Biography

Dr. Francisco Javier Bonilla-Escobar is a distinguished physician-scientist with extensive experience in clinical research, ophthalmology, and public health. Currently, he is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Uveitis Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Kathryn Pepple at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. His research focuses on uveitis and diabetic retinopathy, with a particular interest in teleophthalmology to improve patient outcomes in underserved communities.

Dr. Bonilla-Escobar is the Founder and CEO of the SCISCO Foundation, a research group dedicated to leveraging science for community service, which has been classified as "B" by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Colombia (Minciencias). Through the SCISCO Foundation, he has pioneered numerous health initiatives, particularly in rural and indigenous communities in Colombia, addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

As the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS), Dr. Bonilla-Escobar has led the journal to become a significant platform for medical student research, fostering a new generation of physician-scientists. His commitment to medical education is further reflected in his role as a Professor of Research in Ophthalmology at Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia, where he mentors students in developing research protocols, case reports, and scientific articles.

Dr. Bonilla-Escobar completed his PhD in Clinical Research and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on teleophthalmology to prevent diabetic retinopathy. He also holds a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from Universidad del Valle, where his thesis evaluated a community-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for mental health in Afro-Colombian populations affected by violence.

His clinical experience spans across various medical missions, observerships, and roles in primary care and ophthalmology, including notable observerships at leading institutions such as Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Mass Eye and Ear Institute, and Wilmer Eye Institute. These experiences have enriched his expertise in diverse subfields of ophthalmology, including retina, uveitis, glaucoma, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology.

Dr. Bonilla-Escobar is also an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Psychological Association, and the American College of Epidemiology. His contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Provost’s Dissertation Year Fellowship from the University of Pittsburgh and the Global Surgery and Humanitarian Outreach Award from the American College of Surgeons.

A prolific author, Dr. Bonilla-Escobar has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, trauma and violence, mental health, and medical education. He has been a principal investigator and co-investigator in multiple research grants, leading projects that address public health challenges in low-resource settings.

Fluent in Spanish and English, with basic proficiency in French, Dr. Bonilla-Escobar is also passionate about community service, having organized and participated in numerous healthcare missions and public health initiatives. His diverse skills and experiences reflect his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare delivery through research, education, and community engagement.