Meet Dr. Joselyn Rwebembera: Advancing Rheumatic Heart Disease Research and Care in Uganda
In the fight against rheumatic heart disease (RHD), few clinicians have blended compassion, scientific rigor, and leadership as seamlessly as Dr. Joselyn Rwebembera. A PhD candidate at Makerere University and IMPACT D43 Fellow, Joselyn is redefining how RHD is detected, treated, and prevented in low-resource settings. Her mission is clear: to generate the local evidence and innovative strategies needed to save lives and strengthen Uganda’s cardiovascular health system.
A Journey of Expertise and Purpose
Joselyn’s medical journey began at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (2005) and Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine (2010). Driven by a passion for cardiovascular care, she pursued advanced specialization through a Cardiology Fellowship at the Uganda Heart Institute (2017), followed by Cardiac Electrophysiology training at Frontier Lifeline Hospital in India.
Her pursuit of continuous learning has taken her across the world—from the University of Washington to Brazil to Boston University, gaining expertise in implementation science, medical statistics, leadership, and global health economics. These experiences have shaped her approach to tackling Uganda’s most pressing heart health challenges through innovation and collaboration.
Transforming RHD Research and Policy
As a consultant cardiologist and Deputy Director of the Rheumatic Heart Disease Research Collaborative – Uganda (RRCU), Joselyn has spent the past decade at the forefront of RHD research. She has contributed to and led studies that are reshaping how RHD is prevented and managed globally. Her work includes landmark projects such as the GOAL, GOALIE, and GOAL-Post trials, which evaluate the effectiveness and safety of penicillin prophylaxis, as well as initiatives like CAMPS and ARC, which explore digital innovation, patient adherence, and biomarker discovery.
Her PhD research builds on this foundation. Titled “Improving the Secondary Prevention of Rheumatic Heart Disease Through Better Diagnosis and Management Strategies in Uganda,” the project evaluates the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the 2023 World Heart Federation (WHF) echocardiographic screening criteria and compares patient experiences with different prophylaxis methods. By generating evidence to guide policy and optimize care, her work has the potential to transform national RHD control programs.
Global Impact and Recognition
Joselyn presenting at the 2025 Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases in Brisbane, Australia.
Joselyn’s influence extends beyond Uganda. She co-led the 2023 WHF Guidelines criteria revision for the echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD, a landmark global effort that modernized diagnostic criteria used by clinicians worldwide. Her expertise has earned her invitations to speak at high-profile conferences, including the World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease, the World Heart Federation Round Table on Hypertension, and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society Congress.
Her research has appeared in leading journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Reviews Cardiology, Circulation, and The Lancet. With over 70 peer-reviewed publications and numerous leadership roles—including Secretary General of the Uganda Heart Association—Joselyn continues to shape the global conversation on equitable cardiovascular care.
Her achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the 2024 American Heart Association Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award and the World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology Best Abstract Award for her groundbreaking RHD work.
Passion, Mentorship, and Vision
Joselyn’s passion for RHD research is deeply rooted in her commitment to serve communities most affected by preventable diseases. “Working with patients whose lives are profoundly impacted by RHD motivates me to bridge the gap between evidence and practice,” she reflects. Inspired by mentors and the resilience of her patients, she envisions a future where heart disease prevention is fully integrated into Uganda’s public health framework.
She also devotes time to mentoring young researchers and teaching at Makerere University, nurturing the next generation of scientists who will continue advancing global cardiovascular health.
Beyond the Clinic
Outside of her professional life, Joselyn finds peace and inspiration in nature. “Green plants and blue waters replenish my energy—I can walk a whole day in such an environment without noticing the time pass,” she says. A devoted mother and educator at heart, she adds, “Given the opportunity, I would homeschool my children—I love to teach them everything.”
A Leader for the Next Generation of Cardiovascular Research
Through her work at the Uganda Heart Institute and RRCU, Joselyn is shaping the future of cardiovascular care in Africa—transforming research into policy, innovation into practice, and science into hope. Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and unwavering dedication to building a healthier, more equitable world for generations to come.
Publications
Rwebembera, Joselyn, et al. “Comparison of Approaches to Determine Echocardiographic Outcomes for Children with Latent Rheumatic Heart Disease.” Open Heart, vol. 9, 2022, article e002160. BMJ Publishing Group, https://doi.org/10.1136/openhrt-2022-002160
Rwebembera, Joselyn, et al. “Research Opportunities for the Primary Prevention and Management of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop Report.” BMJ Global Health, vol. 8, Suppl. 9, 2023, article e012356. BMJ Publishing Group, https://gh.bmj.com/content/bmjgh/8/Suppl_9/e012356.full.pdf
Rwebembera, Joselyn, et al. “Recent Advances in the Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Continuum.” Pathogens, vol. 11, no. 2, 2022, article 179. MDPI, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6319d03b8627631f2376327c/t/66a143e1b1de2b667c37869a/1721844705999/Recent+Advances+in+the+Rheumatic+Fever+and+Rheumatic+Heart+Disease+Continuum.pdf
Rwebembera, Joselyn, et al. “Intramuscular versus Enteral Penicillin Prophylaxis to Prevent Progression of Rheumatic Heart Disease: Study Protocol for a Noninferiority Randomized Trial (the GOALIE Trial).” American Heart Journal, vol. 275, 2024, pp. 74-85. Elsevier Inc., https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6319d03b8627631f2376327c/t/66a11a05a7100d05d4bc8c60/1721833989887/AHJ+2024+GOALIE+METHODS.pdf