CEO’s Corner

1. Who is Dr Dozie?

I am a driven, goal-oriented doctor, consultant, family physician, mother of three, wife, and the Medical Director of Avon Medical Practice.

2. What is a day in the life of the Medical Director of Avon Medical like?

I get up, say my prayers, get ready for work, get my children ready for school and drop them off at school and start heading to work after drinking a cup of coffee. My first meeting begins at 8 am- a virtual multidisciplinary review meeting. At this meeting, we review all the inpatients across all our branches and go over any significant happenings in the clinical space within the past 24 hours.

After that, the rest of my day could be ward rounds, clinics, meetings with staff, going through my emails, preparing reports, resolving conflicts, strategy reviews, and making our patients happy. I usually pack a salad, which I would eat before lunch, and then have my main meal. After lunch, I finish the rest of my tasks for the day and then head home. I exercise when I get home, spend some quality time with the family, and begin to unwind to prepare for the next day.

3. Has it always been medicine, or did you have any interest in a different career path at any point in your life?

I have always wanted to be a doctor. When I was younger in primary school, my parents put me in charge of the first aid box. Growing up with four brothers, I had my hands full and would find myself frequently dressing wounds and scratches for them. Transitioning into medicine, I have always liked the knowledge it brings, enabling one to figure out the inner workings of things that may seem to confound others.

4. Tell us about your career journey so far. Why did you decide to join the Avon Medical team?

I graduated from the University of Jos, Plateau state, where I obtained my Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery. In my career since then, I have worked in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. These include Health services Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo state as a Medical officer; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) both of where I underwent my residency training. I also worked as a Consultant Family Physician at Avon Medical Practice, Mobile Producing Unlimit, and at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, as a Consultant-in-charge of their Victoria Island and Lekki-free zone branches.

I am a published author in both domestic and international journals, including the British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. Throughout my career, I have picked up a number of certifications, both locally and internationally; I am an International Board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, a London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) certified MBA essentials holder, and a United Nations Development Program certified sexuality educator, counselor, and trainer.

I joined Avon Medical Practice because I wanted to remain in the private sector. I like the way things are accomplished in the private sector. The opportunity to lead in healthcare as a woman, without any bias for my background is very inspirational for me.

5. You are a Consultant Family Physician, what do you love the most about what you do, and what is one experience that has shaped you over the years?

I love family medicine because I can see almost any patient. I have had rotations in almost all the specialties, and have a good idea of almost every specialty. My idea of a good doctor is someone who offers you healthcare, from the cradle to the grave.

Becoming a Board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician was life-changing for me. Lifestyle medicine is a special interest area in family medicine. Getting that certification, undergoing the process, and studying for the exam as a consultant, gave me a new zest for all things lifestyle medicine. It has changed the way I practice, live my life, and see the world as a whole.

6. Enough about work, when you put away the stethoscope how do you unwind?

I like reading to relax. I read fantasy, thriller, adventure, and romance books. I also love to watch TV and movies. I really enjoy going to the cinema with my family. I love musicals, romantic comedies, and action movies.

I have watched all the James Bond movies since 1962 and all the Fast and Furious movies. My favourite Bond is Sean Connery.

7. Do you have any hidden talent? If yes, what is it? If none, what do you wish it could be?

I love to bake!

I actually baked my wedding cake, 17 years ago in 2005. It was a five-tiered wedding fruit cake. I also like to teach, and I found a way of merging those two talents. So, for the past five years, I have been running a Summer baking camp for children, where I teach them how to bake. This gives me the opportunity to bond with my children, who are also participants, and to also impart knowledge to other children. My 15-year-old daughter has gone on to be a professional baker, who baked my birthday cake last month- which was a 10-inch red velvet cake.

8. What is your watchword and how does it get you through the day or challenges you face?

Peace of mind. In all that I do, I ensure I do not get too overwhelmed by work or by life, and always seek joy in the simple pleasures of life.

9. Recently, you described healthy eating as a pillar in lifestyle medicine, we can say you are #teamfitfam. Are you a food lover and how do you apply healthy eating to your diet?

I like good food, and I try to always have a salad or a vegetable with everything I eat. When I pack my meals, I always like to add a small pack of vegetables- coleslaw, afang, etc. I also love apples- it gives you a sugar rush without a spike in the glycemic index and is full of fibre. What can be better than something sweet that is good for you?

10. With your busy schedule, do you have time to explore or travel?

Honestly, I do not, but I look forward to planning time to get away with my family sometime in the future. I’d like to visit Singapore with my family, I feel like it would be a great learning and bonding experience for my children.

11. What’s your most memorable travel experience?

My trip to the Holy Land was interesting- I visited Israel, Palestine, and Egypt. I explored Nazareth in Palestine, and Jerusalem, and even climbed to the top of Mount Sinai. We started the climb at 8 pm and got to the top as the sun was rising. It was breathtaking. I remember I arrived on a Saturday and noticed that ALL the cars were dusty and did not understand it. Later, I found out that it was because of the Sabbath, as they truly do not do anything on that day, even cleaning their cars. It really struck me. It was a really interesting experience.

12. If you could relive one out of your many proud moments on life’s journey, which would it be?

One of my proudest moments was when my daughter surprised us with her outstanding results, coming home with 9As. It was a very proud moment for me as a mother, and watching my children get awards like best behaved while being able to do many things on their own as independent children, is a clear indication that we as parents have done something right.