Dr Abimbola Abolarinwa is a physician and the first female urologist in Nigeria. She tells FAITH AJAYI about her career and other issues
What informed your decision to become an urologist?
The current trend for all medical doctors who want to practise clinical medicine is to specialise in a certain aspect. It is highly encouraged, and that is exactly what I did. I have always had an interest in surgery and I was blessed to get a surgical training slot and finally sub-specialise in urology. The choice of urology was like fate and destiny playing its game on me.
How has the journey been being the first female urologist in Nigeria?
It has been eventful and interesting, and I am happy about it. The Nigerian urologic family is a closely cohesive one, supportive and resourceful. I have no regrets.
Urology is said to be one of those aspects of medicine that is male-dominated. What inspired your decision to go into this field?
I would say it was due to curiosity. Also, it was due to my new found interest in what I previously disliked, and fate. Urology was not an option I considered while in medical school. As a matter of fact, I detested it. I always wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. Strangely, I suddenly found urology very interesting and practical. When I did my compulsory rotation during my early years of surgery residency training, I decided to give it a try, passed my part one examination, and began the sub-specialty training in urology. It was like I finally found my true home!
What were some of the challenges you have faced in the pursuit of your career?
They were the usual challenges any young career-driven person would face, including extremely long working hours that stretch on for weeks, multiple examinations, financial challenges, lack of some surgical equipment for training and service provision, multiple duties and assignments with deadlines, some interpersonal workplace relationship issues, and workplace politics.
How do you overcome those challenges?
I had to learn to take each day as it comes, become more organized, and prioritise what was more important to do. I learnt to study people and accept them for who they are. Emotional maturity is a necessity when one works with several people, and I had to learn that fast. I had a lot of help on the home front, including from my family members and friends. Social capital is a currency one should never joke with. Mine always came through for me whenever I needed help or was overwhelmed. I never joke with my circle of people, which is my social capital. Also, I have learnt to leave most things in God’s hands and switch off. It has never failed me.
You are currently a senior lecturer. At what point did you decide to go into education?
I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was in medical school at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. So, I grabbed the opportunity when it was available after I qualified as an urologist, although I was already a hospital consultant. I joined the university as a lecturer in 2016.
You attained a distinction in a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in 2018. Why did you become a lecturer and not just remain a consultant?
I love to teach. I felt being just a consultant in a teaching hospital was not good enough for me. There were medical, dental, and nursing students we interacted with and taught in the wards, clinics, and theatres in the course of our clinical work daily. I decided to join the university and be a proper teacher, and I still retained my consultant status but in a honourary capacity to the hospital. So I am getting the best of both worlds. The Diploma in Education was done after I had joined the university and I felt I should learn how to be a teacher professionally and learn the basics
Your father was also a surgeon. Did he in any way influence your choice of career?
Definitely! He imprinted the beauty of being a doctor and a surgeon very early in our (his children) young impressionable minds just by his conduct as a doctor and as a person. We (my sister and I) did not consider anything else. She is a dental surgeon. My mother, despite being a lawyer, made sure we did not shift focus from that goal. Because of this, I tell people to become what they want their children to be. Children are good copycats.
You were a recipient of the Zakilo Awards. What earned you that recognition?
The Zakilo, aka The First Awards, is presented to deserving Nigerians for being the first to do anything in their fields of endeavor. It was named after Efere Ozako, an entertainment lawyer who gained public attention through his Wetin Lawyers Dey Do Sef? initiative. He died in 2013. Some previous recipients of the award include Prof Wole Soyinka, Leo Eke and Chioma Ajunwa. I received mine on January 1, 2019.
You mentioned that you have an interest in research related to Pediatric Urology and Andrology. Can you give a brief insight into what it is?
Andrology is a branch of medicine that deals with problems related specifically to men only. It can be considered the male version of gynaecology. It deals with issues like male infertility, erectile dysfunction, hormonal issues, problems of the aging male, and prostate diseases. Paediatric Urology deals with any urologic problem in children. They are mostly congenital anomalies (they are born with defects in the urinary system and male reproductive system). These two areas are somewhat under-served in urologic practice in our environment due to the low ratio of urologists to the general population. Hence, my interest in them. Also, it is refreshing and heart-warming to work with and treat children.
You also have clinical interests in Cosmetic Reconstructive Urology. Why is that?
Appearance matters as much as function. It is wrong to assume that because the genitals are hidden under clothes their appearance should not be important. It has a deep effect on the confidence, psyche, and mental well-being of the person involved. Poorly done circumcisions, abnormalities of the penis and scrotum from congenital causes, injuries, or disease need to be repaired and refashioned to restore them back to normal appearance or at least close to normal.
You mentioned that you are also interested in bagging a doctorate in Medical Education. With the kind of job you do, when do you think you would have the time to do that?
Learning does not end. I will create the time for it. I am a teacher, so, I should be able to find a way to keep learning, studying and improving myself by increasing my value. I am definitely not stopping.
Throughout your career, what is the most common condition you have had to treat in Nigeria?
Definitely, prostate diseases. Recently, I have been seeing more cases of male infertility and urinary stone disease.
In terms of men’s health, prostrate is a major issue. What is your advice to men as regards going for regular check-ups?
Men should begin to have prostate screening annually from the time they are 45 years old. It consists of a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen, a rectal examination of the prostate by a doctor, and if possible, an ultrasound scan. For any man who has a first-degree relative (brother or father) who has or had prostate cancer, his screening should begin earlier at 40 years old because of his increased risk of developing the disease.
The purpose of prostate screening is to catch cancer early, so one can get a cure. Men should not wait until they have urinary symptoms before beginning their prostate assessments. It should compulsorily be part of any medical screening package designed for men.
Doctors are leaving Nigeria in droves. What advice do you have for the medical sector and the government about this brain drain?
My advice is simple— the government should keep their health workers at all costs. They should holistically look inwards and establish what we are all running to gain from the countries that poach our skilled healthcare workforce. The government should also encourage those who want to return home after years of sojourning abroad. They are still ours and have roles to play at home, which is brain gain.
Have you ever considered going outside the country to practice?
Yes. I deeply considered it in 2016, and I already had an attractive job placement in another country. I decided to stay back and develop some roots at home. I did not want to be a rolling stone and keep digging foundations every three to five years, while changing locations from one country to another. However, it is still a serious consideration and I will likely practise abroad at some point in my career.
How did the scarcity of cash affect the health sector?
It has definitely affected the health-seeking behaviours of our patients. Healthcare is mostly funded out of pocket by the patients, as many are yet to be covered by a health insurance scheme or sign up for one. The Lagos State government has rolled out the state’s insurance health scheme and people are encouraged to sign up for it. With the scarcity of the naira, most patients will only seek healthcare if they absolutely need it and likely at a nearby facility, where it might be cheaper but not necessarily better. Also, they have limited options due to their reduced purchasing capacity, or even totally patronise alternative care options like herbal and traditional routes. There is an interruption in the follow-up of care and some may, unfortunately, fall into the hands of quacks.
There might be delays in the emergency presentation to the hospitals due to the lack of money for transportation and other expenses. There may also be some delays causing gaps in the purchase and supply of drugs, hospital consumables, and some ancillary services.
What do you think can be done to better the sector generally?
Increased funding and continuous training of staff can help to better the health sector. It may be too much cost for the government to bear alone. Hence, more private involvement in revamping the healthcare sector needs to be encouraged. This relationship should be based on trust and backed by law, so that both sides keep their parts of the bargain.
Who are your biggest cheerleaders?
The women in my life—close friends, colleagues and nurses I have worked with— are my biggest cheerleaders. I am happy to be cheered on by my tribe of strong women and I do not take their love and support for granted.
For one like you in the medical sector with such a busy and time-consuming career, how are you able to balance work and family life?
I have a lot of help. This balance cannot be achieved alone. I am not a success in isolation and I am no superwoman. My parents stepped in when I needed to be absent several times. They still do.
I had to invest in purchasing household gadgets that ensure the household activities run smoothly. I work with ease and save time. I try to plan ahead, outsource a lot of the domestic work and focus only on what I should do by myself.
I see money as a tool and a servant. It is not to be accumulated and worshipped. I pay for these services to the extent that I can afford them and free up time to focus on other important issues. I realised early that there was no award for who did the most work, and that such people burn out and do not achieve anything in the long run.
What are your other areas of interest?
I have some hobbies like knitting, hand embroidery, tapestry, and reading books and comics. I love cooking, and I create recipes. I have been a kitchen geek since childhood. I read and learn about cuisine from all parts of Nigeria and beyond, and attempt to recreate them.
In recent times, I decided to document my cooking activities in pictures and videos. I post them with lots of humour on my social media pages. I have been told to veer into food blogging. But, it requires a lot of time and commitment to create content, which I do not have for now.
I have also been told to consider being a professional events compere, because I do so for some events. Also, I love wrapping gifts professionally, especially eru iyawo (bridal wedding gifts). And then, I ask myself in amusement— “How many things will I do?”
How do you like to dress?
Comfort is my guideline in choosing what to wear. I love simple dresses, trousers, and short-sleeved shirts that would not disturb my hands while working, flat padded shoes, and sandals. I love using ankara and other local fabrics to make outfits. There is so much versatility with them.
What is your favourite meal?
I do not have a favourite meal. I eat everything, and even learn to cook them too. I generally love sea food though. My recent favourites for now are ikokore, masa with miyan gyeda (groundnut soup which must have yakwa leaves), kwadon lettuce (salak), and oha soup. My preference may change at any moment, depending on what catches my fancy again.
How do you unwind?
I sleep. I prefer to stay indoors, read a book, watch African movies and food networks, and cook. Sometimes, I go to parties I am invited to when I am compelled to do so. However, I prefer my solitude at home.
