Serving the Underserved with Empathy and Compassion

Lilian Nwaokorie’s ’23 path to medicine began when she was young. With several family members in the medical field, she knew that she would follow in their footsteps in some capacity. Knowing that she was headed toward health care, she began to search for a school that would allow her to reach her career goals. “My cousin, who was a student at University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), shared insights about the University’s strong medical focus and its connections with Mayo Clinic. This led me to do my own research and I determined that UMR was the ideal choice to support my ambitions and future plans.”

FINDING HER VOICE IN MEDICINE

Nwaokorie enrolled at UMR to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree. Initially, her plan was to apply to medical school and become a physician. However, the plan changed after attending a career panel hosted by UMR. One of the panelists was a physician assistant (PA), whose description of their career and role in medicine grabbed Nwaokorie’s attention. “I was particularly intrigued by the lateral mobility and interprofessional collaboration, as well as the autonomy the career provides,” she said.

With a clear career goal in mind, Nwaokorie’s focus was set and supported by her classmates, mentors and professors. “My friends were a crucial part of my undergraduate experience, providing support and a shared mindset and focus on our goals,” she explained. “While we had similar experiences, our diverse backgrounds offered unique perspectives that enriched our understanding of many aspects of school.” One particularly enriching experience was planning and seeing to fruition the creation of the Black Student Union (BSU). BSU developed and planned events for the campus community, hosted discussions about shared experiences between students on campus and initiated other impactful events. “We all contributed to founding BSU, and the laughter and memories we created together continue to resonate with me to this day.”

A LIFE-CHANGING MISSION

After graduation in 2023, Nwaokorie took a gap year before beginning PA school. “I took some time to work as a certified nursing assistant and to shadow PAs. Also, during this gap year I participated in a medical mission to give back to my community.” This medical mission in Mbano, Nigeria, strengthened her commitment to serve and advocate for underserved communities both in the U.S. and abroad. “I always had an aspiration to serve underserved communities. When granted the opportunity to serve in an area that I felt needed it the most, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me. My family is from Nigeria. I would see and hear about poverty and I was determined to be a part of giving back.” Her connections through the Mbano National Assembly (MNA) introduced her to the idea of a medical mission, which they have hosted annually for more than 15 years. In early 2024, Nwaokorie had the opportunity to join the annual mission. “During the medical mission, health care services are provided to the local underserved areas for free. Some of the amazing medical services include: C-sections, fibroid removal, malnutrition treatment, preventative care through immunizations and many more. All this is done through the service and dedication of volunteer medical health care professionals from the U.S. and Nigeria, such as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and non-medical volunteers who come together to provide essential treatments, surgeries and diagnostic services. The mission aims to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.” This experience was a profound insight into the daily circumstances that those in the area of Mbano lived. “I witnessed firsthand the dire need for accessible health care. Within this rural region, a vast number of citizens find themselves in the grip of poverty, which is not merely a concept but a harsh reality that dictated their daily existence. Basic necessities such as food and clean water were often luxuries, let alone the ability to afford medical treatment. This medical mission was not just an opportunity for health care, but a lifeline in the face of adversity.” In addition to assisting with medical care, Nwaokorie had planned a mission of her own. “Before my journey to Nigeria, I held a fundraiser event to help purchase essential items for the citizens, more specifically the youth in the area. Items included soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstruation materials, clothes, diapers, food, snacks, water, etc. All these items were distributed.”

Things that are easily accessible and often taken for granted in the U.S. became so much more. “Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces as they received these simple yet invaluable gifts solidified the impact of our collective efforts and will be a memory I’ll cherish forever. The distribution of feminine products to the young girls stood out to me as a particular impact. In a society where resources are scarce, many girls have been forced to endure the challenges of their menstruation cycle with makeshift solutions like folded tissue paper or, in some heartbreaking cases, nothing at all.” Nwaokorie not only distributed the much-needed menstrual products, but also provided crucial education on their use. One of the girls later approached her to express her gratitude. To this young woman, “this was not merely an action of providing basic necessity, but restoring her sense of dignity, alleviating her discomfort and empowering her to navigate a natural aspect of womanhood,” Nwaokorie explained. “This heartfelt exchange resonated deeply within me, reaffirming my commitment to serving underserved communities with compassion and empathy.”

BECOMING PART OF THE SOLUTION

After this impactful mission trip, Nwaokorie returned to the U.S. and began PA school in Chicago. While this new educational undertaking is challenging, it is one she feels well prepared for. “The rigorous course load at UMR definitely helped prepare me for the course load at PA school. PA school is harder, however UMR created a space where I could try out different studying strategies and set me up with a mindset of resilience, which I know will aid in my success in PA school.” Looking to the future, Nwaokorie hopes to stay in the Chicago area to start her career as a PA, where she plans to continue working with underserved communities. “Recognizing the hardships  underserved communities face has inspired me to be a part of the solution in combating those barriers.” With her strong advocacy for the underserved and deep-rooted compassion and empathy leading the way, Nwaokorie is sure to be part of the solution.

Read more stories from the Fall 2024 Alumni Magazine: The Kettle.