The journey to becoming a physician is not easy. However, the determination to change the world around us has fueled so many to join the field of medicine, especially our resident spotlight of the quarter, Chinaka Ukachu, DO, MPH, MAA.
When Dr. Ukachu was asked what made her choose OB-GYN, she stated that her passion for women’s health “has always been rooted in a desire to address disparities, such as Black maternal mortality, and to advocate for equity in care.” Dr. Ukachu knew that OB-GYN was her calling after delivering her first baby during her Global Health Leadership Master’s program in Uganda. During this experience, she was “surrounded by a community of resilient women and felt a profound connection to the work.” This connection led her to her career and now as a PGY-1, she is learning that every day is a new adventure.
When explaining her life as a resident, Dr. Ukachu described how no two days are alike. On one rotation she may be focused on deliveries and the next month she could be in the OR, performing surgeries. Regardless of her schedule for the month or even the day, Dr. Ukachu highlighted that every shift involves “learning, problem-solving and connecting with patients.” Amidst her busy schedule, Dr. Ukachu founded TwoPercentMed, a platform that highlights Black women in medicine. As the platform continues to grow and excel, she finds reward in creating spaces for those whose voices are not always heard.
Nevertheless, even with the many triumphs, there are challenges. For Dr. Ukachu, her greatest challenge has been balancing the demands of residency with her personal goals. Some of her goals include improving maternal health outcomes within Black and underserved communities. She also aims to address global health disparities by strengthening maternal health systems. To accomplish these goals and more, she uses her faith, the support system around her and strong mentorship. This allows her to have the constant encouragement and guidance that she needs during this journey.
So, if you’re wondering who Dr. Ukachu is outside of medicine, wonder no longer. She is an amazing cook who loves to travel! She combines both of these hobbies by cooking recipes from the places she has visited. From her spicy jollof rice to street food from nations abroad, Dr. Ukachu is a multifaceted inspiration that loves to uplift and encourage the future doctors around her. One piece of advice she leaves with those heading into residency is “be yourself, unapologetically … Always remember why you chose this field, it will keep you focused and resilient.”