février 27, 2025

From a young age, Omo Enilama had a strong interest in health care but was unsure of the specific path she would take. Her post-secondary education led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science at the University of Calgary. In her fourth year, Omo took a year-long physiology and anatomy course that introduced her to the renal system. « When we got to the renal unit, I was fascinated by kidneys, transplantation, and research, » she recalls. This moment was a turning point, solidifying her interest in kidney research. 

Through her education journey, Omo met Dr. Adeera Levin, who became her supervisor when Omo pursued a Master of Science in Experimental Medicine at UBC and introduced her to the Can-SOLVE CKD Network and the BC Kidney Research Unit. Through these organizations, Omo gained experience in patient-oriented research, working as a research assistant while completing her degree.  

Since May 2024, Omo has worked on various projects within Can-SOLVE CKD, and last fall she became the research coordinator for the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN). 

Looking at patient-oriented research through a health equity lens 

A defining aspect of Omo’s work has been knowledge translation and patient education. She combines her passion for design with science to create patient-friendly materials. « I’ve worked on disseminating research findings in ways that are accessible and engaging, » she says. 

One of her most impactful experiences was at the International Society of Nephrology PARADIGM meeting in 2024. « For the first time, I truly felt like I was part of a team with patient partners, » she reflects. To support patient engagement and ensure that patient partners could participate confidently in the meeting, Omo developed a plain-language reference document explaining complex medical terms and summarizing key research. 

As a Black researcher, Omo is deeply invested in health equity. She highlights the historical disparities in kidney health, such as the outdated CKD-EPI equation that used a race-based coefficient until 2021. « This equation delayed referrals for Black patients, impacting their access to transplants and treatments, » she explains. 

She is particularly focused on increasing Black participation in research and ensuring studies account for cultural differences. « Some health interventions may show good results, but if they’re not culturally relevant, they won’t be widely adopted, » she notes. 

Omo is currently working on an educational webinar series, in collaboration with Black Health Alliance and The Kidney Foundation of Canada, which is creating kidney health resources tailored to the needs of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. This webinar series is set to be released in early summer 2025. 

Currently, Omo serves as a research coordinator at CNTN, focusing on improving patient engagement and network capacity. « I’m excited about increasing awareness, fostering collaboration, and expanding opportunities for patient partners, » she says. With her expertise in quality improvement, knowledge translation, and patient education, Omo continues to drive meaningful change in kidney research and health equity. She looks forward to meeting network members in-person at the CNTN Research Symposium at the Canadian Society of Nephrology AGM in May. 

Beyond research, Omo enjoys cooking diverse cuisines, from Nigerian dishes to Italian and Persian meals. « If I see a dish that interests me, I’ll learn how to make it, » she says. 

If you would like to connect with Omo, she can be reached at oenilama@cansolveckd.ca 

The Canadian Nephrology Trials Network/Réseau canadien d’essais cliniques en néphrologie was established to improve the relevance, number, and quality of nephrology clinical trials in Canada. Learn more about the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network by visiting cntn.ca