Dr. Monisola Adanijo is a renowned clinical cardiologist, public speaker and educator. In her over 25 years of work experience, she has been in the public sector, attaining the peak of her career in the civil service, while serving in reputable medical centres and hospitals in the private sector in multiple capacities. She currently serves as cardiologist/physician at First Cardiology Consultants (FCC Healthcare) and is the co-founder of Naveen TeleElectrocardiogram Healthcare and Technology Services. In addition, she is an avid health content creator on social media, a health and workplace wellness advocate pushing for better health and productivity. In this interview, she speaks on her profession and thriving in the healthcare sector.
What drew you to the specialty of cardiology?
I did my one-year post-induction internship (housemanship) in the cardiology unit at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The consultant, Prof. Ayo Falase, made cardiology very interesting and fun. He was an excellent mentor and I decided to follow in his footsteps
How has the journey been so far?
Twenty-seven years after my medical degree and 17 years post my fellowship, qualifying as an internal medicine specialist in cardiology, I can say it’s been a journey of many parts. Some good and some scary, where I questioned my career choices, others were fulfilling.
Who has inspired you most in your medical journey and how has mentorship affected your career?
I mentioned my first cardiology inspiration during housemanship. During residency, strong female cardiologists, Professor Jane Ajuluchukwu and Professor Ammam Mbakwem, showed me that I could be female, have a family and still excel in my chosen profession. Mentorship has been extremely important in my career, because you learn from people who have already walked the path and made the mistakes so you don’t have to. They are a proof of concept that my dreams were valid.
As a practicing female physician, do you feel there are still gender injustices in the cardiology field?
Honestly, I don’t see them, because I don’t see myself as female. I see myself as human and would encourage other women in medicine to do the same. I work hard and my watchword is excellence. You can’t ignore that and focus on my gender.
What do you think is the greatest barrier to women practicing cardiology today?
Family support. Because, if you want to be treated as an equal, periods, pregnancy and children can’t be an excuse for not showing up. Good family support to take care of the home front is essential. This includes the person you marry and proximity to trusted family for child care and emotional support. Unfortunately, our male counterparts don’t have the domestic burden we have as females. So, if you want to be taken seriously, those aspects of your life must not be seen to take over your work life. If the man you marry must eat fresh food daily or you can’t bear to leave your children for days, when you are on call or reading for exams, please, choose another profession.
Who has been your strongest supporter in your cardiology journey?
My family and close friends have been wonderful. From words of encouragement to child care, school pickups, hospital runs and just freeing my time to enable me be the best doctor I can be.
How do you handle stress and maintain a work-life balance?
Balance? I would rather say work-life harmony. Because there can never be a true balance. At any point in time, one leans more towards work or life. I handle stress by slowing down, unpacking the issues and asking, “what do I need to solve this problem?” and “who can help me do this?” I don’t carry all my work issues home, and I discourage non-emergency after-work calls by patients. I generally find ways to spend time with my children, doing fun activities and socialising with friends and family.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in the cardiology field?
To be humble enough to know I can be wrong, so I listen to the patient, I keep on learning. Every member of the healthcare team has something that they can teach me. So, I listen, even when I appear to have more experience.
As an expert in the field, what advice would you give women concerning their heart health?
Heart disease is the number one killer of women. It kills more women annually than all cancers combined. Know your life numbers, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and cholesterol, by going for your annual medical checkup and take decisive steps to ensure these numbers are normal. Exercise daily, regardless of your weight. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods, eat less sugar and less junk/processed food, eat more whole food, complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fat. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Get at least seven hours of sleep daily. Reduce and manage stress.
What is your advice to young women aspiring to be cardiologists?
Stay focused, avoid distractions, avoid excuses, read hard, apply yourself to clinical work and have good mentors. Prioritise your mental health and wellbeing.
