Seminar Series: Sarah Cuschieri
The burden of non-communicable diseases in small countries – Why should we care?
Sarah Cuschieri, MD, PhD, FRSPH, MFPH, PGDip 
University of Malta
Msida, Malta
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
Ontario, Canada
Short Biography:
Dr. Sarah Cuschieri is a medical doctor and epidemiologist (PhD) at the University of Malta and an adjunct Assistant Professor at Western University, Ontario, Canada. She is the Vice-President for the Chronic Diseases section of the European Public Health Association. Her research focuses on population health, mainly involving non-communicable diseases with special interest in obesity and diabetes as well as burden of disease in small states. She has made it in the top 2% of the most cited scientists in the world for the years 2020 to 2022. Dr. Cuschieri is the author of the books “To Do or Not to Do a PhD? Insight and Guidance from a Public Health PhD Graduate”, A Roadmap to Successful Scientistic Publishing, The Dos, the Don’ts and the Must-Knows and “A pocket Guide for Medical Students” apart from a number of book chapters. In 2021, she won the “Academic leadership and accomplishment” award as part of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP), Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Abstract:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant threat to public health worldwide, affecting nations regardless of their size. This seminar highlights the crucial role that small countries play in understanding and addressing the impact of NCDs on populations. This evidence serves as a blueprint for larger countries and regions to develop tailored prevention and treatment strategies. By leveraging data from these smaller settings, we can uncover patterns and trends that might otherwise be overlooked in larger populations. Small countries play a pivotal role in providing an understanding of the burden of chronic diseases through population-based studies. This seminar will delve into the burden of NCDs, risk factors, geographical health inequalities, the impact of COVID-19 on NCDs, the development of Long COVID, and lessons learned from the perspectives of small countries. The insights gained are not only significant for the small nations themselves but also offer valuable lessons and recommendations for neighboring larger countries and the global community.
Keywords:
Non-communicable diseases; Epidemiology; Population Health; Small countries
Date: Friday, September 20
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: PHFM 3015 (Western Centre for Public Health and Family Medicine) or Zoom (link may be requested at EpiBio@uwo.ca )
