Dr Karen Kengne Kamga, Limbe Regional Hospital, south west, Cameroon, Cameroon
Dr. Karen Kengne Kamga is a dynamic physician-scientist from Cameroon, blending clinical expertise with advanced research in human and medical genetics. With an M.D. from the University of Yaoundé I and a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling from the University of Cape Town, she has become a leading figure in genomic medicine across Africa. She currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher in Human Genetics, Head of Medical Genetics at Limbe Regional Hospital, and Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Passionate about bridging clinical gaps in genetic services in Africa, she’s contributed significantly to fragile X syndrome understanding and healthcare system integration of genetic counselling. Dr. Kamga is a strong advocate for capacity building, precision public health, and equitable genomic research.
Publication Profile
Orcid
Education
Dr. Kamga began her academic journey at GBHS Bafoussam, completing her GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. She earned her MD in General Medicine from the University of Yaoundé I in 2013. Driven by a passion for genetics, she pursued a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling at the University of Cape Town, which she completed in December 2021. To expand her administrative and clinical leadership, she enrolled in an MBA in Health Management at UNICAF University, completed in 2023. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Genetics at Tech Global University, Andorra (2023–2024). In parallel, she is a postdoctoral fellow in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town since 2021. Her multi-disciplinary training spans medicine, genetics, health management, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, equipping her to lead innovation in genomic healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.
Experience
Dr. Kamga’s career began as a physician at “Cabinet de soin St Dominique” (2013–2014), followed by multiple leadership roles at District Hospital Limbe from 2014 to 2023, including Head of Pediatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Surgical Unit, ANC & EPI, and Laboratory Coordinator. In 2023, she became Head of Medical Genetics at the Limbe Regional Hospital. Simultaneously, since 2024, she is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Her experience reflects a strong commitment to integrating genetic services within mainstream healthcare and public health teaching. Her roles have combined clinical excellence, mentorship, and system-level leadership, all contributing to a national vision for personalized medicine and public health genetics.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Kamga’s research excellence has been widely recognized through prestigious international honors. She received the 2024 Resource-Limited Country Travel Award and the 2021 & 2020 Developing Country Virtual Meeting Awards from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). In 2019, she earned the ASHG Developing Country Travel Award. These honors reflect her impactful presence in the global genetics research community. She is also a respected member of several professional societies: ASHG (since 2020), African Society of Human Genetics (since 2017), and the Cameroon Society of Human Genetics (since 2015). Her accolades underscore a consistent dedication to research, equity, and capacity building in genetic medicine in Africa.
Research Focus
Dr. Kamga’s research focuses on bridging the gap between advanced genetic knowledge and its clinical implementation in Africa. Her Ph.D. investigated cultural perceptions and explanatory models of Fragile X Syndrome in rural Cameroon, highlighting the need for community-sensitive genetic counselling. As a postdoctoral fellow, she explores the integration of human genetics into public health, emphasizing equitable access to genomic services. She led a scoping review identifying strategic pathways to strengthen genetic healthcare in Africa. Her work spans genomic ethics, bioinformatics, genetic education, and precision public health, consistently aiming to enhance genetic literacy and healthcare systems in resource-limited settings. She is deeply involved in collaborative African genomics initiatives like H3Africa, and committed to mentoring emerging scientists.
Publication Top Notes