All About Isaac: Advancing Research and Community-Based Solutions for RHD in Uganda
For Isaac Otim Omara, the fight against rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is both a professional mission and a personal calling. As a Masters of Public Health (MPH) candidate at the James Lind Institute in Switzerland and an IMPACT Masters Fellow, Isaac is driven by a commitment to improve early detection and management of RHD in Uganda’s underserved communities.
A Journey Grounded in Compassion and Curiosity
Isaac’s journey into health research began with a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (2013), where his passion for patient care and public health first took root. Over the years, he has combined clinical experience, research coordination, and advanced training to build a career that bridges science and service.
His academic path reflects a deep commitment to continuous learning. He earned a Professional Diploma in Clinical Trials Management (2019) from the James Lind Institute, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management (2024) from the Uganda Management Institute, and several professional certifications from institutions including RHD Australia and the University of Washington, covering subjects from economic evaluation and leadership to RHD screening and prevention.
Research Focus: Improving RHD Screening and Care
Isaac’s current research explores provider satisfaction and screening outcomes across three approaches for detecting RHD in Kitgum District. By examining which methods are most effective and acceptable to healthcare providers, his work seeks to identify practical, scalable strategies for early RHD detection in Uganda.
“Evaluating provider satisfaction and positivity across different RHD screening approaches is the first step toward identifying what works best for our setting,” he explains. “Our goal is to strengthen early detection and prevention to reduce the burden of this preventable disease.”
From Clinic to Field: Experience that Makes an Impact
With nearly a decade of field and clinical research experience, Isaac has played key roles in several landmark RHD projects. He has served as a Clinical Research Coordinator for the GOAL Trial in Gulu (2018–2021), a Study Nurse Coordinator for the Acute Rheumatic Fever Study in Lira (2016–2017), and now as Field Coordinator for the ADUNU Project (Accelerating Delivery of Rheumatic Heart Disease Preventive Care in Uganda).
These experiences have given him a unique understanding of both the scientific and human sides of research—how data informs care, and how care transforms lives. “People’s lives have been changed by the work we do,” Isaac says. “Seeing someone improve after diagnosis, treatment, or even surgery is priceless. It reminds me that our work is about more than numbers—it’s about hope.”
Scholarship, Leadership, and Service
Isaac’s leadership extends beyond the field. He has presented his research at international and national conferences, including the World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health, and the Uganda Heart Institute Research Dissemination Conference. His presentations have covered topics ranging from handheld echocardiography in low-resource settings to integrating RHD screening into outreach events and linking community health teams to confirmatory care.
He also brings a strong sense of mentorship and faith to his work. As an active member of his church’s leadership, Isaac provides spiritual counseling and emotional support to colleagues and community members alike. “I believe healing goes beyond medicine,” he shares. “It’s also about restoring hope and faith.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Isaac hopes to continue blending research, teaching, and community engagement. He envisions a career where evidence-based practice guides health policy and where frontline healthcare workers are empowered to lead prevention and care programs.
“I love to teach and share knowledge,” he says. “If my work can inspire others and contribute to reducing RHD-related suffering, then I know I’m making a lasting difference.”
Whether in the classroom, clinic, or field, Isaac’s work reflects a powerful combination of intellect, empathy, and purpose—qualities that embody the spirit of the D43 IMPACT Fellowship and the next generation of global health leaders.
Abstracts/Presentations
“Introduction of Handheld Echocardiography Devices to Facilitate Heart Failure Diagnosis in Low-Resource Settings.” Abstract presented at the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Barcelona, Spain, 2017.
“Parental Perception of Acute Rheumatic Fever in an Endemic Setting: Lira.” Abstract presented at the World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health, Dubai, 2018.
“Getting Our Message Across: Assessing Acute Rheumatic Fever Research Awareness in Lira District.” Abstract presented at the World Congress of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health, Dubai, 2018.
“Integrating Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening into Facility Outreach Events: A Pilot Study in Kitgum District.” Abstract presented at the Uganda Heart Institute Research Dissemination Conference, Kampala, Uganda, 2025.
“Using the Village Health Team Strategy to Facilitate Linkage to Confirmatory Care for Patients Suspected with Rheumatic Heart Disease.” Abstract presented at the Uganda Heart Institute Research Dissemination Conference, Kampala, Uganda, 2025.