In the lab with Dr Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar

Dr Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar

For International Women’s Day on 8 March, we reached out to MS researcher and MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship recipient, Dr Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar. Dr Chuluunbaatar from Mongolia is currently completing her McDonald fellowship in Canada. Step into the lab with Dr Chuluunbaatar to learn about life as a female MS researcher and hopes for women in science.

‘I hope that, in the future, more women in science will have equal opportunities, the support they need to thrive, and the ability to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.’

Dr Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar

What is your name and where are you from?

I am Dr. Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar, a neurologist from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Where did you study and what is your McDonald Fellowship project?

I earned my medical doctor degree from the Mongolian National Health Sciences University and completed my neurology training at The First Central Hospital in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Currently, I am pursuing a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, focusing on the prodromes of MS.I have been honoured with the 2024 MSIF-ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship, under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Helen Tremlett, and will be completing my fellowship at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited to contribute to advancing the understanding of MS prodromes.

What do you believe are the challenges that female researchers face?

I believe women have incredible potential to make meaningful contributions when provided with the right opportunities. However, female researchers often encounter various challenges in their careers, such as gender bias, underrepresentation, and difficulties in balancing work and personal life.

In my experience, the greatest challenge has been managing my professional responsibilities alongside family obligations, especially with three young children. Despite these obstacles, many women continue to leave a lasting impact on their fields.

What has helped you throughout your career?

I feel fortunate to have had inspiring mentors who have guided me, their outstanding examples have played a crucial role in shaping my career. For example, my current supervisor, Dr. Helen Tremlett, exemplifies the value of persistence, integrity, and collaboration, both in research and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Most importantly, she encourages me to complete projects on time, make confident decisions, and pursue opportunities that align with my goals. Additionally, my husband provides invaluable support, helping me maintain a balance between work and personal life.

What do you hope for the future of women in science?

I hope that, in the future, more women in science will have equal opportunities, the support they need to thrive, and the ability to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. I firmly believe and have witnessed that female researchers possess the same potential as their male counterparts when it comes to pursuing careers in science.

MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships will be open for applications in summer 2025.

Read more about the fellowships here.