Why Celebrate Her?

Dr. Agnes Binagwaho’s work reminds us that healthcare isn’t just about curing diseases—it’s about addressing the systems that keep people from accessing care. She teaches us that to create lasting change, we must invest in community-driven solutions that empower everyone, especially the most vulnerable. Her relentless dedication to health equity makes her a true force for global change.

Healing at the Roots:

Dr. Rupa Marya’s Vision for a Healthier World

Dr. Rupa Marya’s life and work revolve around one central idea: true healing requires addressing the root causes of suffering. As a physician, activist, author, and musician, she is dedicated to integrating social justice into healthcare, offering a holistic approach that looks beyond treating symptoms to confronting the systemic issues that cause illness, such as racism, colonialism, and economic inequality.

Born in San Francisco to Indian immigrant parents, Rupa’s upbringing took her across California, France, and India. These early experiences exposed her to class differences and systemic inequalities, helping shape her deep understanding of how injustice can manifest in both physical and mental health. This multicultural upbringing would later inform her work, blending diverse perspectives to address health in a more comprehensive way.

Rupa pursued degrees in theater and molecular biology at the University of California, San Diego, before earning her M.D. from Georgetown University. Her commitment to integrating the arts into her life didn’t stop when she entered medicine. During her residency at UCSF, she began writing and performing music, a creative outlet that became a form of healing and connection with the world. This led to the formation of her band, Rupa and the April Fishes, whose music mixes languages and styles, from French chansons to Indian ragas, reflecting her global perspective. She describes their sound as "Liberation Music," a term coined by legendary musician Gil Scott-Heron.

Through her music and her medical practice, Rupa seeks to address the deeper societal injustices that contribute to poor health. She co-founded the Do No Harm Coalition, a collective of over 450 health workers advocating for structural change in healthcare to address inequities. Her leadership in the Deep Medicine Circle also focuses on decolonizing food and medicine systems. One of her notable projects includes helping to establish the Mni Wiconi Health Clinic and Farm at Standing Rock, where she collaborates with Indigenous leaders to develop practices of decolonized medicine.

Rupa’s work isn’t limited to clinical practice—she’s also a scholar and an author. Her book, "Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice," co-authored with Raj Patel, explores how systemic inequities drive chronic illness and how addressing these root causes is essential for true healing.

Why Celebrate Her?

Dr. Rupa Marya teaches us that healing is about more than treating symptoms. It’s about addressing the systemic roots of suffering—environmental damage, racial injustice, and inequality. Through her work, she challenges us to see healthcare as a force for social change.

Her commitment to tackling these deeper issues—whether in her role as a doctor or an artist—reminds us that real healing begins when we confront the systems causing harm. Rupa shows us that health, justice, and humanity are deeply interconnected.

Global Leadership in Crisis Healthcare: Dr. Joanne Liu’s Humanitarian Impact with Doctors Without Borders

Dr. Joanne Liu has been a remarkable force in crisis healthcare for decades. As an Emergency Physician and former International President of Doctors Without Borders (2013–2019), she worked on the frontlines of global humanitarian crises, including the Ebola epidemic and attacks on medical facilities. Today, she continues to serve as a Pediatric Emergency Physician at Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal and as a Professor at McGill University, where she focuses on pandemic preparedness through the Pandemics and Health Emergencies Readiness Lab (PERL).

Dr. Liu was born in Quebec City in 1965 to Chinese immigrants, and she learned the value of dignity and generosity while working at her family's restaurant. These early experiences shaped her commitment to treating people with compassion and respect, no matter their circumstances. Her fascination with humanitarian work began when, at age 13, she read about Doctors Without Borders and was deeply inspired by the writings of Dr. Rieux in The Plague by Albert Camus.

Although her path wasn’t easy—facing challenges as a visible minority and often feeling out of place—Dr. Liu’s drive never faltered. After completing her medical degree at McGill, she pursued a specialty in pediatric emergency care and later began her career with Doctors Without Borders. Over the years, she has provided medical care in some of the world's most difficult situations, from war zones to areas hit by natural disasters.

Beyond her work in crisis zones, Dr. Liu is known for advocating that healthcare is a human right and has worked tirelessly to ensure that even the most vulnerable populations receive the care they need. Her humanitarian approach and unwavering leadership have impacted countless lives.

Today, she is also involved in developing vaccine distribution systems and ensuring global preparedness for future pandemics. In her personal life, she has a partner of 20 years, but they have chosen to keep their relationship private. She remains deeply dedicated to her work, and while she reflects on the choices she’s made, she continues to push forward, focused on improving global healthcare access.

Why Celebrate Her?
Dr. Liu teaches us that healthcare can—and should—reach all corners of the world, no matter the crisis. Her commitment to providing care, advocating for healthcare equity, and leading with compassion has made her a global healthcare leader.

Innovating Women's Health:

Dr. Canan Dagdeviren's Groundbreaking Contributions to Breast Cancer Detection

Dr. Canan Dagdeviren is a researcher and associate professor at MIT, where she leads the Conformable Decoders group at the MIT Media Lab. She is widely known for her pioneering work in wearable diagnostic devices, particularly her latest innovation—a wearable ultrasound bra. This device has the potential to significantly improve early breast cancer detection. By allowing women, especially those at higher risk, to monitor their breast health more frequently and comfortably from home, it reduces the need for constant clinical visits.

Her inspiration for this life-changing technology comes from a deeply personal place. Dr. Dagdeviren was moved to create this device after her beloved aunt, Fatma, passed away from breast cancer. While at her aunt’s bedside, she began sketching ideas for a device that could have saved her life. Today, Dr. Dagdeviren continues to push the boundaries of medical technology, with a focus on making healthcare more accessible for women around the world.

Why Celebrate Her?

Dr. Dagdeviren’s work is transforming the way breast cancer is detected, particularly for underserved communities and women who face barriers to traditional healthcare. Her commitment to using technology to help women reflects her desire to “touch people’s lives” and see the impact of her innovations beyond the lab. Her devices empower women, giving them more control over their health in a convenient and personal way.

Personal Commitment and Background

Born and raised in Turkey, Dr. Dagdeviren had a passion for science from a young age. She pursued her love for physics and materials science, eventually earning her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. She later joined MIT as a postdoctoral researcher and now serves as a faculty member. Her strong connection to her heritage, along with her academic excellence, drives her to solve real-world problems, particularly those that affect women’s health.

As she once said, “I want to see the impact of my technology not only in the lab, but on society.” Her vision goes beyond breast cancer detection. She hopes her innovations will improve early diagnosis for various conditions, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.

Recognition

Dr. Canan Dagdeviren was recently honored as a winner in the Engineering + Technology category of the Falling Walls Science Summit for her groundbreaking work in breast cancer detection. Her innovative wearable ultrasound patch has the potential to revolutionize early detection for women globally.

Read more about her journey and vision here: Read the Interview