Onykepe

I've always wanted to save the world. As i grew older my thoughts on how to accomplish this became more specific. I want to see a change in the quality of healthcare provided to people in the undeveloped world by carrying out, training and creating opportunities for high quality research to be carried out and the results implemented into practical,adaptable and economical solutions that the health sector can implement.I have started along the course of dreams taking small but relevant steps in my work, in my voluntary activities, in telling other people about the fact that a change can happen and in always looking for opportunities to have a greater effect on my community and world.

Its the perfect blend of nature's creativity and human artistry. It's surrounded by clusters of hills with different heights that beckon to you as you drive up the long smooth asphalt road; lined on both sides by grass swaying in the wind and trees with colors so uniquely beautiful no words can capture them. And if you're adventurous enough to walk the long distance, you'll hear and wonder at the sound of a distant waterfall- to later find out its the school dam. The buildings seem to tell old stories, and despite the peeling paint, their heads are held high and they gaze upon you proudly. And as you explore its secrets, you are awed by its vastness;one in which every space seems complete and every corner holds something to make you look in wonder. But much more that its majesty, my university campus has a spirit that speaks to me, that reminds me of how growing up feels, of secret tears, and reassures me of eventual victory over my fears. The country that brought me into independence, the land that made me free, that gave expression to the first fruits of my dreams, and helped transform me into me.

I want to see a complete reform of the health sector in every under developed country of the world particularly Africa. To see health systems, built on the highest quality research carried out by indigenous professionals who have been trained to international standards so that they can in turn pass on their knowledge and skill to upcoming professionals. I want to find ways by which we can transform our knowledge into policies(not on paper but practical solutions to our problems) and to transform our healthcare delivery system into one with its emphasis mostly on primary health care which can penetrate our rural areas more effectively. I also desire to plan and implement programs that will ensure that the public uses the healthcare facilities to maximal advantage. I desire that our health systems are and co-ordinated for efficient and effective service delivery, and that every single person particularly the poor have access to the highest quality of healthcare at the most affordable cost.

I recently completed my medical internship at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, having undergone my medical training at the Obafemi Awolowo university,Ile-Ife. during medical school, I was able to cultivate my passion for Public health by working doing voluntary work with some organizations. I worked frequently with Campus health and rights initiative, a campus based organization which provides peer health education on adolescent health issues. We organized, seminars, rallies and campaigns to raise awareness on reproductive health issues, and also worked with a sponsor to provide free HIV/AIDS voluntary and counselling services for 2 days. I was also Assistant coordinator of the love foundation, a campus based NGO that organized outreaches for the development of our indigenous community. We have a revolving fund which pays school fees for brilliant but poor primary and secondary students, and also have a mentoring program, where a willing and trained undergraduate serves as a mentor to an indigenous child to impart life skills training, and monitors their academic progress. We also developed social entrepreneurship models for enhancing personal development for the students of the pre-degree school of my university, and have a friendship center located within their campus where we are able to interact with them and contribute to their overall development during their one year program. In my final year I had the privilege to work with my mentor and community health lecturer, Dr Adesegun Fatusi learning how to use the SPSS software, collect and input data, develop questionnaires, write proposals, and make presentations. In addition I carried out my final year community health project on Road traffic accidents and safety practices in my university campus. After completing my final exams, i was privileged to get a placement as a medical volunteer with prohealth international, a Nigerian based NGO that provides free health care in rural areas of Africa, and have subsequently worked with them on many projects;not just as a medical volunteer, but also in the logistics and monitoring and evaluation team of projects. Internship brought even more opportunities, and despite our stressful work schedule, i worked at the Pediatric PEPFAR clinic for a month learning about HIV/AIDS,and providing free healthcare to affected mothers and their babies. I was also selected to undergo training as an investigator for a maternal mortality survey which is soon to be commenced by the Lagos state government, and carried out by the campaign against unwanted pregnancy organization. In addition, in obstetrics and gynecology which was my last internship posting, I assisted my consultant and residents in collecting data and samples for a study on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, one of the most common causes of maternal death in my environment.