Ifeoma Ude
BIO
Medical Doctor in Paediatrics and associate professor (Nigeria), grad-student parent. Mom-of-two.
Instagram: @darealify
Twitter: @ifeomaokoli
Ifeoma Ude
“My exams came barely four weeks after the birth of my baby”
My mum would never stop talking about how I have always been “fast” in milestones and academics despite being born preterm. Perhaps, it was indeed amazing that my intellectual prowess never matched that perceived for my birth age. Though I was always among the youngest in my class, I excelled academically. I graduated as the overall best student in academics in my secondary school, and gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Medical school was smooth. Upon graduation, I was offered an automatic housemanship position in the teaching hospital of the University of Nigeria due to my outstanding performance in medical school. I fell in love with Paediatrics during my neonatology posting as a house officer. Evergreen in my mind is how a simple act of repositioning brought calm and comfort to one of the babies on the ward. That was the stimulus to my specialisation pathway. At the end of my housemanship, I got married to my heartthrob whom I met during my final year in medical school.
Having graduated from medical school at the age of 22, I had believed that I would become a consultant Paediatrician before the age of 30. This would make me one of the youngest Paediatricians in Nigeria! As vain as this might sound right now, it was indeed my goal at that moment. I honestly didn’t think this was too far-fetched as I’ve never experienced delays academically. And as motivational speakers will say, “every dream is valid”.
During the mandatory one year of youth service, I became pregnant with my first baby. I was still “unstoppable” as I continued with my time-bound plans to become a Paediatrician. I applied for the primaries examination for Paediatric specialty and managed preparing for the exams with preparations to welcome my first baby. It was taxing but I was determined to pull it off. I had several days that I would be too exhausted to read and would just wonder if I had become a shadow of my past self.
My exams came barely 4 weeks after the birth of my handsome baby. The memory of the night before the exam is still so vivid in me as my baby cried throughout the night from colic. He became so clingy the morning of the exam, refused the expressed milk and held firmly to breast.
I was breastfeeding him in a corner when I was called into the hall to commence my examinations. He cried his eyes out as my ever supportive mum tried her best to pacify him. Thankfully, I was successful in the examination.
Next was to apply for a residency training slot. I did the interview and performed well, and was told to wait for the hospital to contact me. 3 years went by and I wasn’t contacted! I retook another interview and was the best. Yet, the waiting to be called to commence training persisted. What happened to my usual way of being “fast”? What would become of my plans of becoming a consultant Paediatrician before age 30?
Those three years that I was waiting for residency however eventually became a blessing in disguise! I had my second baby, a girl so sweet and smart. I also had enough bonding time with my kids. Furthermore, I invested a lot in my self-care and development.
I acquired new skills as I had part time jobs in some private hospitals as a medical officer. I participated in medical and religious outreach in both urban and rural settings. I developed a good network and connected with people outside my usual space. Also, I wrote and published a book on ambulance services.
One fateful day, I received the call I had waited for so long. I was granted a residency training slot! I am still in this chapter of my life. It has not been all rosy but I have had some great experiences too; juggling motherhood and academics.
As a paediatrician-in- training, I derive great joy in caring for sick children. I put in my best but do not put myself under unnecessary pressure. My ''waiting years'' have taught me that patience is priceless!
I am 31 now. Not yet a consultant Paediatrician but I am almost there! Currently a Senior registrar from both the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Physicians. Sub-specialising in Paediatric Infectious Diseases. Have been honoured twice as the best resident Doctor in my Department. Participated in some academic research. Presented papers in National conferences. Also an associate lecturer at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. I have also obtained a Post graduate diploma in Paediatric Nutrition from the Boston University School of Medicine. But above all, I am happily married to the most supportive husband on earth and we are blessed with two great kids.
As a mother in Science, my story teaches one to accept challenges, utilise opportunities and savour every moment in this journey called life.