Dr. William Macharia- Best Pediatric Hematologist
When it comes to treating children with cancers and blood diseases, Dr. William Macharia is a name that immediately comes to mind. With over 30 years of experience in paediatrics and health research, Dr. Macharia is a true maverick in his field, with a passion for helping children and an unwavering dedication to improving health systems.
Education and Training
Dr. Macharia’s journey to becoming a pediatrician began when he pursued an undergraduate degree in medicine at the University of Nairobi. He then followed this up with a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Ultimately, his journey culminated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. After completing his doctorate, he embarked on a fellowship in pediatric hemato-oncology at McMaster University in Canada in 1989. During this period, he received specialized instruction in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancers and blood disorders. This training was critical in laying the groundwork for Dr. Macharia’s groundbreaking work in East Africa.
Contributions and Achievements
Dr. Macharia’s contributions to the field of paediatrics and haemato-oncology are numerous and impressive. As the founding chair of the academic Department of Paediatrics & Child Health at Aga Khan University, Nairobi, he led the department in becoming a leading centre for paediatric research and training in East Africa. He has also served in various capacities for organizations such as the WHO, the International Clinical Epidemiology Network, and the DFID/IDRC/Welcome Trust-funded consortium for National Health Research Expert Scientific Advisory Committee.
As a researcher, Dr. Macharia has authored over 50 scientific papers in reputable, peer-reviewed journals, and has won numerous internationally competitive grants. His research interests are focused on health systems, and he has made significant contributions to the development of national health research policies and governance strategies in Kenya. In addition to his research work, Dr. Macharia is involved in training specialists in paediatrics and treating children with cancers and blood diseases.
A Creative Approach to Treatment: Innovative Technology and High Success Rates
Dr. Macharia’s approach to treating children with cancers and blood diseases is nothing short of innovative. He is constantly exploring new technologies and treatment methods to improve patient outcomes, and his success rates speak for themselves. He is particularly interested in paediatric haemato-oncology and has been involved in training fellows in the field. Through his work with the Kampala-based paediatric haemato-oncology fellowship training programme, he is helping to build a new generation of specialists who will continue his legacy of excellence.