South Middlesex Times

Nnenna Ukenna-Izuwa, a student at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), had always aspired to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Her ambition was fueled by her cousin's death from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy in Nigeria, where gynecologic care is not widely available. However, the experience of having her own child and enduring pre-eclampsia and post-partum depression deepened her empathy for her patients.

Ukenna-Izuwa said, “Now, I embrace every patient even more, cherishing them as if they were my own family. This journey has deepened my understanding of human nature and resilience and allowed me to revel in the boundless joys of motherhood.” She will be celebrating her accomplishments both professionally and personally when she graduates from RWJMS on May 13, the day after Mother’s Day.

Other mothers graduating that day include Jessenia Palacio-Meadows and Emefa Asare from New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). These women are part of the mere 5% of U.S. medical students who are parents. Despite the challenges, they describe their journey as empowering.

Carol A. Terregino, senior associate dean for education and academic affairs at RWJMS said, “These graduates bring the same strengths to parenting that they have brought to their medical studies: the ability to multitask at a high level, a strong affinity for nurturing and caring for life, and an always helpful sense of humor and resilience.”

James Hill, associate dean for the Office of Student Affairs at NJMS added, “We are proud to support their success in the classroom and as unique individuals with busy lives.”

Asare chose motherhood alongside her medical career because she felt it was the right time. She also feared potential fertility issues if she waited longer. This decision made her more patient with her patients and shaped her philosophy as a doctor.

“I see medicine as a calling and a passion, but I don't want it to be the total sum of my identity,” she said. “I identify as both a mother and a physician.”

Ukenna-Izuwa, Palacio-Meadows, and Asare faced numerous challenges throughout their journey. They had to arrange their classes and rotations around maternity leaves that spanned from six weeks to several months. Despite these obstacles, they managed to graduate on time.

After childbirth, Ukenna-Izuwa relied heavily on her family for support. She said, “When I became a mom, the instinct just clicked, and I was able to adjust. I hope my daughter sees me as an inspiration to go the extra mile to do whatever she wants to pursue.”

Palacio-Meadows echoed this sentiment saying, “There’s no shame in asking for help,” she said, “especially if that means we can be more present to love these little people.”

Asare also found support in her husband and his mother who visited from Ghana for 10 months. She said, “I was able to focus. I was not worried about how my son was doing at home because I knew he was safe and in good care.”

As they embark on their residencies, these women will face grueling schedules including overnight shifts. However, they remain confident about their plans.

“There was a point when I had so much anxiety about being apart from my son and wondered if my calling was actually to be a stay-at-home mom,” Palacio-Meadows shared. “But on my first day back in the hospital, I was reminded why I'm doing this... It's truly a privilege.”