2023–2024 Awardee: Dr. Sabin Thapaliya (Nepal)
GPS Host: Shmuel Shoham, MD, MACP
Host Institution: John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland
I had multiple incredible moments during the whole process of submitting my application to the American College of Physicians (ACP) Global Physician Scholar (GPS) Program and completing my month-long clinical rotation in the United States, which turned out to be a transformative experience with deep and lasting impact on my professional growth.
When I first got an e-mail from ACP that included information about the GPS Program, I almost overlooked it, thinking it wasn't for someone like me. But when I clicked the link, I had my first incredible moment: I realized that the GPS Program was exactly for someone like me, an International Member in the early to mid-stage of my career as a physician who wanted firsthand exposure to a special area of interest at a reputable U.S. institution. After reviewing the details of the program, I thought, “Why not give it a shot!”
I was working as an infectious diseases (ID) physician at a tertiary-level hospital in Kathmandu without formal training in transplant and oncology ID, and my hospital was expanding its transplant and oncology services. I explicitly outlined both my own needs and those of my institution, along with our plans following my return from the program and proceeded to submit my application. One fine morning in October, I got the e-mail about my selection: This was my second incredible moment.
However, the institution I would be affiliated with through the GPS Program was not finalized. I was told that ACP would find an institution—and a mentor—that would suit my requirements; they then connected me with Prof. Dr. Shmuel Shoham at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH). That was my third incredible moment: An institution I wished for was ready to accept me for a month-long clinical rotation.
From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the entire team. My rotation was meticulously planned by my mentor, Dr. Shoham, whose generosity, guidance, and attention to every detail—from my clinical exposure to my travel and stay arrangements—made the experience seamless and enriching. He ensured I had the chance to explore every dimension of transplant and oncology ID and to meet as many distinguished faculty members—both within and outside of Johns Hopkins—as possible within the month. My fourth incredible moment was when I realized that the voice in the transplant ID podcast I used to listen to was none other than Dr. Shoham's.
During my clinical rotations and rounds, I had the opportunity to work closely with both Dr. Shoham and Dr. Robin Avery, whose dedication to teaching and clinical excellence was truly inspiring. Dr. Avery also conducted a one-on-one didactic lecture tailored to my learning needs—a session that deeply enhanced my understanding of complex ID management in immunocompromised patients. From the satellite clinic visit to discussions of novel drug therapies under clinical trials, the thoughtful structure of the rotation allowed me to actively engage with real-time patient management and get a taste of clinical research.
Another unforgettable aspect of my rotation was the opportunity to connect with prominent tuberculosis (TB) researchers at Johns Hopkins. I was introduced to Dr. Gyanu Lamichhane, Dr. Richard Chaisson, and Dr. Yukari Manabe whose pioneering work in TB opened up exciting possibilities for future collaboration. I also got to attend weekly microbiology meetings where we reviewed uncommon organisms and discussed interesting cases. These interactions planted seeds for long-term research partnerships.
Dr. Shoham's hospitality extended beyond clinical exposure. His parting gift—three volumes of Emerging Transplant Infections books, coauthored by him—still serves as one of my reference books. My fifth incredible moment was when I was invited to contribute to a manuscript during the rotation: The article has recently been published. Dr. Shoham also made efforts to connect me with the Nepalese diaspora at Johns Hopkins to help me find a sense of community far from home.
As a part of the GPS program, I also got to attend ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts, where I met and networked with physicians from around the world including fellow GPS awardees.
Since returning home, I've found myself much more equipped to approach complex cases, particularly in transplant and oncology patients. I now confidently consider a broader range of differentials in these immunocompromised hosts and have started working on developing an institutional protocol for managing transplant and oncology ID at our hospital. The rotation was much more than a learning opportunity: It was a journey of mentorship, friendship, and inspiration. I am forever indebted to Dr. Shmuel Shoham, Dr. Robin Avery, and all the faculty and staff who generously shared their time, knowledge, and kindness.
Back to the May 2025 issue of ACP Global