About Us

Dr. Cyril Blavo is chair of the board of directors of International Health Initiatives, Inc. (IHI). He is also an assistant dean for pre-clinical education at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) of Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Blavo is a Professor of Pediatrics, Foundational Sciences and Public Health. He has served as a board-certified Pediatrician for over 30 years providing primary care to children, while training and mentoring medical students and residents. Cyril is a 7-time recipient of the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence, a Lifetime tribute awardee, an Arnold Melnick Child Advocate awardee, a Marie Morris organizational leadership awardee, and a recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award in recognition of his exemplary compassion, competence and respect in the delivery of care. As a pastime, Dr. Blavo takes active and passionate leadership in organizing health initiatives and mentoring students internationally to build the capacity of underserved populations throughout the world. He has been engaged in over 30 humanitarian initiatives in 15 countries. Cyril considers himself a servant, and is commonly referred to by his students as “the guide by the side”.

Dr. William Kirsh is a published author who is clinically certified in Family Practice, Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Kirsh is the Chief Medical Officer and a founding partner of Sentry Data Systems, where he has been actively involved in the development, construction and deployment of Sentry’s applications. Dr. Kirsh founded eAppeals, LLC, a technology company that simplified the handling of insurance claims appeals and was awarded a patent from the US Patent Office for a unique electronic insurance appeal process. Dr. Kirsh earned his doctorate degree in Osteopathic Medicne in the charter class at Nova Southeastern University amd a Msaster of Public Health at John’s Hospkins University. Bill Kirsh was residency trained also at Johns Hopkins University and actively practices acute care medicine at various local hospitals. Dr. Kirsh has served as Special Assistant to the Governor of the State of Florida, Health Aide to US Senator Bob Graham, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer for Foundation Health Plan of Florida and was the Vice President of Medical Affairs and Quality Assurance at Physician Corporation of America, Inc. Dr. William Kirsh is a global health advocate and founding member and Executive Vice President of International Health Initiatives, Inc.

Dr. Grace Sidberry is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with individuals and couples. Her passion and is to teach others how to enhance emotional well-being and function more effectively in relationships. A native of Jamaica, Dr. Sidberry migrated to the U.S. and earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas Wesleyan College. She completed an internship at Baylor College of
Medicine in Houston and earned a Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. Dr. Sidberry has taught as an adjunct professor at Florida International University and Barry University. She has also served as a consultant for the United States Job Corps. Dr. Sidberry has a private practice in Clinical Psychology in Plantation, Florida, and over 30 years of experience in providing care. Grace Sidberry also runs a blog at www.yourloverelationship.com where she provides tools and trainings to help individuals and couples experience success in their love relationships. Dr. Sidberry has been active in promoting and supporting global health initiatives for a number of years. As an effective leader and organizer, Dr. Grace Sidberry serves as Vice President of Operations for International Health initiatives, Inc.

Dr. Kenneth Johnson is the Executive Associate Dean of the Tampa Bay Campus of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University, where he is also an alumnus. Dr. Johnson is currently Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Public Health at the College. He is in active practice and currently serves as Director of the NSU-COM Women’s Health Center at the Davie Campus. Dr. Johnson completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbus Medical Center, a teaching affiliate of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. Dr. Johnson has served as Vice Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Broward General Medical Center. Ken Johnson is a former Captain in the United States Air Force. He currently serves on the Florida Governor’s task force on maternal death in Florida. Dr. Johnson has been a principal investigator on numerous clinical research trials in women’s health, and has served as Co-investigator on Project Choices and Project Healthy Choices, funded by the Centers for Disease Control, to reduce Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Ken Johnson is a compassionate mentor of students aspiring to service in the field of health. Dr. Kenneth Johnson is Vice President for Programs of IHI.

Mr. Bismark Ashiagbor is a founding member of International Health Initiatives, Inc., and its founding Executive Director. Bismark was instrumental in facilitating the organizational aspect of the corporation and building the infrastructure upon which we have been able to deliver capacity-building initiatives to help communities with health needs throughout the world. Bismark Ashiagbor is a former management consultant at Sentry Data Systems Inc. where he collaborated with Healthcare Executives in using innovative pharmacy software technology in providing affordable prescription medication to patients through the Federal 340B discount drug program. Mr. Ashiagbor founded BA Tutoring Inc., an educational consulting company that provided K-12 and college students with course and homework support. Bismark is also a licensed Realtor in the state of Florida and represents clients in selling, buying and investing in Real Estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from St. Edward’s University and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Bismark Ashiagbor serves as Chair of the Advisory Council, as well as on the Board of Directors as a Vice President, for International Health Initiatives, Inc.

Sharmila Aryal earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicne of Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sharmila joined the International Health Initiatives (IHI) team as a volunteer in January 2015 and completed a Global Health Fellowship between January 2015- January 2017. Her commitment and involvement in various global health projects to achieve the mission of the organization qualified her to undertake a Program Management Internship at IHI. Sharmila subsequently volunteered to serve as the Executive Director of IHI, and has been doing so since December 2017, with demonstrable excellence and productivity. She has significantly enhanced our organizational structure and function and has been leading an effort to enhance our strategic plan for the future of the organization and mentorship of our global health fellows.
Sharmila has experience in conducting eligibility screening and referral of clients for federal, state and local HIV/AIDS assistance programs through her employment as an Intake Eligibility Specialist (November 2015- January 2018) with the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Florida. Sharmila is an advocate for public health education, research, diseases prevention, and health promotion locally and globally. Sharmila led a successful relief effort in the immediate aftermath of the Nepal earthquake, the Safety NET initiative. She has received various awards for her work ethic and leadership skills, including the Above and Beyond Award at the Health Planning Council, Marie Morris Leadership Award, EQ Blavo Humanitarian Service Award, Global Health Leadership Award and the Safety NET Leadership Award. Ms. Aryal has been active in scholarship and has given scholarly presentations at regional and national symposia and conferences including the American Public Health Association, November 2017. Sharmila is a passionate public health advocate with an exemplary work ethic and adherence to quality assurance.