Equity, social justice launched me into medical career — Canada-based paediatric surgeon

A Canada-based Nigerian paediatric surgeon shared her personal journey, which began with her family's relocation from Nigeria to Canada when she was three years old. Her parents sought better opportunities and a more stable environment, as they perceived the political situation in Nigeria at the time as challenging.

Growing up in Canada presented significant hurdles, including periods of living in the United Kingdom and Jamaica before a second move back to Canada when the surgeon was eight. During this time, her parents were separated due to immigration issues, with her father remaining in Nigeria. Her mother raised the children alone in a difficult economic area, forcing both parents to retrain for new careers. Despite these challenging conditions, the surgeon noted her parents' resilience had a profound positive impact on her.

Reflecting on her mother's sacrifices, the surgeon acknowledged the immense difficulty of being in a new country with young children, starting from scratch. Communication was limited to expensive phone cards and letters, a stark contrast to today's instant connectivity. Her mother worked multiple jobs, sometimes four simultaneously, while also attending school in Canada. She managed to build a strong community network to support the family and ensure quality time with her children.

Reuniting with her father as she neared her teenage years was an exciting time. As the eldest child, she had developed a partnership with her mother in managing the household. The surgeon expressed deep admiration for her father, calling him one of her favorite people. The experience of overcoming adversity and the strong family bonds forged through these challenges ultimately inspired her pursuit of a medical career, driven by a sense of equity and social justice.