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Dr. Esuru R Ikpe is a doctor from Nigeria who believes awareness must go hand in hand with education and knowledge to achieve optimum health.
Dr. Esuru completed Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Texila American University (TAU), Guyana, and is planning to pursue further studies in the United Kingdom.
“I wish to gain more knowledge and experience in medicine and bring about a meaningful change in my country’s public health conditions,” she says.
Dr. Esuru, who has passed her MDCN licensing exams that makes her eligible for practice in her home country, is now on a year of housemanship.
Education was at a crossroads for Esuru when she had to discontinue studies in Hungary due to personal reasons.
“An intensive search led me to Texila, which was open to my continuing my education from where I Ieft off.”
She calls the study program flexible, well planned, and structured.
“There was a good balance of practical sessions and classroom lectures. The modules were also well planned that the students could also do personal studies and were not stressed out.”
“The hands-on mentors remarkably facilitated the study process and helped us gain confidence and meticulous,” Dr. Esuru says.
She says that people have to become more aware and reach a level where they take responsibility for their health.
“Better healthcare infrastructure and facilities can do wonders in a country that needs more commitment and vision to bring a change in the health scenario,” Dr. Esuru says.
Long-term plans can achieve compliance with medication and ensure healthy lifestyle changes and the discipline to stick to it, she says.
“I would be happy to see a definite health program put in place in the country – and in my own way, I’m joining an outreach program to gain on the ground experience.”
Dr. Esuru says she would like to reach out to communities that cannot afford proper healthcare. To start with, supply free condoms and painkillers/plasters to them.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and behavioral problems, and drug addiction among youngsters need tackling on priority, she asserts.
“Mental health is not taken seriously, and in my journey as a doctor, I hope to develop a support system for mental health patients, with counseling being just one of them.”
Dr. Esuru says serving people must be part of the credit subjects and co-curricular activities and electives in state universities.
