Interview with: Sumedh Bele, PhD MBBS MPH
University of Oxford and University of Calgary
The Emerging Leader Award was established in 2011 to honor and commemorate past-President Donna Lamping’s contribution to the leadership of the Society. It is awarded to members showing exceptional leadership skills and potential by playing a key role in initiating and/or steering a specific ISOQOL task or project to successful completion.
Sumedh Bele, PhD MBBS MPH, received the Donna Lamping Emerging Leader Award at the Annual Conference in October 2024.
In an interview with QualityTALK, Dr. Bele talks about his experience with the Society and lets members get to know him better.
Can you tell a little about your journey to the award, how you got here, who was important to the process, etc.?
Sumedh Bele (SB): First and foremost, I am truly grateful to ISOQOL for this honor. My journey with ISOQOL began when I attended the Annual Conference in San Diego in 2019. I was not only impressed by the research presented but also by the close-knit nature of the ISOQOL community. At the time, my PhD project focused on health services research in the pediatric population, which led me to join the Child Health Special Interest Group (SIG) and several other SIGs. I quickly became involved in various activities, and later applied for the Co-Chair position for the CH SIG.
Through that role, I had the opportunity to lead several initiatives, which ultimately led to this recognition. I am deeply grateful to my PhD supervisor, Dr. Maria Santana, whose encouragement played a crucial role in my journey. Additionally, I would like to thank my Co-Chairs – Dr. John Chaplin, Dr. Holger Muehlan, Dr. Zephanie Tyack, and Dr. Harpreet Chhina – for their involvement and support throughout these initiatives.
What does this award mean to you?
SB: This Emerging Leader Award is a significant honor for me. It not only recognizes my contributions to the ISOQOL community, but also serves as an inspiration to keep growing, supporting and empowering this great community of quality-of-life researchers to make a meaningful difference.
Why did you join ISOQOL?
SB: My research focus is on HRQL, making ISOQOL an excellent community for both sharing my work and learning from others.
What is your favorite thing about ISOQOL?
SB: The deep bonds among members from across the globe and their shared enthusiasm towards HRQL research.
What would you say to other professionals who may be considering becoming an ISOQOL member?
SB: Please do join us as soon as possible !!
What member benefits do you value and use the most?
SB: I value the networking opportunities during annual conferences and collaborating on joint projects between the annual conferences.
What do you love most about HRQL research?
SB: HRQL research allows us to gain a thorough understanding of how health conditions and treatments affect patients and their families, helping to create healthcare systems that are more patient- and family-centered.
What’s your biggest (or one of your biggest) professional accomplishment(s) so far?
SB: As an emerging academic researcher, my most significant professional achievement has been my PhD project, which explored the use of pediatric Patient-reported Outcome and Experience Measures in routine clinical care within Alberta Health Services, the largest integrated healthcare system in Canada.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
SB: “Success is a team sport.”
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
SB: I have studied in nine countries (degree programs and short courses), and I am fluent in four languages including Mandarin Chinese.
What’s one of your favorite ISOQOL memories?
SB: Receiving this Emerging Leader award in front of my distinguished colleagues from around the world.
This newsletter editorial represents the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of ISOQOL.
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The International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL) is a global community of researchers, clinicians, health care professionals, industry professionals, consultants, and patient research partners advancing health related quality of life research (HRQL).
Together, we are creating a future in which patient perspective is integral to health research, care and policy.