I am a first-generation Nigerian American, and the values of resilience, community, and kindness were instilled in me by my parents, who also emphasized the importance of education and hard work. I learned the power of determination and the significance of creating opportunities amidst challenges. As such, these experiences are intricately woven into the fabric of my career aspirations. They have shaped my desire to bring accessible and culturally sensitive mental health care to underserved communities. Witnessing the stigma associated with mental health has ignited a passion to bridge this gap and nurture a deep commitment to destigmatize mental health issues and foster inclusive, comprehensive care.

Why UTSW?

UTSW’s psychiatry residency program had a magnetic allure due to its alignment with my core values and career goals. I was impressed by the program's commitment to excellence and its dedication to innovative approaches to mental health care. I wanted to be in a residency program that encouraged critical thinking and the exploration of new ideas to tackle the mental health crisis. UTSW Psychiatry's ethos of continuous improvement and challenging norms mirrored my values of exploring what is possible in mental health care. UTSW Psychiatry offers many fellowships options: Addiction Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent, Consultation-Liaison, Geriatrics, and Forensics. With many fellowship options, the ability to pursue further training would be readily available. UTSW's commitment to diversity, both in its residents and in the patient population it serves, appealed to me. I value diversity and believe it is crucial for providing well-rounded and inclusive psychiatric health care. Diversity of life experiences, diversity of thought, and diversity of perspectives in its community of colleagues make UTSW Psychiatry a great place to train.

Career Goal

My goal is to become a forensic child and adolescent psychiatrist, aiming to bridge the gap between mental health and the legal system for young individuals. This career path embodies my commitment to understanding, advocating for, and attending to the complex needs of children and adolescents within legal contexts. Ultimately, I seek to contribute and advocate for revisions to the criminal justice system through research and policy development. Through these efforts, I aim to pioneer a positive change in the field of psychiatry, promoting accessible and inclusive mental health care for all.

Education

Undergraduate: Howard University, Washington DC, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC

Follow Me for a Week

Metrocare Services Rotation
Monday: Salvation Army from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by bouldering with fellow residents and Step 3 studying
Tuesday: Metrocare Community Outreach from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then residency didactics from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by Step 3 studying
Wednesday: Our Calling from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and then The Bridge from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by going to the gym
Thursday: Salvation Army from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, followed by meeting with my faculty mentor
Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Step 3 study, followed by The Bridge from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and then hanging out with fellow residents
Saturday: Visiting the Dallas Arboretum and then attending a Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians meeting
Sunday: Church services and visiting family