Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roopan Gill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Roopan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Taking risks is intrinsic to personal and professional development. One particular memory exemplifies this principle: it was during my tenure with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in a remote area of Yemen, amidst severe shortages of medical supplies and personnel compounded by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation was dire, especially in terms of obstetric and gynecological care demand.

Despite the risks and uncertainties, I felt compelled to act. Recognizing the urgent need for medical attention among women and girls in the region, I couldn’t remain idle. Alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, I decided to extend my mission in Yemen beyond the originally planned duration.

This choice was not made lightly. It meant being away from my home and loved ones, constant exposure to violence and disease, and enduring harsh working conditions. Nevertheless, I firmly believed that the potential impact on the lives of those in need outweighed the risks.

Throughout those challenging months, we encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks. Limited resources, logistical hurdles, and the emotional toll of witnessing patient suffering were constant companions. However, our perseverance paid off. We provided essential medical care to countless women and girls in the region, ensuring safe deliveries, delivering crucial reproductive health services, and offering compassion and assistance to those in distress.

Reflecting on that experience, I recognize it as one of the defining moments of my career. It taught me the significance of stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and trusting in my abilities to effect positive change, even in the face of adversity.

Drawing upon these lessons and my background as an obstetrician-gynecologist, I partnered with Dr. Genevieve Tam to establish Vitala Global Foundation. Our mission was clear: to develop digital solutions that support and facilitate access to safe abortion care, contraception, and reproductive health services in challenging contexts globally. This endeavor was driven by the understanding that traditional healthcare approaches often fall short in serving marginalized and underserved populations, particularly in conflict zones or areas with restrictive legal frameworks.

Roopan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a clinician, innovator, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. I have dedicated my career to advancing women’s health globally, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN).

My journey into this industry began during my residency in the Obstetrics and Gynecology program at the University of Ottawa. It was there that I found my passion for women’s health and advocacy. I was fortunate to have supportive mentors who encouraged me to pursue my interests and push boundaries within the field.

As an OBGYN, I provide comprehensive obstetric care and specialize in advanced abortion care. Additionally, I am deeply involved in global women’s health through my social enterprise, the Vitala Global Foundation, and my work with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

Vitala Global Foundation, which I co-founded with Dr. Genevieve Tam, aims to address the critical need for accessible and quality sexual and reproductive health care, particularly in challenging humanitarian contexts. We develop digital solutions that empower individuals to self-manage their reproductive care needs, including medical abortion and contraception. Our approach involves working closely with local communities and grassroots organizations to design solutions that are culturally sensitive and effective.

One of our proudest achievements is the development and launch of a digital solution that has supported over 2000 Venezuelans in safely self-managing their medical abortion and contraception journeys. This project, supported by Grand Challenges Canada, exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology to improve healthcare access and outcomes for women around the world.

What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the complex needs and challenges faced by women in different cultural and socio-economic contexts. We prioritize community engagement and collaboration, ensuring that our solutions are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I can think of one particular story that occurred during my time working in a rural area of India. I was part of a medical mission aimed at providing healthcare services to underserved communities in the region. However, we faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, logistical difficulties, and cultural barriers. Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to our mission and persevered in delivering medical care to those in need. One incident stands out in my memory: we encountered a severe outbreak of a waterborne illness in a remote village. The local healthcare infrastructure was overwhelmed, and many residents were suffering from dehydration and other complications.
Despite the daunting circumstances, our team rallied together, improvising solutions and working tirelessly to provide treatment to the affected individuals. We set up makeshift clinics, distributed clean water, and educated the community about hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the illness.
Throughout this ordeal, I witnessed firsthand the resilience of the human spirit and the power of collective action. Despite the adversity we faced, we remained unwavering in our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. This experience taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, teamwork, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation within the market has been shaped by my steadfast dedication to addressing critical issues in sexual and reproductive healthcare, particularly in challenging contexts globally. Through innovative approaches with Vitala Global Foundation, such as the development of the Aya Contigo app that was co-created with the communities it served, I’ve demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by women and girls in these contexts.
In addition to my practical experience, I’ve contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications, active participation in events, and a passion for investigation. My dedication to advancing knowledge and finding innovative solutions is evident in my academic pursuits and engagements within the global health community.
Moreover, my extensive experience working with organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organization has provided me with invaluable insights and expertise, further enhancing my credibility and reputation. My commitment to addressing health inequities and empowering underserved populations has earned me recognition as a leader and advocate for change within the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vitalaglobal.org / https://www.hola.ayacontigo.org/
• Instagram: @vitalaglobal @ayacontigoapp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roopan-gill-md-mph-frcsc-obgyn-569a4727/ , https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalaglobal/

Image Credits
Credit: Unified Jam, SXSW2024, Vitala Global Foundation