Written by: Nicole Kusnik, MD, MS
As the FIFA World Cup 2026TM brings together nations from around the globe, it’s a reminder that some of the strongest teams are built from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The same is true in Infectious Diseases. Our division is united by a shared commitment to patient care, education, and discovery, yet our journeys to Nebraska span continents. From Mexico, England, Ecuador, and beyond, our faculty, fellows, and staff bring unique experiences that enrich the way we care for patients, educate learners, and advance research.
Infectious diseases do not recognize borders, and neither does the collaboration required to prevent, diagnose, and treat them. Every day, we learn from one another’s perspectives, cultures, and experiences to better serve our patients and communities.
This World Cup season, we’re celebrating the global nature of our specialty and the individuals whose diverse experiences strengthen our team.
Meet a Few Members of Our Global Roster:
Dr. Sara Bares, MD
Role: Associate Professor, Medical Director of the Specialty Care Center
Country represented: I’m Mexican but lived in Brazil in 2002 and got to experience a Brazilian championship that year so I feel loyal to both teams.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Portuguese (conversational)
“I love seeing my patients’ eyes light up when they realize they don’t need an interpreter. It helps them open up more easily and allows us to build stronger, more trusting relationships.”
Valentina Orduna, CMA/CPhT
Role: Medical Case Manager at the Specialty Care Center
Country represented: Mexico
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
“Growing up in a low socioeconomic background in Mexico and moving to the US at age 13 without knowing English taught me to be empathetic, understanding, and deeply respectful of different cultures and beliefs. These experiences have made me a resilient advocate for marginalized populations and vulnerable patients.”
Dr. Juan Teran-Plasencia, MD
Role: Assistant Professor, Medical Director of Nebraska ICAP, Associate Medical Director of Infection Control & Epidemiology
Country represented: Ecuador
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
“As an Ecuadorian, my background helps me connect with patients, especially those from Spanish-speaking communities. When I can speak with patients in Spanish, it often makes conversations more comfortable and helps me better understand their experiences and where they are coming from.”
Dr. Susan Swindells, MBBS
Role: Professor
Country represented: England
Languages spoken: English, French
“Growing up in a country with a National Health Service, I have always felt healthcare to be a right that should be available to everyone. I have tried to practice my clinical care and research and teach accordingly.”
Dr. Jasmine R Marcelin, MD
Role: Associate Professor, Vice Chair of Belonging & Community Engagement, Co-Director Digital Innovation and Social Media Strategy
Country represented: I’m from Dominica. We don’t have a football team in the World Cup, but my husband is Haitian so this year we repped Haiti big time – Ayiti, nou la!
Languages spoken: English, French & Haitian Creole (conversational)
“My international roots and experiences help me to connect with people through shared interests or even just curiosity.”
Dr. Nicole Kusnik, MD, MS
Role: 2026 Graduate, soon to join as faculty!
Country represented: Canada
Languages spoken: English, German (conversational)
“Having studied and trained in Canada, Poland, Germany, and the US, I’ve been fortunate to experience healthcare through many different cultural lenses. Living abroad taught me what it feels like to navigate a new country, language, and healthcare system, and that experience has made me more patient, empathetic, and intentional when caring for patients from diverse backgrounds.”
Dr. Nada Fadul, MD
Role: Professor, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Country represented: Ghana (World Cup country) with a connection to Sudan (my home country) through shared African heritage, strong community traditions, and the legacy of ancient African civilizations.
Languages spoken: English, Arabic
“My Sudanese and Nubian heritage, rooted in one of Africa’s oldest civilizations, has shaped my commitment to service, community, resilience, and respect for cultural identity. I also value the connections between Sudan and Ghana, including their rich histories, strong communal values, and traditions of African leadership, which reinforce my approach to culturally responsive care, inclusive teaching, and research grounded in the needs of communities.”
Dr. Kelly Cawcutt, MD, MS
Role: Associate Professor, Senior Medical Director of Infection Control & Epidemiology, Medical Director of Acute Care Quality
Country represented: USA
Languages spoken: English
“Representing the US, soccer, travel and friends all shape how I practice medicine. The World Cup being hosted in the US has shown a more local spotlight on the most important thing – we are all so much more alike than not, demonstrating how thousands can come together and celebrate our differences and learn from the beauty of each of our cultures, countries and histories.”
Different countries. Different journeys. One team.
UNMC Infectious Diseases.