By Kenneth Oboh

Meet Dr. Ayoola Jaiyesimi, a trailblazing medical doctor, public health advocate, and healthcare administrator with over 21 years of experience in clinical medicine, public health, and hospital administration. With a passion for preventive medicine, women’s health, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Jaiyesimi has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into her remarkable journey, exploring her inspirations, challenges, accomplishments, and advice for aspiring healthcare professionals.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I have always been passionate about saving lives and improving healthcare systems. My career is driven by a deep commitment to patient care, preventive medicine, and public health. Over the years, I have found great fulfillment in not only treating illnesses but also shaping healthcare policies and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Looking back at your 21-year journey in healthcare, how has your perspective on medicine evolved?

Medicine is much more than clinical practice; it’s about impacting lives on a systemic level. I started as a physician focused on direct patient care, but as I progressed, I realized that healthcare leadership and public health advocacy are essential for lasting change. My experience has taught me that strong healthcare systems require both skilled clinicians and visionary leaders who can drive policy changes and improve access to care.

You’ve seamlessly blended clinical practice, public health advocacy, and healthcare administration. How did you navigate these transitions?

Transitioning between these roles was challenging yet rewarding. As the Medical Director of Newgate Medical Services Ltd. for over 16 years, I had to balance patient care, hospital administration, and public health initiatives. The key was continuously upskilling, adapting, and collaborating with other professionals. Moving into academia as the Acting Director of Health at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) allowed me to further influence healthcare policies and mentor future leaders.

What was your experience leading Newgate Medical Services Ltd. for over 16 years? What key transformations did you drive during your tenure?

Leading a hospital for over 16 years was a tremendous responsibility. I focused on expanding healthcare services, improving patient-centered care, and ensuring quality assurance. Under my leadership, we introduced new medical programs, strengthened operational efficiency, and increased access to preventive healthcare. One of my proudest achievements was spearheading cervical cancer screening initiatives, which led to more women accessing early detection and treatment.

Healthcare leadership comes with immense responsibility. What has been your guiding philosophy in leading medical institutions?

“Healthcare is not just about treating illness; it’s about building healthier communities.” This philosophy has guided every decision I’ve made—whether in hospital management, public health programs, or policy advocacy. Empathy, strategic thinking, and a patient-first approach are crucial in leadership.

Public health awareness, particularly cervical cancer prevention, has been a major focus of your work. Why is this cause so important to you?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many Nigerian women die from it due to lack of awareness and limited access to screening. My advocacy aims to bridge this gap by promoting HPV vaccination, regular screenings, and early treatment. I believe that prevention is the foundation of a strong healthcare system, and my work in this area continues to drive policy discussions and community engagement.

How do you see the future of cervical cancer prevention in Nigeria, and what steps need to be taken to improve early detection?

We need stronger government policies, increased funding, and widespread public education. The integration of HPV vaccination into national immunization programs is a critical step. Also, healthcare providers must be trained in early detection and treatment, and screening centers should be readily accessible across Nigeria.

In your experience, what are the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, and what solutions do you advocate for?

Nigeria’s healthcare system struggles with limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. To address these challenges, we must:

1. Prioritize preventive healthcare—Reducing the disease burden through early detection and lifestyle education.
2. Strengthen healthcare leadership—Encouraging more medical professionals to take up administrative and policy-making roles.
3. Improve healthcare financing—Implementing better health insurance policies to make quality care accessible to all.

What role do you believe medical professionals should play in shaping public health policies?

Medical professionals should not just treat patients; they must also advocate for systemic changes. We need more doctors actively involved in health policy discussions, public health research, and governance. Our voices are crucial in shaping policies that directly impact patient care.

Balancing clinical, administrative, and advocacy roles can be demanding. How have you managed these responsibilities over the years?

Time management, delegation, and continuous learning have been essential. I’ve also built strong teams who share my vision and can execute plans effectively. Balancing these roles requires passion and resilience, but the impact makes it worthwhile.

What has been the most challenging moment in your career, and how did you overcome it?

One of the toughest challenges was navigating the transition from clinical medicine to hospital administration. Initially, I struggled with the business and operational aspects of healthcare, but I took courses, sought mentorship, and learned on the job. Now, I encourage other doctors to develop leadership skills early in their careers.

If you could change one thing about Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, what would it be and why?

I would prioritize preventive healthcare and universal health coverage. A proactive healthcare system that focuses on early intervention, routine screenings, and public health education would reduce the burden on hospitals and improve national health outcomes.

For young doctors and healthcare professionals, what key skills do you believe are essential for success in the medical field today?

My take on this:

✔ Clinical excellence – Never stop improving your medical knowledge.
✔ Leadership & management skills – Healthcare needs strong administrators.
✔ Advocacy & communication – Doctors should influence health policies.
✔ Research & innovation – Medicine is evolving; stay ahead with new knowledge.

What advice would you give to aspiring healthcare leaders who want to make a lasting impact?

“Stay committed to learning, embrace leadership opportunities, and always advocate for better healthcare systems.”

How do you define success in your career—what truly matters to you?

Success, to me, is creating meaningful impact—whether through improving hospital services, advancing public health initiatives, or mentoring young professionals. Seeing tangible improvements in healthcare and knowing I’ve played a role in them is my greatest achievement.

Finally, what is your personal mantra that keeps you motivated?

“Healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it’s about building healthier communities.”

That philosophy has guided me throughout my career, and it continues to shape my vision for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

As we conclude our conversation with Dr. Ayoola Jaiyesimi, it’s clear that her dedication to healthcare and public service is inspiring a new generation of medical professionals. Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to creating positive change.

As she continues to advocate for preventive medicine, women’s health, and healthcare innovation, we can’t help but feel a sense of hope and optimism for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.