The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Oluwafisayomi (Fisayo) Nwachukwu, DO, MPH, a pediatric resident at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and Riverside University Health System, both in California.
AMA member since: 2016.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Growing up in a small town in Nigeria provided me with a unique lens that helped me understand the challenges that individuals in medically underserved communities face. My experiences in an environment with limited access to quality health care fueled my desire to pursue a career in medicine and public health.
How I move medicine: I work in a children’s hospital where the mission is to continue the healing ministry of Christ by focusing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children. This is also my mission as an advocate for quality patient care. It’s all about seeing my patients as a whole and learning to provide care for the whole patient.
Career highlights: I have participated in a public health immersion trip at the Texas-Mexico border dealing with the health of populations and public health issues at the border. I am also currently blessed to serve in medically underserved areas and to involve myself in community service events surrounding health disparities and advocacy.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: You will have an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Do not be dismayed by the challenges that come along with pursuing a calling in medicine. If you’re doing it for the right reasons, it will be worth it. Surround yourself with mentors and networking opportunities that propel you toward fulfilling your calling.
How I give back to the community: I have enjoyed teaching about health and wellness at middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties in California, performing sports physicals at high schools, volunteering in the children’s department in my home church in California and also at community health fairs.
Aspect of my work that means the most: The patient population I serve. As a resident physician in the field of pediatrics, I am blessed to care for the health needs of vulnerable children in the communities I serve.
My hope for the future of medicine: That we move closer to a multidisciplinary approach that enables providers within a network to care for the whole patient.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
