Dr. Tayabali's T32 Experience

• What inspired you to join the T32 program?

I was drawn to the T32 program for its unique ability to combine a mentored research career with the flexibility to explore a research topic that truly piques my interest. The opportunity to build a project from the ground up, while also gaining hands-on experience in clinical service, made the program particularly appealing. The two-year structure allows for the perfect balance between research and clinical exposure, offering the best of both worlds in an environment that fosters growth and development.

• How has the program supported your research and career development?

The T32 program has been instrumental in shaping my career path. Dr. Melby has played a pivotal role in guiding me, offering valuable mentorship by helping me identify key mentors and shaping ideas into viable research projects. His insights, drawn from years of experience, have been crucial in understanding how to make a pilot project successful. The program also offers a variety of training opportunities, such as tropical medicine courses, grant writing workshops, and specialized biosafety lab training, which have enhanced both my research skills and my overall career development.

• What do you consider the greatest benefit of being a T32 fellow?

The greatest benefit of being a T32 fellow is the ability to seamlessly integrate clinical practice with research in a respected institution like UTMB. This unique combination has allowed me to expand my clinical expertise while also growing as a researcher. Being part of a program that values both aspects of my career has been incredibly rewarding and essential for my professional growth.

Biography

Dr. Khadija Tayabali is a dedicated physician and researcher with a passion for global health, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Originally from Kenya, she earned her medical degree at the University of Nairobi, where she began her career working in Bungoma District Hospital. There, she focused on the care of patients with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, collaborating with the PEPFAR initiative to address dual challenge of these co-infections.

After relocating to the United States in 2012, Dr. Tayabali completed her Internal Medicine residency, followed by Chief Residency, at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She then pursued a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland Medical Center, graduating in August 2024.

In October 2024, Dr. Tayabali joined the University of Texas Medical Branch as a T32 Research Fellow. Her research interest are focused on antimicrobial resistance and its profound impact on global health and addressing global health disparities in a resource rich hospital in Kenya

Education

• M.D. – University of Nairobi
• Internal Medicine Residency – Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
• Chief Residency – Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
• Infectious Diseases Fellowship – University of Maryland Medical Center
• T32 Research Fellowship – University of Texas Medical Branch