Program:

Pediatrics Graduating Class of 2021

Quality & Patient Safety Chief

Where are you from originally?

I am from Ondo State in Western Nigeria, but I grew up in Port Harcourt, which is in the South of Nigeria.

Medical training:

I completed my medical school training at Windsor University School of Medical in Saint Kitts, West Indies.

When did you come to the U.S. - and Michigan?

I came to the U.S in May 2014 for a Kaplan course in Pasadena. I later moved to Chicago to complete my clinical rotations. The first time I came to Michigan was to visit a family friend in Shelby Township. It is a charming city - I had a lot of fun, and I loved the atmosphere and the scenery. It was definitely less crowded than Chicago.

Why did you choose your specialty?

Growing up, there was a child born to a family friend of ours that had a "hole in his heart." I was very curious as to why such an unpleasant event can happen to such an innocent being. All I wanted to do was help him, and that ignited my initial interest in Pediatrics.

Family:

I come from a family of four, and that consists of my mom, dad, and brother. My father has a degree in mechanical engineering, and a combined degree in chemical and petrochemical engineering. My mother is an optometrist with a fellowship in pediatric optometry. My brother is a chemical engineer with a master’s degree in chemical engineering and environmental engineering. He is a solar consultant and specialist and he works in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. We are all very close and we have a great relationship.

When you're not working, what do you do for fun?

I love to cook, travel, and explore new places. I enjoy meeting and interacting with new people. I also love to binge watch TV shows online, especially reruns of Seinfeld, Frasier, and Friends. I am learning to play the guitar. I love hanging out with my friends and family.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by:

• Hard work, resilience, perseverance, and love.
• My Parents: They have worked hard and supported my brother and I through good times and difficult times
• Children: By their resilience and hopefulness
• Love: In its purest form, it has the ability to reach the darkest places and people. It is selfless, restorative, and forgiving.

Favorite quotation:

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. - Frederick Douglass.

I like it is because it speaks to the importance of nurture and bringing up children with the proper tools to enable them to handle anything.

On keeping work-life balance manageable:

I do yoga and Pilates. I also Skype my family, boyfriend, and friends; I am so grateful that I have an excellent support system.