Melody Asukile: A neurologist who wants more patients to benefit from accessible, accurate epilepsy diagnosis.

Class of 2016 Zambian neurologist and 2024 recipient of the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship, Melody Asukile’s PhD will investigate the diagnosis and treatment of focal epilepsy in resource-limited countries, with a special focus on Zambia and South Africa.

Melody currently works as a neurologist and epileptologist at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. She also lectures and consults as a neurologist at the University of Zambia.

As if that isn’t enough to keep her busy, she is also a Director of the National Electroencephalography and Electromyography Laboratories at the University of Zambia.

Through her upcoming PhD research, Melody wants to improve patient access to more accurate epilepsy diagnosis and better selection for specialised epilepsy treatments, like epilepsy surgery in sub-Saharan Africa.

We recently chatted to Melody about her plans:

Who was the first person you told when you received the news that you had been selected for the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship?

My mum. She is my number one cheerleader and always celebrates my achievements, no matter how big or small.

Which institution are you hoping to study at?

University College London.

What will your PhD research be about?

Diagnosis and treatment of focal epilepsy in Zambia and South Africa.

Why is this research important?

Many people with epilepsy in Africa aren’t accurately diagnosed and have limited access to the right treatment. This study will better quantify the burden of epilepsy in southern Africa, identify common causes and develop tools for improved epilepsy diagnosis.

How will your research benefit your country and/or Africa?

Through this study I hope to improve patient access to more accurate epilepsy diagnosis, and better selection for specialised epilepsy treatments like epilepsy surgery which is underutilised in sub-Saharan Africa.

What was your biggest highlight as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar?

I would have to say the leadership training workshops! It was inspirational to mingle with such a diverse group of talented individuals, with similar ideals but different perspectives. The sessions taught me to see the world and myself in a different light, with a deeper appreciation for diversity.

Our best wishes go to Melody as she begins the next exciting stage of her academic career in the UK.