Whose Knowledge Counts? Rethinking Implementation Science with Dr. Ejemai Eboreime

Whose knowledge shapes how we create change in health systems—and whose knowledge gets overlooked?

In this episode of LHS’s JustIS in LHS series, introduced by Denise Thomson, host Dr. Stephanie Montesanti speaks with Dr. Ejemai Eboreime about knowledge, power, and equity in implementation science. Drawing on his experiences as a physician, public health practitioner, and researcher in Nigeria and Canada, Dr. Eboreime explores how dominant frameworks can overlook the community knowledge, relationships, and governance structures that make change possible.

Through stories from polio vaccination efforts, work with people displaced by conflict, and partnerships with African Nova Scotian communities, the conversation examines epistemic injustice—how some people’s knowledge is privileged while others’ is undervalued. Together, they explore Ubuntu, relational ways of knowing, meaningful community involvement, and researchers’ ethical responsibilities beyond the life of a grant.

This episode invites us to consider how different ways of knowing can reshape implementation science itself—and help learning health systems become more equitable, accountable, and responsive to the communities they serve.