Today we’d like to introduce you to Festus Ohan.
Festus, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At the age of 13, I had been abandoned by my father and was put into the foster care system. From that age until the age of emancipation, I had been at eight different foster homes and was distraught due to the abandonment of my father and my mother’s diagnosis of schizophrenia at the age of four.
During my time at the foster care system, I had eventually found my passion in the pursuit of medicine and wanted to become a doctor. Unfortunately, it was met with skepticism and doubt from various foster parents and I was told to have more realistic aspirations. Despite this, I continued to strive towards my goal and I was eventually excepted into college at UC Riverside.
In college, I had found various mentors who believed that I could accomplish my goals and here was when I started to truly believe I could become a doctor. After various research projects, volunteering, and performing well in school I was ultimately given a full ride scholarship to attend medical school at UCLA. It was there that I found my desire to become an anesthesiologist and had gotten accepted to the residency program in UT Southwestern. I am excited to be here in Dallas and now I’m truly grateful to have the opportunity to treat and take care of the patients in this city.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Abandonment of my father, diagnosis of schizophrenia in my mother, few believing in my dreams and aspirations, studying in underperforming school districts prior to college. Being disenfranchised early on with whether or not I can become a doctor.
Resident Physician at UT Southwestern – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from others?
I am starting my anesthesiology residency at UT Southwestern. It is major hospital in the Dallas area and I am very proud that it is a hospital that has nationwide recognition. I believe my hard work and my resilience sets me apart from others and I always try my best to accomplish my goals.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success as accomplishing one’s aspirations or goals and being happy doing what they do. I do not believe it depends on salary or wages but on satisfaction with doing what you enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: strivemd
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