Dr. Diego Paul Toapanta Vega was born in Loja-Ecuador on September 14, 1989, he completed his primary and secondary studies in his hometown, at the age of 17 he entered the National University of Loja, obtaining a medical degree, after which he dedicated a year to social service in a rural town in his country. In 2014, he entered the General Surgery service of the Manuel Ygnacio Monteros hospital as a resident. Subsequently, the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana-Cuba opened its doors for her postgraduate studies, here she developed great interest in pulmonary interventionism and at the age of 29 she obtained her degree in Pneumology and Physiology. In the path of pulmonary interventionism, he has completed a Higher Course in Advanced Chest Ultrasound, as well as multiple training courses in basic and advanced bronchoscopy.

Dr Ruchi dua has pursued her post graduation from King George Medical College,Lucknow ,India in field of Pulmonary Medicine.She is currently engaged as faculty in Department of Pulmonary Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh,Uttarakhand,India since 2013 and currently working as Additional Professor since 2020. She has co-authored around 40 publications and won 2 awards for paper presentations at National conferences apart from felicitation of her work during Covid pandemic.Receiver of 2 state level and 1 national level extramural grant she has an active interest in pursuing research in field of respiratory medicine.Her interest areas include obstructive airway diseases,PFT,EBUS & bronchoscopy.Via this prestigious fellowship she aims to widen her horizons & strengthen Interventional Pulmonology services at her institute so as to improve standards of clinical care as well as teaching and training programs run by her department.

Dr. Melvy Apaza Otazo, she was obtained the specialty of Pulmonary Medicine at the National Institute of Thorax of her country Bolivia in 2014 and since then she has completed multiple training and postgraduate courses in Interventional Pulmonology and thoracic ultrasound in her country as well as in Argentina, Colombia and Spain. She is the author of more than 10 publications in national and international journals and collaborator in the elaboration of national guidelines in Pulmonology. She has been an organizer of scientific events of Interventional Pulmonology in her country and was invited as an instructor of endoscopy in national and international congresses of Interventional Pulmonology for the Bolivian Society of Pneumology and the Latin American Association of Thorax. She currently works in the area of Interventional Pneumology of the Caja de Salud de la Banca Privada.

Dr Shaun Maasdorp was born and raised in Namibia, but pursued undergraduate and postgraduate medical studies at the University of the Free State in South Africa. He completed a Sub-specialization in Pulmonology in 2012 and is the current Head of Pulmonology at the University of the Free State and Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein. Dr Maasdorp is a council member of the South African Thoracic Society, is part of the editorial team of the African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine and was a member of the writing panel for a position statement on the management of bronchiectasis in South Africa. He has a keen interest in improving interventional pulmonology services in limited resource settings in South Africa.

Dr Hadi lives in Sulaimani city, he completed his primary and secondary schools in same city. In 2000,he entered medical college of Sulaimani university, graduated in 2006-2007.He served as a resident doctor in same city and some rural areas for 3 years. In 2010-2011 he had been enrolled in Iraqi Board for medical specialities in the field of internal medicine, he has completed his board fellowship(FIBMS) IN 2015.In 2016 he has been enrolled in board of pulmonology, he completed the board in 2019. He was a teamleader of COVID-19 outbreak in his city. He has worked as a Pulmonologist for the last 5 years and has a deep interest in interventional pulmonology. He has multiple traning courses outside Iraq in the field of medical and interventional pulmonology. He currently works as head of departmemt of chest illnesses in his city and subspeciality pulmonology Board Supervisor. He works as a pulmonologiat in public and private FMC hospitals.

Dr Nabila Zaheer graduated from the National University of Science & Technology NUST Pakistan in 2009. She completed her post-graduation in Pulmonology from CPSP Karachi, Pakistan. She worked as a Consultant Pulmonologist after her post-graduation. She is currently working as Senior Registrar in a well-established Pulmonology Department at Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Her department is equipped with Bronchoscope, Pleuroscope, PFTS, and Sleep Studies, DLCO, Ultrasound facility. She is actively involved in teaching Undergraduates & Postgraduates. She is also leading research activities in her department. She is a member of the Pakistan Chest Society and the European Respiratory Society. She is interested in Interventional Pulmonology fellowship to improve her skills and competency to incorporate it into her healthcare system.

Dr Wan Jen Lye graduated from the International Medical University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2011. He subsequently obtained his Membership of the Royal College of Physician, MRCP (UK) in 2016 and the Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians FRCP (Glasgow) in 2023. He completed his subspeciality training in respiratory medicine under the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2022. Currently he is the head of respiratory unit in Selayang Hospital, in which his role is to establish respiratory medicine services for the North Klang Valley Cluster hospitals as the lead hospital. He has published in international journals and currently is an active reviewer for the BMJ Case Reports. He plays a pivotal role in organizing both international pulmonology conferences and local scientific events. Dr Wan currently serves as an executive council member for the Malaysian Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (MABIP) and Malaysian Thoracic Society (MTS). His passion is in the field of interventional pulmonology, lung cancer, central airway stenosis and severe asthma.

Dr. Jimmy Tanamas graduated as an Internal Medicine Physician from Diponegoro University Semarang in 2019 and Medical Doctor degree from Sebelas Maret University Surakarta in 2012. Currently he serves in Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Internal Medicine Department, Kariadi General Hospital Medical Center in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. Dr. Jimmy is a Fellow of Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI/ ISIM) and member of Indonesian Society of Respirology and Critical Care (PERPARI). He attended many national and international courses as well as workshops in Interventional Pulmonology field. He is also actively involved in Tuberculosis programs as Team Working Group of DR–TB in Central Java and Vice Chief of DS-TB in Kariadi Hospital. He has published in international and national journals in the field of pulmonology. His passion and interesting fields are Interventional Pulmonology, Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis. His aim is to develop advance interventional pulmonology for diagnostic and treatment in Indonesia.

Dr Shariq Mohammed Alavi has pursued his Doctor of Medicine (M.D) from MNR Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, India in 2020. He has served as a Senior Resident in Government General & Chest Hospital, Hyderabad and has also been an active treating physician during pandemic COVID 19.
Since he has been in the field of pulmonology, he had a very keen interest in Interventional Procedures for which he has attendant many in hand workshops and National Conferences to learn about the details of each procedure.
Currently he is working in Shadan Institue of Medical Sciences as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pulmonology which actively involves teaching to undergraduate and post graduate students.
He also works as a Consultant Pulmonologist in Glenfield Mallareddy Brain and Heart Hospital where he performs various interventional pulmonology procedures and his aim is to master the art of interventional pulmonology and to provide IP procedures at a very economical cost to the deserving patients.

Dr. Housnia Jaballah Soudani graduated from Faculty of Medicine University of Tripoli ,Libya. Then shespent a period of training in most of medical specialties in Tripoli University Hospital. In 2010 Dr.Housnia received the Libian Board for Medical Specialties. Since that time Dr.Housnia has been working as specialist in respiratory medicine and teaching staff in faculty of medicine. Bronchoscopy experience thus far includes a short course in basic bronchoscopy in Egypt. Dr.Housnia is looking forward diligently to improve skills in basic and interventional bronchoscopy and share experience and knowledge to colleagues.

Dr. Zamora Becerra is a specialist in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine, with academic and clinical experience focused on thoracic oncology and smoking cessation. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of the Valley (2016-2019) and a Pulmonary Medicine specialty at the National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the National University of Colombia (2020-2022). She earned a master’s degree in Medical Thoracic Oncology and Smoking in 2023. With two years of professional experience, Dr. Zamora Becerra works as a pulmonologist in both public and private hospitals in Cali, Colombia. She currently leads a smoking cessation program at the Pneumological Clinic of the Pacific in Cali. Her extensive postgraduate training in Interventional Pulmonology and thoracic ultrasound reflects her dedication to interventional pulmonology and lung cancer treatment. She completed her medical degree at the University of Manizales, where she enrolled at age 16. Her professional accomplishments include publications in the ALAT journal on EBUS and leading studies on smoking impact in Cali. She is an active member of prominent professional organizations, including ASONEUMOCITO, SEPAR, and ERS. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Zamora Becerra enjoys literature, travel, and visiting coffee shops.

Dr. Hussain, born in 1985 in Kech Balochistan, Pakistan, completed his MBBS from Bolan Medical College Quetta in 2011. He completed his internship at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi (AKUH) in 2012, followed by residency in medicine and Pulmonology at the same institution. After serving as an instructor at AKUH for one year, he joined The Indus Hospital Karachi as Senior Registrar in 2020 for 2.5 years. Currently, Dr. Hussain serves as a Consultant in the Pulmonology Department and Program Director of the Pulmonology Residency program at The Indus Hospital. He has performed over 400 bronchoscopies and endobronchial biopsies, along with transbronchial lung biopsies and blind pleural biopsies. His professional interests include developing interventional pulmonology services at his institute, which provides free healthcare. He serves as the clinical secretary of the Pakistan Chest Society Sindh chapter, overseeing monthly clinical meetings, and is a member of the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Hussain has published in both international and local journals.

Dr. Ossama is a Faculty staff member in the Pulmonology Department at Alexandria University with a specialized focus in interventional pulmonology. Throughout his residency, he developed comprehensive clinical expertise, managing complex cases in the Respiratory ICU, providing care for inpatients, and working in both the Medical Thoracoscopy and Bronchoscopy Units. Certified in chest ultrasonography by the European Respiratory Society (ERS), Dr. Ossama recently presented a poster at ERS 2024 on the role of pulmonologists in performing ultrasound-guided biopsies, showcasing his commitment to advancing minimally invasive diagnostic techniques. Born in Alexandria in 1993, he completed secondary education through the Cambridge IGCSE program before pursuing a career in pulmonology. Dr. Ossama is dedicated to serving a diverse patient population and is passionate about teaching, aiming to mentor aspiring pulmonologists in developing critical skills needed to improve patient care and outcomes. He continues to contribute to the global pulmonology community, enhancing patient care through evidence-based and innovative approaches.

Dr. Kagima graduated as an Internal Medicine Physician from the University of Nairobi in 2013, following her medical doctor degree from the same university in 2007. She holds a master’s in Respiratory Medicine from the University of South Wales and a PhD from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), UK. She currently serves as a consultant in the Pulmonology and Critical Care unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). As a master trainer in chest ultrasound certified by the Canadian Point of Care Ultrasound Society (CPoCUS), she has completed multiple training courses in basic and advanced bronchoscopy. Dr. Kagima currently heads the Internal Medicine department at KNH and serves as secretary of both the Respiratory Society of Kenya (ReSoK) and the Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS). She is a faculty member in PATS-Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical and Operations Research course (PATS-MECOR), supported by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) MECOR program, and is an ATS fellow (ATSF). Her contributions include organizing local and international pulmonology scientific conferences and participating in various national lung health committees. Her expertise focuses on interventional pulmonology, lung cancer, interstitial lung diseases (ILD), and pleural diseases. Dr. Kagima aims to enhance her skills in interventional pulmonology to benefit patients in Kenya while mentoring and training others.

Dr. Merali serves as a consultant physician specializing in interventional pulmonology at the Avenue Hospital, Nairobi. He is an alumnus of the University of Nairobi (MbchB, MMed) and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Respiratory Medicine from the University of South Wales, as well as a certificate in interventional pulmonology from India. His additional certifications include HIV management from the University of Washington and Emergency Neurological Life Support from the Neurocritical Care Society. He has completed advanced training in diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy in Lebanon and at VUMC, Netherlands. Dr. Merali’s special interests include the use of cryobiopsy in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, airway recanalization, and endobronchial ultrasound.

Dr. Aliaga completed his surgical training at the National University of Ucayali in 2017, followed by specialization in Pulmonology at the Cayetano Heredia Private University in 2023. He is registered with the Peruvian Society of Pneumology and serves as an active member of the scientific committees for Interventional Pneumology and Lung Cancer. He holds memberships in the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), the Latin American Thoracic Association (ALAt), and the European Respiratory Society (ERS). His focus on interventional pulmonology training aims to establish a high-standard care program benefiting patients in Peru while contributing to the training of future specialists. Dr. Aliaga actively participates in basic and advanced bronchoscopy training workshops and contributes to developing clinical practice guidelines for the Peruvian Society of Pneumology. Known for his organized approach to health service and patient care, Dr. Aliaga demonstrates strong adaptability to different work environments and excels in team settings. His passion for interventional pulmonology and lung cancer drives his commitment to continuous professional development.

Dr. Gebrehiwot completed his undergraduate medical degree at the University of Gondar in 2003, followed by internal medicine residency in 2010 and subspecialty training in Pulmonary and Critical Care in 2016 at Addis Ababa University. His fellowship program (East African Training Initiative) was conducted through a collaboration between Addis Ababa University and Vital Strategies, New York. Currently, Dr. Gebrehiwot serves as the head of the School of Medicine in the College of Health Sciences at Ayder campus, Mekelle University, overseeing 305 medical students, 133 paramedical students, and 230 teaching staff. He maintains a twice-weekly chest clinic and provides weekly diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy services, including BAL and TBBx. His expertise extends to chest ultrasound, ultrasound-guided needle pleural biopsy, and catheter-based pleural drainage.

Dr. Ahmad, a pulmonologist and intensivist from Lebanon, will join the WABIP fellowship program in January 2025. She brings extensive experience in pulmonology and Critical Care from Lebanon, France, and Qatar. Her journey in interventional pulmonology began with the ERS EBUS course, completing Part I in Athens and Part II in Heidelberg, with ongoing training at Yashoda Hospital in India for Part III. Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Ahmad enjoys reading, sports (particularly tennis and basketball), and poetry. Currently training abroad, she aspires to return to Beirut to provide advanced interventional pulmonology care and services to her patients.

Dr. Genevie Ombao is a graduate of Adult Pulmonary Fellowship Program of the Lung Center of the Philippines – the apex hospital for lung and chest wall diseases in her country. She has since completed a 1-year training program in Interventional Pulmonology in the same institution where she now serves as an active consultant. She has attended various training programs abroad tackling Lung Ultrasonography, Basic Echocardiography, Bronchoscopic Navigation and Ablation. She is active in her local society as an instructor for Chest Sonography and Endobronchial Ultrasound. She is currently spearheading research in Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation and the National Lung Cancer Registry.

Dr. Jane Sandra Afriyie-Mensah is a pulmonologist from Ghana, West Africa, who has been selected as one of the new International Pulmonologist in training (IPI) fellows. She is based in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, where she practices pulmonary medicine. Dr. Afriyie-Mensah is preparing to commence her fellowship training in January, where she looks forward to expanding her expertise in interventional pulmonology. She has maintained strong connections with both her professional and personal communities, balancing her medical career while nurturing family relationships. Her interests extend beyond medicine to include gardening and interior design. Dr. Afriyie-Mensah is particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming opportunity to collaborate with international colleagues and experience the cultural richness of Greece and Turkey during her fellowship training.