scientific rigor, cohesiveness and clarity of information in the manuscript. He would quickly review any draft sent to him which drove the writing momentum and he provided motivation. He also assisted with creating a special issue at a journal where to submit the manuscript.

How do you think INTEREST has changed your view of medical practice or medical science?

Through the conference, I have been able to have a good/clear understanding of how the biomedical HIV prevention technology has evolved with now available multiple prevention options and it was good to hear about some successes and lessons learned for HIV vaccine research that led to a fast response towards the SARS-CoV-2. The conference made me realise the complementary benefits of the research work I have been part of for the past 10 years.