Dr. Victoria Forbes, a Hematologist/Oncologist at UConn Health and an alumna of UConn School of Medicine and Dartmouth-Hitchcock, will be biking in The Prouty this July in New Hampshire. Her goal: to raise money to help educate the next generation of oncologists.

“Cancer has no boundaries. It touches everyone, including the most important people in our lives. All funds we raise will go towards the education of tomorrow’s oncologists here at home and across the globe,” says Forbes

A trip to Uganda during UConn’s Tropical Medicine rotation with Dr. Kevin Dieckhaus, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UConn Health, ignited Forbes’ passion for global health. After medical school and residencies at UConn, she sought a fellowship with Global Oncology training. At Dartmouth-Hitchcock, she connected with her mentor, Dr. Mary Chamberlin, and traveled to Rwanda to provide oncologic care, teach, and conduct research.

Since completing her fellowship, Forbes has returned to the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health, where she serves as Associate Program Director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship and Director of UConn’s first Global Oncology Program. This year, Forbes is celebrated as a ‘Rising Star’ on the 2024 ‘Top Doctors’ list, powered by Castle Connolly’s annual peer doctor-survey, which includes more than 1,700 Connecticut doctors across 72 specialties.

“As Director of UConn’s Global Oncology Program my mission is to ensure that cancer care is available to all, no matter where they live. The best way to achieve this mission is through oncologists. Therefore, I am committed to advancing and fostering Fellowship programs that address disparities and promote equitable healthcare practices on a global level,” says Forbes.

A dedicated runner, dancer, and doctor, Forbes purchased a bike and started pedaling to support her fellows over this two day event. Donations will support Global Oncology fellows at UConn, Dartmouth, and the University of Rwanda. Additionally, she aims to sponsor Rwanda’s first oncology fellows to travel to the US for clinical care and  facilitate the travel of UConn and Dartmouth educators and fellows to Rwanda. Her Global Oncology and Disparities of Care online program brings Fellows from all over the world together to participate in virtual core curriculum lectures. This bidirectional exchange of information is vital to advancing oncology globally.

“Through my work abroad, I witnessed how understanding cancer disparities globally makes better oncologists. I meet learners from all around the globe and have the opportunity to watch them grow. For example, I met Jovan through our program in Uganda—today we call him Doctor Jovan, the first doctor in his family. Our ongoing collaboration with learners like Jovan reaffirms the importance of our global oncology efforts,” says Forbes.

Forbes has been teaching with the charitable organization GI Rising in Rwanda and will travel there in November to teach their first oncology fellows and attend the graduation of their country’s first Gastrointestinal Fellows. She explains that Rwanda is an amazing country with a growing medical system, but a severe shortage of specialists and cancer centers.

“Global Health ensures a healthy future for everyone, no matter where they live. We can address the rising burden of cancer together! I’m excited to share this experience with the Fellows of UConn, Dartmouth, and the University of Rwanda,” says Forbes.

Forbes has secured three different donor matching programs that amplify the impact of every donation. Anyone interested in joining Forbes and her team can bike virtually from anywhere.

To support this cause, click here.