Date published: February 3, 2026
February Fellow Spotlight: Bahati Mweze, DO
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Bahati Mweze, DO, a Geriatrics fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Mweze to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for his fellowship, and why Africa is his favorite place to travel.
Hometown?
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
What are your clinical and research interests?
My clinical interests lie in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. OMT was a significant part of my medical training, as I attended the founding school of Osteopathic Medicine. I find it rewarding to see patients experience immediate relief after an OMT session, or to receive messages from patients telling me that their pain improved after receiving OMT from me. I hope to continue incorporating OMT into my practice in the future, particularly within the geriatric population.
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
I was drawn to UMass Chan because of the diverse patient population and the institution’s commitment to diversity and equity. During my family medicine residency at the Family Health Center of Worcester, I had the opportunity to work with patients from all over the world. This experience helped me become a culturally competent physician, and I am confident in my ability to provide care to patients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, UMass’s proximity to my parents, who live in the Berkshires, made it an easy decision to come here for residency and stay for fellowship. I enjoy the convenience of being able to drive to my parents' house in just an hour and a half, traffic permitting.
Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight?
I continue to be involved with the “Thermometer Project” within the Family Medicine Department. This project aims to provide thermometers and educational materials about neonatal sepsis and fever to parents upon discharge. Due to limited funding, we primarily focus on patients cared for by the Family Health Center of Worcester, but the ultimate goal is to expand this initiative to include all families within the Family Medicine Department. I’m grateful for the generous donation from the Remillard Family Fund, which helped kickstart this project. I also appreciate the ongoing support from Drs. Sara Shields and Amber Sarkar, as well as some residents at the Family Health Center of Worcester. I would like to say thank you to the Family Medicine Department for allowing me to continue participating in this project, despite my focus on geriatric medicine.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation, and why?
Africa! I have had the privilege of spending time in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Uganda. The people, culture, food, and diversity of languages are truly remarkable. I look forward to visiting more countries across Africa and further exploring the continent.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My Book of Bible Stories. When my grandmother babysat my siblings and me while our parents worked on their farm, she used this book to teach us. The stories were captivating, and the time spent with her helped strengthen our bond. Today, I’m on the path to becoming a geriatrician, largely because of the influence she had on me during those Bible study sessions we shared.
In your spare time, what TV show do you binge?
NCIS. I enjoy reflecting on the principles behind Gibbs' rules.
What song/artist do you hope comes on first when you press random play on your playlist?
Any song by Bob Marley or Lucky Dube.