Malual Mabur, PA-C, is from South Sudan, where he trained as an infectious disease specialist before moving to Maine in 2009. He became a naturalized citizen in 2013 and earned his master of science in physician assistant studies from the University of New England in 2017. Mabur joined the Adult Inpatient Medicine Advanced Practice Provider (AIM-APP) Service team at Maine Medical Center in March 2019, but his commitment to patients and community extends far beyond the walls of the hospital.

Mabur has a longtime commitment to “serve the least, the last and the lost.” He has worked with refugees and internally displaced people in the United States, abroad and in Maine, and is a leader in the South Sudanese community in the greater Portland area.

As the coronavirus began spreading around the world and in Maine earlier this year, Mabur saw a need to educate the Sudanese community about COVID-19 and dispel some of the myths and misinformation that were circulating. He created a YouTube video to share facts about the virus, how it spreads, and how to protect oneself.

It received thousands of views across the globe and soon after, Mabur reached out to some South Sudanese professional colleagues and began hosting Facebook Live events to educate, allay fears and answer questions. Together they provide a calm, respected voice in turbulent times, and their reach and influence is worldwide. “It’s been really positive, and we’ve made it better by reflecting the medical knowledge we have,” said Mabur. In addition to COVID-19 information, they’ve discussed topics such as hypertension, diabetes, autism, and children with special needs.

Mabur leverages his cultural knowledge to advocate both within the health system and in the broader community. He’s engaged with the AIM-APP team in educational dialogues on structural racism, how to minimize health care disparities, and he works tirelessly to remove barriers that prevent access to health care. Mabur worked with MMC Interpreter Services to develop a video series to share important COVID-19 information in 10 languages that’s received thousands of views on MMC’s YouTube channel.

“It’s about providing hope, building trust, and letting people know we are here to support them,” said Mabur.