By Juliet Umeh

Young Nigerian doctors face a myriad of challenges post-graduation, including career navigation, networking, and developing effective communication skills.

Frustrated by soaring inflation and limited opportunities, many are choosing to leave the country.

However, a groundbreaking mentorship programme tailored for young doctors is providing a solution. Now in its third cohort, this initiative offers guidance, resources, and support to help doctors navigate both their professional and personal lives. Led by Dr. Abayomi Ajayi in partnership with the Nordica Foundation, the programme provides participants with invaluable mentorship and support.

A key component of the programme is the pairing of young doctors with experienced mentors, offering invaluable guidance and support.

Several young doctors shared their transformative experiences during the closing ceremony of the mentorship programme, expressing how the programme guided them from uncertainty to clarity.

Dr. Perelade Kingdom, a participant, shared her personal journey, revealing that she felt lost and overwhelmed after graduating from medical school. The programme, she said, helped her define her goals and envision her desired path in medicine.

“I’m grateful for this programme because it has helped me narrow my focus down to what I want to be, what I want to do in the world, and how I want my medical career to be,” Dr. Kingdom stated.

A participant expressed gratitude for the programme, stating, “One of the reasons I applied was the financial literacy program and entrepreneurship workshop. The neuro-coaching sessions were also invaluable, helping us develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills. And of course, the mentorship sessions were incredibly beneficial.”

Dr. Nneka Asuai Iyomaham, mentored by Engr. Nnamdi Agbim, echoed these sentiments. Feeling uncertain about her future, she found clarity through the programme’s guidance.

She said: “I got so much clarity in the last one year. At that point in time, I didn’t even want to continue. I actually got to find out about this programme through a sponsored ad. I wish I actually saw this earlier, because I feel this would have done a lot more for me.

“When I was in service, I was confused about what to do with my life as a doctor. Well, I want to thank God for the program. And thanks to our mentors, the programne has done a lot.

“I’ve gotten so much clarity in the last one year. My mentor did an amazing job. And I am so grateful for the deeds of my mentor. The neuro coaching session, I just felt, at some point in time, that every one of us, or every Nigerian, should just get training on emotional intelligence.

“Because of the things I have learnt. At some point in time, I looked at my LinkedIn profile, and I was like, so apart from being a doctor, what exactly was I like? What else could I do? When you see one of those profiles, you’re just amazed at what other people are doing. And then, you’re just a doctor. So, I got a lot of push in the last one year,” she added.

Yet another beneficiary, Dr. Achonu Chimere, highlighted that the programme offered more than just medical career guidance.

 “It addressed financial literacy, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and overall personal development. It impacted on my communication skills and ability to manage teams,” she said.

Dr. Joseph Onumgholo, another participant, expressed his gratitude to his mentor, Prof  Fagboun, for his constant support and guidance. On his part, Dr Henry Nwankwo said, “This programme has been life-changing, not just in terms of medicine, but in terms of an all-around growth. The programme has defined my life.”

The third cohort saw a higher female participation rate. But the organizers are exploring strategies to bridge this gap and encourage broader participation in future cohorts.

In his advice, the founder and grand patron Dr Abayomi Ajayi encouraged the beneficiaries to cultivate a business sense in order to succeed in their career. He counseled them against treating people at home.

“I see people also even treating people in their houses. Do you know the implication of that? God forbid, something happens to that patient or that person, because it’s not a patient in your house.

“You are not supposed to have a patient in your house, and the person you give an injection to, if the person dies, then you know the meaning of the law. So, I think we need to stop all this.

“So, we need to see how we get compensated for the work we do. And please, don’t cheat on yourself,” Abayomi advised.

The success of the third cohort paves way for future iterations, with the potential to empower even more young doctors as they embark on their careers.

Ajayi explained that they are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring its reach extends to a wider range of participants.