Name: Peace Aminu, MD
Social media handle(s): paz_258
Undergrad: Case Western Reserve University, Class of 2014
Medical school: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Class of 2018
Residency: UH Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Internal medicine program, PGY1 Resident
Tell us about yourself?
I was born in Nigeria and came to the states when I was 10. It was not an easy adjustment. I was shy, I talked “different”, and dealt with my fair share of bullies. With time, the culture shock faded and I felt more comfortable in my skin. Growing up, school was the center focus, however outside of school I enjoyed playing sports, performing in theatre, and participating in church activities. As I’ve gotten older these extracurricular activities have been difficult to maintain. Residency consumes all of my time, however I try to stay grounded by maintaining a relationship with Christ and staying active (currently training for my third half marathon)!
Why did you choose medicine?
From a very young age I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Of all the possible careers in healthcare, being a medical doctor was the ultimate dream. I was fortunate to have parents who truly invested in me. As a child, my father would take my siblings and I to the library. He had this rule: for every fictional book we borrowed, there must be two nonfiction books to match. Almost all my nonfiction books were science or health related. In the summer after my junior year of high school, I completed an internship at the Cleveland Clinic. During the 8 week training program, I worked closely with a physician who was admirable in his approach to medicine and patient care. We discussed the fact that I enjoyed helping those in need and so what better way to help someone than to improve their quality of life. I was sold!
How did you decide your specialty?
I was initially torn, I enjoyed working with my hands and doing procedures so surgery seemed like the logical option. However, I liked that internal medicine really challenged you to critically think about your patient in a holistic way. Continuity of care was also important as well as lifestyle. There are specialties within internal medicine that are procedural heavy so I get the best of both worlds with Internal Medicine.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to pursue a career in medicine?
Don’t give up. If you’re in undergrad, find a health care advisor to help you plan the next few years. Find a mentor or two. Ask for help when you need it. You will reap what you sow. Always have your end goal in mind but still learn to appreciate each stage of your journey.
What or who inspires or motivates you?
My family–I credit my success to my parents. I am forever in debt to them. They motivate me to be the best human I can be. They sacrificed SO MUCH for me and my siblings. I want to continue to make them proud and take care of them to the best of my ability.
Mahogany & Medicine 