Friday 24 October 2024
ED Consultant Cyriacus Nwaiwu has shared the story of his background and Emergency Medicine (EM) career achievements so far for Black History Month (BHM). RCEM’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee will be sharing a series of these inspiring Q&A submissions from Black EM professionals throughout October.
Tell us about yourself and your background?
I was born and raised in Imo State, Nigeria by my parents who were both from the same village, in a town called Amaimo. I completed my primary and secondary education in my hometown and subsequently I studied Medicine at Abia State University, Nigeria. Upon completion of my undergraduate medical training in September 1998, I practiced clinical medicine in my state until 2010 when I left Nigeria for England to pursue a Master of Public Health programme at The University of Sheffield. I acquired British Citizenship by naturalisation in August 2021, just over ten years after I arrived in the UK.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I spent a large portion of my medical career in Nigeria in what was known then as the ‘Casualty Unit’. It was the equivalent of the ‘Emergency Department’ as we know it today. Although I worked in other areas of Medicine and Surgery both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, I found myself feeling much more at home whenever I was in the Emergency Department.
I enjoy seeing a variety of patients and prefer treating patients in the acute phase of their illness. I thrive in challenging and dynamic situations, and due to the principles of the law of comparative advantage, there is a high yield of cases in which you can make a rapid difference to someone’s health and life.
What challenges and opportunities do you see in Emergency Medicine for Black clinicians?
There are challenges in every medical discipline, however it is amplified in the field of Emergency Medicine because we are often the first point of contact for patients during their medical crises. In the heat of the moment of attending to the critically ill patient, we can unfortunately be targets of unintended displaced aggressions and frustrations.
Black clinicians face more challenges because of cultural differences and are prone to discrimination of various types from both staff and patients. However, this should not stop any Black clinician who wishes to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine from achieving their dream. Emergency Medicine is an exciting specialty, and I encourage anyone who is interested in it to take the first step and believe that it is doable.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I grew up in a Christian household and my faith has played a huge part in my life by helping to give me strength and guide me through the most challenging times. If I had to look back and give my younger self some advice, I would tell myself to “Identify early exactly what your goals are, seek the face of God and if He approves of it, then work as if it all depends on you and pray as if it depends on God. Remain focussed and persevere until success is achieved but be aware that success also includes the journey of ups and downs to get there.”
What are the highlights of your career?
I completed a Master of Public Health Programme at The University of Sheffield in November 2011. I was employed as a Senior House Officer in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Wales between October 2013 and August 2014 after I acquired my GMC registration with the licence to practice following successful PLAB 1 & 2 examinations.
I then joined the Emergency Department at Manchester Royal Infirmary for the CESR programme (now known as the Portfolio Pathway) in Emergency Medicine in 2014. I passed the MRCEM in 2018 followed by the FRCEM in 2021.
I left Manchester Royal Infirmary in 2022 and joined the Emergency Department at Macclesfield District General Hospital as a locum consultant. Earlier this week I received the much anticipated and hugely welcome news that I will be taking up my substantive consultant post following a successful CESR application.
I am grateful to my family for their understanding and patience over the past few years, as the challenges of Emergency Medicine can sometimes take their toll on those closest to us. Without them I would not be where I am now. I’m planning to spend more quality time with my family, and also find time to do the hobbies I enjoy, such as reading the Bible, listening to music, watching football and exercising to ensure my wellbeing and to prevent burnout whilst working in the specialty that I love.
Today, I feel truly elated and excited to face a fresh challenge in the next chapter of my life and career.
Read about another BHM EM Champion: ED Nurse Rena and Associate Medical Director Dr Janos Baombe
