IMG Roadmap Series #68: Dr. Ayo Omole, Family Medicine
Nigerian-born family medicine physician Dr. Ayo Omole proves to us that having a distinct plan, learning from one's mistakes and being adaptable are the keys to success. Keep listening to learn more about how his unique medical journey started in the Ukraine and continues as he practices in California!
Admittedly never the "best" student, Dr. Ayo never gave up throughout his medical school journey with his goals clear in his mind. After growing up in Nigeria, he got accepted into medical school in the Ukraine after which he returned to Nigeria for a few years, before transitioning into the US Medical system.
He stated what a lot of IMG's feel: the process seemed daunting and overwhelming at first glance, with so many organizations and exams and processes. Where could he begin? His response to these feelings were just to do as much research as he could, and to identify the first step and take the leap.
From there, it was easier to identify what came next and what he should be doing at each step of the way. In the end, he remarked that the process is not as convoluted as it seems and once you make use of all the resources available to you, the mountain is not insurmountable.
When asked what he overcame as an IMG, after much reflection, Dr. Ayo noted the following:
Financial Difficulties - It took him two years of sacrifice, working diligently and saving in order to finance the process of becoming a physician in the US.
Getting the right letters of recommendation - His number one piece of advice in this regard is to make use of any connections you may have. They may very well make the world of a difference.
Finding support - At first, Dr. Ayo admits that it was hard to find a community of people that he shared a lot in common with. He advises that social media is an indispensable tool in networking and finding the right people to help you along your journey.
Some key inspirational nuggets that Dr. Ayo leaves us with are:
The journey from being an IMG to a licensed US physician is a marathon and not a sprint. It is expensive and may take several years of your life, but the benefits are worth it.
Understand the science of exams to get them right the first time. Try not to have multiple attempts if it can be avoided.
In every interview, go in with a positive mindset and a strategy.
Above all, stay positive and do not allow the world's negativity to consume you.
You can get in touch with Dr. Ayo on his Instagram @dhadoctor
Listen to the full podcast episode here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-img-roadmap/id1490731292
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/45NNJ7ewtqynqyssbwm1xz
Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mOGMzY2EwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz
Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1490731292/the-img-roadmap-podcast
RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/the-img-roadmap-GE0MMg