Dr. Duha Shella is a junior Palestinian physician. On top of this, she is an amazing advocate for public health, even being recognised for her leadership and humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Shella graduated from An-Najah National University in 2022. Since her graduation, she has become a dedicated voice for marginalised communities, particularly in Palestine, through her work in healthcare, research, and advocacy. Dr. Shella founded The Researchist, a community aimed at promoting research among early-career scientists. Through this, she is building a culture of inquiry which is so important in STEM.
In 2022, she gained international recognition by being selected as one of the 21 outstanding young physicians under 40 by the InterAcademy Partnership’s Young Physician Leaders Program. Her involvement extends to significant roles within various global health platforms, including the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region Youth Council, where she represents youth perspectives in shaping health policies.
Dr. Shella is also a medical journalist, actively contributing to discussing healthcare challenges, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza. Her insights have been featured in The Lancet, where she highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing Gaza conflict on medical infrastructure and healthcare workers. In addition, she serves as a consultant in science journalism and leads initiatives supporting women’s health in Palestine, advocating for mental and reproductive health rights.
