Winners of the Donald Li YDM Scholarship Award 2025

Dr. Beesan Maraqa, Palestine

Dr. Beesan Maraqa is a dedicated family medicine physician and educator based in Palestine, significantly contributing to healthcare in conflict-affected and low-resource settings. At Hebron University, Dr. Maraqa serves as the Head of the Family Medicine Department and the Research Unit, actively mentoring young doctors and enhancing primary care services. She has demonstrated leadership in integrating mental health care into primary care settings, emphasizing physician wellbeing and healthcare system resilience.

As Chair of WONCA’s ASPIRE programme, Dr. Maraqa led a notable global survey on physician burnout, significantly contributing to the broader dialogue on mental health among healthcare professionals. She has also been deeply involved in local community initiatives, notably the longstanding Al-Shayma Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and tobacco cessation programs, reflecting her commitment to preventive medicine and community health.

Dr. Maraqa expressed, "This scholarship is a transformative step in my journey, empowering me to learn global best practices and ultimately enhance healthcare systems within my region."

WONCA congratulates Dr. Maraqa on this achievement and anticipates her continued impactful contributions to global primary care.

Dr. Michael Angelo J. Arteza, Philippines

Dr. Michael Angelo J. Arteza from the Philippines has distinguished himself in family medicine through his leadership roles, research contributions, and community service initiatives. As the youngest Regional Trustee of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Dr. Arteza actively champions primary care improvements such as patient navigation systems and referral pathways in regional healthcare settings.

His scholarly work, including a systematic review and meta-analysis on community-based hypertension interventions, earned recognition from the PAFP and the WONCA APR conferences. Dr. Arteza has been instrumental in training medical residents and interns, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and continuous learning at Batangas Medical Center, where he serves on the Knowledge Core Group, Research Technical Review Committee, and Institutional Ethics Review Board.

Dr. Arteza is a champion of health systems strengthening, currently pursuing post-graduate studies in International Health. He is a member of the PAFP-DOH Doctor-to-the-Barrios core group, which aims to capacitate rural health doctors in GIDA areas to improve access to healthcare and health literacy in underserved areas.  

Dr. Arteza is an active member of The Rajakumar Movement, the Young Doctors’ Movement of WONCA APR. He is currently the Chief Representative of the PAFP and the TRM Honorary Secretary. He is currently the TRM Chairperson-elect and will start his term after the WONCA World Conference.

Reflecting on the scholarship, Dr. Arteza noted, "Receiving this scholarship allows me to fully engage in international collaboration and training, enriching my capability to serve my community effectively."

WONCA warmly congratulates Dr. Arteza and looks forward to his future achievements in family medicine.

Dr. Stephen Engmann, Ghana

Dr. Stephen T. Engmann from Ghana is widely recognized for his leadership in research, medical education, and community health initiatives. As a family physician and part-time lecturer at the Manna Mission Hospital and Family Health Medical School respectively, Dr. Engmann has shown deep commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through education and practical research.  He is also a trainer at the Family Medicine Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

Dr. Engmann holds key roles, including Vice Chair of AFRIWON and Young Doctor Movement liaison for the WONCA Working Party on Research, contributing significantly to family medicine initiatives across Africa. His participation in the Integrated Care Leadership & Advocacy Program has helped advocate the integration of mental healthcare into primary healthcare practices, addressing critical healthcare gaps in his region.
His extensive research includes publications addressing chronic disease management, mental health integration, intimate partner violence, and other global health issues significantly influencing healthcare policies and practices in Ghana. Actively involved with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana, Dr. Engmann has participated in vital community health outreach activities, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic and in recent times the “Bisayen” Project.

Dr. Engmann stated, "This scholarship provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with global primary care leaders, exchange ideas, and strengthen my capacity to influence healthcare policy and practice effectively."

WONCA congratulates Dr. Engmann on his achievements and looks forward to his ongoing contributions to improving primary care globally.