Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Edna Chukwurah.
Hi Dr. Chukwurah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to share some of my story. I would say the combination of my cultural background, upbringing, and faith have gotten me to where I am today.
I am Nigerian, and Nigerians [Igbos] often say “Chukwu ga sia, dibia esolu”, meaning – “after God comes the physician.” The saying speaks to how physicians are the first hands to touch society and thus have the greatest impact in helping people live their best lives. More so, this saying speaks to a doctor’s ability to fulfill God’s purpose by healing the individual and thus contributing to the well-being of the society at large.
Growing up, I knew very early on that I would work in healthcare, just not in what specific capacity. As the child of first-generation immigrants, living in a medically underserved area, I would say medicine loomed large in my life quite early. With my parent’s lack of access to comprehensive health services, illness often meant, not going to the doctor, but staying home and self-medicating. Thus, I witnessed, in and outside my home, the cruel ironies of disparity between individuals who had access to medical resources (which includes information) and those who did not – and the difficulties and tragedies that disproportionately attended and disadvantaged the latter group. From those experiences, I resolved that I would become the resource that I did not see in my community growing up.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! Pursuing a career in medicine requires a slow and steady tempo rather than a sprinters pace. I have my had my share of successes which I am truly blessed to have. But I have also experienced rejection and naysayers who questioned my pursuit of medicine early on in my career – which in turn made me question my abilities at times. Like most, I have had some academic setbacks and struggles, but I have always remained steadfast in achieving my goals. I have been thankful to have hit every goal I’ve set for myself.
Additionally, along my journey I lost my father who was a big motivator for me to initially pursue medicine. That was a tough period in my life because I questioned my understanding of many things – including medicine and my faith. But I turned my loss into a testimony and source of motivation, a reminder as to why I was doing what I was doing and for whom I was doing it for.
I knew that with medicine (and the journey that comes with it), would not be an easy road, but I knew it would be worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an Internal Medicine Physician currently based in the Houston/Pearland area. My specialty is preventive care and lifestyle medicine, with a primary aim to motivate and educate the communities in which I serve to lead healthier and more productive lifestyles.
On social media, I’m known has Edna.MD. I utilize my platform to bring awareness and cultivate worthwhile conversations surrounding important medical and social issues – all while keeping it real and funny of course! I am really proud of how I have found a way to marry my profession and my lifestyle on social media so that I can showcase how young, African American, professional women truly navigate the society we live in.
What set me apart? Me, just being me. I’ve learned that when you are true to yourself and move with that spirit, people take notice. There is inherit uniqueness when you move in your own authenticity.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes! Sharing a reminder that no matter what path you are on or where you are in that journey to remain rooted. Often, we forget the who, what, and why in our pursuits: who are you doing it for, what is your purpose, and why is it important? We forget so much so, that we sometimes lose track of why we truly embarked on the journey in the first place!
So please take time for yourself, remain introspective, welcome growth openly, and don’t forget to maintain some faith. That’s the only way to keep those roots well- watered along the way!
Contact Info:
- Email: edna.md@yahoo.com
- Website: ednamd.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/edna.md
