Today we’d like to introduce you to Adekemi Ishola.
Hi Adekemi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hello, My name is Adekemi Ishola (nee Ebo), and I am the eldest daughter of four children. We immigrated from Nigeria. My journey to where I am today has not been easy, and though full of trials, it has been one of testimonies. As the oldest and only girl, I was always made aware of the responsibilities on my shoulders. Although my parents always encouraged me and my aspirations and education, it was challenging. I started college after coming to the US without much help or guidance and made my way through, working twice as hard to get the same opportunities and in the same spaces as my colleagues. Although the path is difficult for a black woman, it is even more challenging for an immigrant.
Nonetheless, I carried on as I continued to keep my eyes on the ball, which was becoming a practicing physician here in the United States. My journey led me to St Georges in Grenada, a lovely island where my medical studies started. Although the odds looked stacked against me, by God’s grace, I persevered from having to repeat an entire semester of medical school due to poor grades and repeating several board exams. Through it all, I learned to depend on God as my anchor and trust that He was always with me and would bring me to my expected end, even when residency seemed like a pipe dream while working in Brooklyn as a Medical assistant after graduating from medical school. God made a way for me, and I started a residency at the right time at one of the most excellent programs in New Jersey, Overlook Medical Center.
Today, I am a practicing internal medicine physician in GA; I am also married, have a beautiful daughter, and am genuinely excited for the future. I also share my faith in medicine on my Instagram page, Jesus and Medicine (JAM).
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Through college, I had to navigate spaces to which I was not sure I belonged; I volunteered with the EMS service and became a community assistant in the College of Science and Math, much to my surprise. When attending US medical school seemed impossible, I pivoted to St Georges University in Grenada, where I could pursue my dream. Even then, it was difficult; every semester was fraught with challenges. I struggled to get by, while others seemed to thrive quickly. I had to repeat my first semester due to poor grades, and I questioned if I was even supposed to be here. I also had to repeat major board exams, which meant I was not as “competitive” for residency and, as a result, could not match for two years. The shame that came with such inadequacies was almost debilitating, but I knew God’s plans were more outstanding than any failures, disappointments, or shortcomings I faced. I understood that lives were waiting to be touched the way God had destined that I would touch them. In those two years, I learned to rely solely on God and trust that He will make a way for me. Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 20:4 became anchors for me to the promise. He made a way even when I was not expecting it, and to God be all the glory.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently practice as an internal medicine physician; I see patients ages 18 and upwards. I love what I do and how I get the opportunity to impact my patient’s lives for good. Whether I am just prescribing meds, giving a word of encouragement, or just a listening ear. I have also had the opportunity to share my faith with some patients as they have with me. It is fantastic to be able to connect with patients that way.
I also share my faith on my professional page on Instagram, Jesus, and Medicine (JAM), how I tie my faith into my practice, and the challenges. Like I always say, I am a physician in a relationship with the most outstanding physician. I also love to incorporate my culture into my work, either dressing up in Ankara or speaking my native language to a patient with a similar culture.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
I want my future colleagues to know it is not by power or by might. I know people with better stats than I do on paper, yet I was elevated. It is all by grace through faith. And also, always know who or what your anchor is and the why behind your work. Always be honest, and in whatever you do, give it your best, whether as a Medical assistant or a Medical doctor. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
jesus_and_medicine/ - Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adekemi-
shola-m-d-m-b-a-056b663a
Image Credits
Lynn & Lace Photography
