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see people divided because of the color of their skin. We need
a new narrative, one that is more inclusive and complete.
2
How did you decide
on a career in medicine?
Nigerian parents expect you to be self-sufficient. Part of that
is getting a good education and the other part is becoming a
doctor, lawyer, engineer or accountant! (She laughs). However,
in college, being a doctor was not my plan. I think it was divine
intervention that nudged me into medicine.
3
Divine intervention?
Do tell.
I had grown up hearing stories of my grandpa being a native
healer and helping people in his community — and I liked
the sciences — so I thought why not apply to medical school
and see what happens? I took it as a sign when I got into the
University of Illinois in Chicago, and here we are!
4
And why surgery?
To me, there's a medical and surgical aspect to care. I want
to be able to do everything I can do for a person who needs
medical attention. As a surgeon, you have a solid understand-
ing about physiology — not as much as an internist, but a
good understanding — and you can use that knowledge to be
a really good surgeon.
Left and above: Dr. Odele in full surgery scrubs at Kaiser Permanente
in San Rafael. She shares her expertise with cancer patients in
Nigeria.– Photo by Kaiser Permanente
