I studied medicine at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences and graduated in December 2017. I have worked for five years as a doctor in a variety of hospitals and settings while rotating in different specialties. I am grateful for all the experiences I have gained and equally so for the challenges I have had to face and surmount working as a doctor in very low resource settings. During my time at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital I developed a passion for maternal health while noting the marked differences in outcomes for women based on their socioeconomic statuses. I think this passion has driven me to be a better doctor, more focused on patient care and on ensuring the best outcomes for all patients.
Role in CRIBS
I did not know about CRIBS before a friend informed me about an opportunity from CRIBS, to be a part of an online Masters program in public health at Kings College London. Kings College had supported my university during my undergraduate education and I already knew about the very high standards of learning they offered. I did my research about CRIBS and was very impressed at the impactful contributions they were making towards improving maternal health outcomes. The CRADLE which was the life saving instrument I had come to rely on during my time at the Princess Christian Hospital, was a part of their initiative and I knew I wanted a chance to work more closely with them. I applied for the Masters program and was successful. This was a one in a lifetime opportunity to not only study at one of the most prestigious institutions of learning globally, but also afforded me the chance to meet the CRIBS team. The CRIBS academics, experts, medical professionals and researchers all united by their tireless desire to make a difference. I have been able to learn and be inspired by this team who are dedicated to building capacity and training the next generation of maternal health and health equity champions to make a difference in Sierra Leone.
My CRIBS experience:
I remember being interviewed by members of the CRIBS team for the Masters program and how uneasy I felt. I had struggled to find the address and was truly panicking when I arrived five minutes before the interview was due to start. However, everyone made me feel comfortable from the start of the interview and I gradually grew in confidence. This has been my experience with the CRIBS team to date. Whenever I have felt as though I was struggling to balance full time work, motherhood and my studies, they have made me feel confident in my ability to surmount the difficulties. They have kept me focused on the bigger picture which is to use the knowledge I am gaining to make a real difference in the land that I love.
Something personal:
I am a mother of a little girl who is not yet two, but she is growing up so fast I sometimes feel like I need to catch my breath. I worry about what opportunities she would get and the challenges she would face through out her life. This had been my biggest motivation. I know I have to do my part to make a difference in the land that she calls home and even beyond, so that she has a real chance at living a healthy and meaningful life. I am determined to do this one tiny step at a time and this includes playing my part towards decreasing maternal mortality in Sierra Leone.