Topic:

Unlike the Rest: A Doctor's Story (HarperCollins Publishers, Oct. 1, 2024)

Speaker:

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa, Resident Doctor in Psychiatry, University of Toronto

Moderator:

Dr. Pier Bryden, Psychiatrist, Hospital for Sick Children; Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs & Professional Values, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Co-Presented by:

Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Book Synopsis:

A psychiatry resident pulls back the curtain on the challenging personal journey to becoming a doctor as a Black woman, as a daughter, as a mother, and as an advocate who had no choice but to step into the spotlight.

From childhood, Chika Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. Every toy was a make-believe patient for the junior physician in training. She knew that she was destined to wear the white coat one day, no matter what it took, but she didn't realize the turns that path would take, nor the challenges that lay ahead.

Oriuwa's parents' glowing approval of their daughter's ambitions was matched by their expectations of her success and making her extended Igbo family proud. But no one put more pressure on Oriuwa than herself, with a pre-med study schedule timed to the quarter hour, skipped meals, and sleepless nights, all to achieve her goal. Her only escape was a new passion for spoken word poetry and performance.

The high of being accepted to the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2016 came crashing down when Oriuwa discovered she was the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. Where were all the brilliant Black classmates she had expected? Why were there so few, even in the other years? Oriuwa soon learned that medical school and a medical career are not immune to the systemic discrimination that permeates the fabric of our world.

Interwoven with on-the-ground medical training, personal moments of doubt and success, and reflections on mental health and family expectations, Unlike the Rest is the moving and inspiring story of a young doctor and her journey through medical school and residency, where she found her calling in the science and in the patients, but also felt alone and lonely, and was compelled to advocate for change, not only for those in training but for those in care. And while the risks in speaking up seemed great, to simply endure was unacceptable.

About Our Speaker:

An accomplished physician, nationally ranked spoken word poet, and thought leader, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a multi-faceted powerhouse whose journey exemplifies authentic leadership in every aspect. Through powerful storytelling and compelling narrative, she draws from her diverse experiences — across sectors, stages, and disciplines — to share meaningful and actionable insights on leadership, connection, and wellness, and how to unlock our true potential for transformative results in our organizations, communities, and lives.

Oriuwa’s career is a testament to her insatiable curiosity about the human experience and the profound connections that define it. She is currently a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto where she earned her medical degree and became the first Black woman named sole valedictorian of the department. Oriuwa has since become a vocal advocate for improving disparities in Black health and confronting institutional discrimination, spearheading change initiatives in healthcare and beyond.

In addition to her medical degree, Oriuwa has a master’s degree in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation from the University of Toronto. She has also served on multiple boards informing their efforts in advancing equity, leading authentically, and prioritizing workplace wellness. In October 2024, Oriuwa will release her first book, Unlike the Rest, her personal story of becoming, belonging, and being seen on her journey as a medical trailblazer and leader.

Oriuwa has been named one of TIME magazine’s “2021 Next Generational Leaders” and one of Maclean’s Power 50. She has also been named one of Best Health Magazine‘s “Women of the Year” and has been featured in several major media outlets, including CBC’s The National, CTV News, CP24, Toronto Star, and TODAY, among others. In 2021, Oriuwa was honored in Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes campaign with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image to commemorate her contributions as a frontline healthcare worker.

An in-demand speaker, Oriuwa has spoken at numerous national and international events. She honed her ability to captivate and inspire audiences as a competitive poet. She infuses her keynotes with the rhythm, emotion, and precision of poetry, transforming critical and timely discourse into an artful narrative that leaves a profound, impactful, and lasting impression.

About Our Moderator: