Profile
Ishtar Govia is an international advisor and award-winning social science researcher with expertise in brain health and mental health across the lifespan. As a highly experienced senior academic, Dr. Govia has held posts at the University of the West Indies – Mona in Jamaica, University College London, and the University of Michigan. Her leadership and consulting in implementation research prioritizes co-development with cross-sectoral government and charitable entities for feasibility and scaling up efforts. Her work is powered by a commitment to building out bodies of evidence in resource-constrained contexts, to dementia prevention and management, to related transformations of health and allied care systems, and to community-driven and embedded alignment of innovations for widespread and accessible use. A recognized leader in Caribbean health advocacy networks, Dr. Govia centers meaningful partnerships, infrastructure development, and capacity building for sustainable health and social care research, policy, and practice for underserved and underrepresented communities worldwide.
Service
- Strategic Advisor for DigiCare Realized, an AI-tech firm focused on modernizing care for complex brain disease
- Scientific Advisory Board member for Scottish Brain Sciences
- Director on the Board and Chair of the Clinical Management Sub-Committee of Jamaica's Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital
- Director on the Board of the Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network
- Founding member and the Vice President of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations
Care Management Consultations
Conducted via telephone or video call, these consultations are a space in which persons who have been formally diagnosed with dementia or those with suspected cognitive impairment and/or their caregivers can seek various types of support that may be helpful (e.g. information and education about what dementia is, progression, what to expect; guidance and strategies about how to manage challenging situations; and guidance/facilitation with developing care networks that are fit-for-purpose). These can be for individuals, dyads, and/or family units. Persons interested should call/WhatsApp 876-430-9210 or email goviaresearch@gmail.com
Conducted via telephone or video call, these consultations are a space in which persons who have been formally diagnosed with dementia or those with suspected cognitive impairment and/or their caregivers can seek various types of support that may be helpful (e.g. information and education about what dementia is, progression, what to expect; guidance and strategies about how to manage challenging situations; and guidance/facilitation with developing care networks that are fit-for-purpose). These can be for individuals, dyads, and/or family units. Persons interested should call/WhatsApp 876-430-9210 or email goviaresearch@gmail.com
Media, Presentations and Projects