“My goal is to contribute to a healthcare system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of all individuals.”
Meet Ali Rashid Bawumia, UBC Okangan School of Nursing Master’s student. Ali came to the program with a strong background as a Senior Research Assistant and Nursing skills instructor at the University for Development Studies in Tamal, Ghana. With Dr. Lise Olsen he found a supervisor who aligned with his research interests in inclusive recreation participation and safety and injury prevention.
What is your background and what brought you to the Master in Science in Nursing program here at UBC Okanagan?
My name is Ali Rashid Bawumia, and I am from Kubugu in the North East Region of Ghana. Fluent in several languages, including English, Mamprusi, Twi, Hausa, and Dagbani, I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale. After completing my studies, I served as a Nursing Officer at Tamale Teaching Hospital, where I honed my clinical skills and developed a deep understanding of patient care. Currently, I am pursuing graduate studies here in the School of Nursing, where I also work as a Graduate Academic Assistant under the supervision of Dr. Lise Olsen.
My journey into nursing was driven by a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on my community. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. My dedication to nursing is reflected in my efforts to provide high-quality healthcare, advocate for patients, and promote health and wellness. I believe in the importance of equity and justice in healthcare and strive to ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need.
What research are you currently undertaking with your supervisor, Dr. Lise Olsen?
I was particularly attracted to Dr. Lise Olsen’s research due to its strong focus on child and family health promotion, especially in the context of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
My background in nursing, combined with my role as a Senior Research Assistant and Nursing skills instructor at the University for Development Studies under Dr. Vida Yakong, provided me with extensive experience in teaching nursing skills, research skills and a keen interest in promoting health and well-being for children and families.
Dr. Olsen’s work on inclusive and safe recreation for families of children with autism spectrum disorders aligns with my research interests in inclusive recreation participation and safety and injury prevention. Her projects, such as implementing physical activity programs in communities for children with neuro-disabilities and assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of online resources to support active recreation for children with autism, resonate with my goals of contributing to community-based health initiatives and leveraging online programs to enhance child development and wellbeing.
What are some top learnings thus far?
Throughout my graduate program in Nursing, I have gained valuable insights both in the research area and the research process itself. Engaging in courses such as qualitative and quantitative research, health policy and nursing theories, and finding and integrating this knowledge has provided a solid foundation in understanding the multifaceted nature of nursing research.
My role as a Graduate Academic Assistant on Dr. Olsen’s projects— including Assessing Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Online Parent Resource to Support Safe and Active Sport and Recreation for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the KidsAction project—has given me hands-on experience relevant for my upcoming thesis work. Being involved in these research projects has improved my practical research skills, such as data collection, analysis, and interpretation, which will be essential for my thesis. I have also gained insights into challenges faced by families whose children are experiencing neurodevelopmental challenges, and the importance of providing inclusive recreational opportunities to them to take part in recreational opportunities.
What is your vision for the future?
My vision for the future is to become a leader in nursing research and community health, leveraging my diverse background and experiences to make a meaningful impact on child and family health, particularly in underserved communities.
I envision myself continuing to collaborate on innovative research projects, such as those led by Dr. Lise Olsen, that explore inclusive recreation and support systems for autistic children and other neurodevelopmental conditions as well as for their families. Through these endeavors, I aspire to develop evidence-based interventions and policies that enhance the quality of life for families facing these challenges, both locally and globally.
Additionally, I am committed to fostering the next generation of nurses and researchers by engaging in teaching and mentorship roles. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers in nursing.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a healthcare system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of all individuals.
Where can people follow your work?
People can find me on my Ali Rashid Bawumia LinkedIn account.
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