Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Yashna Singh

Medical Doctor| Researcher
CAPE TOWN

Summary

Yashna is an experienced clinical research professional and is knowledgeable about coordinating projects for diverse HIV prevention and treatment clinical trials. Yashna is passionate about achieving equitable access to health care, particularly for Women Living With HIV and in the prevention of HIV in young women. Yashna has experience in active community engagement and in successful collaboration with stakeholders involved in HIV related research in underserved and resource-limited settings.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Investigator

Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
01.2016 - Current

Lead site investigator for:

  • PURPOSE-1 trial: HIV prevention trial for young women
  • FLAIR study: long-acting injectable HIV initial treatment study in People Living With HIV
  • ATLAS 2M study: long-acting injectable HIV switch treatment in People Living With HIV
  • HVTN 806 study: Analytical Treatment Interruption trial towards HI cure research utilizing broadly neutralising antibodies
  • MK 8527-007: phase two PrEP pharmacokinetics study
  • ARTISTRY: fixed dose combination antiretroviral for People With HIV on complex HIV treatment regimens
  • Maintained compliance with ethical guidelines, ensuring responsible conduct of research activities throughout all stages of project lifecycles.
  • Contributed to policy discussions surrounding key areas of investigation, informing decision-makers based on sound evidence derived from empirical studies.
  • Assessed potential risks associated with projects, implementing mitigating strategies to ensure the safety of all team members and study participants.
  • Enhanced public understanding of critical issues by translating complex scientific findings into accessible language for non-experts audiences through various media channels.
  • Streamlined processes for data management, reducing time spent on administrative tasks and increasing focus on research activities.
  • Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
  • Mentored junior researchers, fostering their professional development and enhancing the overall team''s capabilities

Medical Doctor

Western Cape Department Of Health
01.2015 - 12.2015
  • Employed as a medical officer in the infectious diseases unit in the department of medicine at Khayelitsha District Hospital
  • Established and led the Rapid Assessment Unit for recently discharged patients in the unit.
  • Established strong relationships with patients and their families, fostering trust and commitment to the healthcare plan.
  • Optimized electronic medical record systems for improved documentation accuracy and accessibility, enhancing overall quality of care delivery.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities keeping up-to-date with advancements within respective fields remaining competitive amongst peers.

Community Service Medical Officer

Western Cape Department Of Health
01.2014 - 12.2014

Employed at Khayelitsha District Medical Officer and adjacent community health clinic

  • Managed a diverse caseload, addressing varied healthcare needs within the community setting.
  • Worked in the emergency medicine, trauma, paediatrics and outpatient facilities
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient medical practices and protocols.
  • Coordinated healthcare resources effectively, optimizing service delivery within budget constraints.
  • Improved community health outcomes through proactive disease prevention initiatives.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality patient care and support.

Medical Doctor Intern

Western Cape Department Of Health
01.2012 - 12.2013
  • Volunteered in underserved communities to provide essential healthcare services to those with limited access to medical resources, strengthening public health initiatives within these areas.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through compassionate bedside manner and clear communication of diagnoses and treatment options.
  • Implemented preventive health strategies for at-risk populations, reducing incidence of chronic diseases in the community.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities keeping up-to-date with advancements within respective fields remaining competitive amongst peers.
  • Teamed with other physicians, specialists, and health care providers to provide well-rounded care for complex cases.

Education

Master of Public Health - Public Health

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
04.2001 -

M.D. - Medicine And Surgery

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Durban, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Collaborative Research
  • Clinical trial expertise
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Team leadership and critical thinking
  • Quantitative data analysis
  • Proficiency in Stata, Microsoft Office Suite, Stata, Google Suite
  • Proficient in Afrikaans (second language) Basic proficiency in isiXhosa (third language)

Additional Information

Additional coursework and achievements:


1. May 2024: Abstract publication in the INTEREST HIV Conference. Abstract Title: Abnormal Cervical Cytology Amongst Women Living With and Without HIV in Cape Town, South Africa

2. February 2024-April 2024: Certification in Scientific Authorship, Research Progression, South Africa.

3. March 2023- ongoing: Programme development for the Young Women's Support Group for the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation organization. This programme recognizes the intersectionality of HIV in young women and gender based violence, and is rooted in women empowerment and skills development.

4. September 2023: Peer-reviewed journal article publication: Tenofovir diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots and HIV-1 resistance in South Africa.

5. August 2023: Abstract presentation at the International Workshop on HIV Drug Resistance and Treatment Strategies. Abstract Title: Evolution of HIV-1 Resistance and Drug Concentrations in a Well Monitored Cohort in South Africa.

6. July 2023: Presenter at the South African HIV Clinicians Society conference. Topic: Novel Long-acting HIV Prevention Modalities in Young Women and Adolescent Girls.

7. June 2022: Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Professional Emergency Care South Africa

8. May 2015- October 2015: Diploma in HIV Management, Colleges of Medicine South Africa.


Current Memberships:


1. Active professional member of the South African HIV Clinicians Society.

2. SHAWCO (Students' Health and Welfare Center's Organization) consulting volunteer medical doctor at the University of Cape Town.


Peer reviewed publications in the past five years:


1. Y Singh, J Castillo-Mancilla, R Madimabe, L Jennings, CM Ferraris, RN Robbins, PL Andersen, RH Remien, C Orrell. Tenofovir diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots and HIV-1 resistance in South Africa. AIDS Research and Therapy. 2023 Sep 14; DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00552-w.

2. Dickinson L, Walimbwa S, Singh Y, Kaboggoza J, Kintu K, Sihlangu M, Coombs JA, Malaba TR, Byamugisha J, Pertinez H, Amara A. Infant exposure to dolutegravir through placental and breast milk transfer: a population pharmacokinetic analysis of DolPHIN-1. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2021 Sep 1;73(5):e1200-7.

3. Waitt C, Orrell C, Walimbwa S, Singh Y, Kintu K, Simmons B, Kaboggoza J, Sihlangu M, Coombs JA, Malaba T, Byamugisha J. Safety and pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir in pregnant mothers with HIV infection and their neonates: a randomised trial (DolPHIN-1 study). PLoS medicine. 2019 Sep 20;16(9):e1002895.




Timeline

Principal Investigator

Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
01.2016 - Current

Medical Doctor

Western Cape Department Of Health
01.2015 - 12.2015

Community Service Medical Officer

Western Cape Department Of Health
01.2014 - 12.2014

Medical Doctor Intern

Western Cape Department Of Health
01.2012 - 12.2013

Master of Public Health - Public Health

University of Cape Town
04.2001 -

M.D. - Medicine And Surgery

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
04.2001 -
Yashna SinghMedical Doctor| Researcher