Hometown: Queens, New York

Name of Undergraduate Institution: University at Albany (SUNY)

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biological Sciences

Name of Medical School: New York Medical College

Residency Program: Yale New Haven Hospital: Orthopaedic Surgery PGY3

Favorite Quote:  Never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice.

Contact Info: izu.ibe@gmail.com

Additional Links: Hopefully soon, but none at the moment!

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Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?

Third-year Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery, and I’m almost through with my third year. I chose this path because it was the field that I found most fun! One that I saw myself excelling in and being happy while doing it. I also don’t sleep much so that helps with the busy hours as a resident.

If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell him?

Wow, well I guess everything I have done thus far has brought me here. I would encourage myself to try to be as organized as possible. I would tell myself to never doubt myself or my decisions because there were times when I did not think that this would be possible.

If you could go back and have a chat with your 1^st year postgraduate self, what would you tell him?

Plan ahead better, work to execute plan and enjoy the ride/ process more.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?

There will be many hurdles, some by others, most placed by yourself. Try to isolate tasks and accomplish them all. Also be willing to do what is required of you. Stay focused and stay positive!

What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?

Every step of the way there are challenges. Took the MCAT twice, that was probably one of the earliest for me. Getting personal but my siblings and I lost our mother in my first year of medical school. That was a huge blow for us and we had to adjust accordingly.

What was your favorite thing about your medical school?

My medical school was great! It had a large class with a diverse group of people. I was able to relate to them on many different levels and it allowed me to have a fun training experience. You will meet some of your closest friends in medical school; be open to them and enjoy your experience as much as possible.

What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?

Reach out to people to review it. It would be helpful to have someone in the field who will give you candid feedback and support throughout the process.

What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to residency?

Spend time thinking of what career path you would like to pursue; you might not have the right answer but it helps to take time to think about it. Work to get all applications in on time.

Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?

Yes, I took a year off and did a year in cytotechnology.

Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?

Soccer is mine but it helps to have something else you’re passionate about.

What do you like to do for fun?

Play soccer, play with my dogs, and watch movies!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Power tools, learning a skill that many people don’t have and the patient interaction. I love patients.

Can you please walk us through a typical workday?

4:30am walk my dogs, 5:30am rounds, 6:30am lecture, 7:30 – 4:30 OR then sign out. Occasionally take call from 4:30pm till next day.

What do you feel is the most challenging part of your job? The easiest part?

So much to learn and know all at once. The easiest part for me is interacting with people.

What has been your favorite memory so far in your career?

Match day, the day it all started.

What do you feel makes your specialty stand out from other specialties?

Such an honor to be able to play a role and impact so many lives throughout our training and in our practices.

What gives you the greatest motivation to get up every day to go to work?

My family! We all expect everyone to be the best version of themselves. So that plays a major role as a motivator for me.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

If anyone can do something and do it well, nothing should stop you from being just as good. They are human as well.

Do you have any passions outside of treating patients? If so, what are they?

Mentoring, I enjoy seeing talent and potential come to fruition.

In an alternate universe, what career do you think you would be in right now if healthcare wasn’t an option for you?

Soccer player, I think.

Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?

Musicians – Drake, Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, D’banj.

Shows – Power, Game of Thrones.

Movies – Too many!

Thanks a ton Izu for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share who you are with us! We really appreciate you and your words of wisdom! You’re an inspiration to many people, whether you know it or not! Continue killing the game and bettering the lives of the patients you treat!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on May 24th, 2017