A physician, lecturer-researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi, and National Coordinator of Benin’s National Palliative Care Program, Professor Anthelme views his experience through BCDI 2030 as a significant step in his professional journey to support his long-term goal of improving health professional education in Benin.
Motivated by a desire to strengthen the quality of health training in his country, Professor Anthelme began the Master of Education program, with a concentration in Health Professions Education, at the University of Ottawa in fall 2025. Supported by BCDI 2030, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by a consortium led by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, and the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine’s International and Global Health Office, his studies focus on developing innovative approaches to teaching, assessment, leadership, and research in health education.
“This experience allowed me to look at health professional training differently and to better understand the challenges facing our institutions”
Agbodande Kouessi Anthelme
— BCDI 2030 Scholar from the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
During his time at the University of Ottawa, Professor Anthelme has gained new perspectives on how evidence-based approaches can support improvements in health professional training. “This experience allowed me to look at health professional training differently and to better understand the challenges facing our institutions,” he explains. These insights are helping him identify new approaches that can support the continued development of health education in Benin.
The program has also strengthened his research skills and ability to contribute to evidence-informed improvements in medical education. As part of his studies, Professor Anthelme has participated in projects focused on improving learning outcomes for health professional students, including a randomized controlled trial protocol comparing traditional teaching methods with flipped classroom approaches. He has also conducted research examining factors contributing to academic failure among medical students in Benin.
Beyond the classroom, the BCDI 2030 program has allowed Professor Anthelme to connect with researchers, educators, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. These exchanges have broadened his perspective on global challenges in health education, including health workforce shortages, institutional development, and the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
As he continues his studies in Ottawa, Professor Anthelme is preparing to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained to strengthen health education and institutional capacity in Benin. His appointment by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Université d'Abomey-Calavi in Cotonou to lead the Department of Health Professions Education and Research reflects the confidence placed in his expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing health professions education. In this role, he will be well positioned to help advance faculty development, modernize teaching approaches, and strengthen health sciences education within his institution.
For Professor Anthelme, BCDI 2030 is more than an academic opportunity—it is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, leadership, and international partnerships needed to drive meaningful change. His journey demonstrates how investing in individuals can strengthen institutions, improve health education, and create lasting impact for communities in Benin.