Remi, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar & Chat Her Box Content Creator
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer because I watched Ally McBeal! It wasn’t until I went to secondary school in Nigeria that I learnt about other careers. I enjoyed science and my teachers in Nigeria encouraged a career in medicine. It was hard to hold onto the dream coming back to state school in London.
What do you want most in the future?
To continue to work in women’s health with a focus on health equity through education, health policy and challenging the current systems. I want this work to have a positive impact on women’s health in the UK and Africa.
What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
I have two girls and that for me feels like a huge achievement.
What’s your advice to other women/girls?
Put yourself out there and go for it! I tell myself this all the time. Overcoming impostor syndrome, and just having the self-belief to put yourself out there is a daily battle.
What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?
In the current era where there is so much unearthing of the health inequalities, I think it is vital for black doctors, especially those like myself working in women’s health, to find their niche and their voice, and use this to challenge the current system and make it more equitable. I think the time is ripe for us to not just be bodies on the shop floor but be present in research, education, policy and management. This is vital. I feel so privileged to be at the forefront of driving this change that it continues to motivate me to be the change that I want to see in the world.
What school did you go to?
Growing up in Hackney, I went to Laburnum primary school then went to secondary school in Nigeria for 4 years before doing my GCSEs in Bishop Challoner Secondary school and my A levels in St Charles Sixth Form.
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
My Faith – it gives me self-worth and helps me to keep things in perspective and think of the bigger picture. Secondly it is my family! Being able to pour myself into them and showing them love gives me strength.