1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
A: I studied at the University of Port Harcourt and started my career in 2015 (7years ago), after my internship at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. I’m a General Practitioner (GP) with some focus on emergency medicine (certification trainings) and currently running an online masters degree program. I have some entrepreneur background (I ran a logistics company for a while before I began traveling a lot for work), martial arts training (I trained in Kick boxing and Muay Thai) and I’m dedicated fitness enthusiast (I love running, CrossFit and weightlifting, all of which I practice routinely).
I am a goal-oriented person, and I focus on achieving set goals one step at a time.
2. What work do you do?
A: I’m currently with International SOS as a Site Medical Doctor (I work on remote sites which could be offshore or onshore and with potential for trauma). I think my job is exciting. Having always wanted to practice medicine in an environment with high standards and best international practises, this drive led me to seek out an opportunity with International SOS as their organised guideline-oriented kind of care aligned with my expectations.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
A: I’ve been in the industry 2years by February 13th.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
A: I would say “No” and “Yes”, and here’s why. No because, I didn’t want to study Medicine, but I was set on this path by my parents (thanks to them) who insisted I do. Yes because, even as a teenager, I’ve always been deeply passionate about actively helping/caring for people, and I remember being particular about wanting to give wholesome care when I did. Being able to practice a highly quality focused kind of medicine with International SOS I’d say has been a “passion come true”. Haha. For lack of a better phrase of expression.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
A: Being a woman in the industry is something I haven’t let completely define me. By this I mean, I maintain an “I have to do all that I need to do, to be the best at what I do” mindset. This is my mantra. I believe that paying attention to details as much as possible, asking for help when I genuinely need it, while putting in the needed work has helped me thrive in the industry.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
A: The most difficult challenge of my career I’d say was after making the diagnosis of the index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria. The experience made me realise that I wanted more. To do more, be more, know more; and actively taking the steps towards investing and improving myself while maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been challenging. However, with good support from my immediate family and friends, and taking that occasionally needed pause, breathe, rest, I have managed quite well.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
A: I’d say being a woman is your superpower! Harness all those features that come to you naturally/instinctively, and channel them into being the best at whatever you are invested in. I do this. Being a woman should never deter you from going for your dreams. Ever!
8. Plans for the future?
A: Haha. Yes, I have plans. I plan to complete my MBA program, obtain an Underwater medicine degree, and hopefully do more work bridging the gaps in medicine using technology. I’m super excited.
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to share my story, impact, inspire and represent, all at the same time. I’m delightfully honoured and humbled by this experience.
