My Journey as a Breast Clinician from a Widening Participation Background

By Yvonne Osuagwu

Dr Yvonne Osuagwu

Hi, my name is Yvonne Osuagwu, I am a breast clinician who started my UK journey as an International medical graduate from Nigeria.

During medical school, I participated in music performances, writing articles and editing medical journals, making gift cards, sewing clothes and performing poetry.

After medical school, I immediately began my radiology residency and became a consultant radiologist at 30. While working as a radiologist, I also ran a clothing business where I made and sold clothes as well as a medical blog where I wrote poetry and short stories. I was an active member of the Abuja writer’s forum. After 5 years of working in the public sector, one of my close colleagues developed pregnancy associated breast cancer and died as a result. This affected me greatly because during my radiology residency I was an active member of various groups that did outreach on breast awareness in the community. I worked at consultant level for 13 years in Nigeria after which I experienced burnout and relocated to the United Kingdom in 2020.

Once in the UK, I immediately began the CESR journey to enter the GMC specialist register as a consultant radiologist even though at this time, I was struggling with the idea of leaving medicine altogether

How has being from a WP (Widening Participation) background affected you and your journey?

My special interest is in breast and MSK radiology and I found very little ethnic representation in these areas especially in breast care. I felt that I lacked a personal network to guide me on how to decide on my future career. Along my CESR journey, I met a breast radiologist who noticed my interest and expertise in breast care, and she became an informal mentor. It was from her that I first heard about the Breast Clinician Credential programme, and she was one of the referees for my application.

How has being from a WP background affected your career?

I think being from a different ethnic background can help you advocate for care for the patients that are from your ethnicity. It is always nice to see a familiar face and I have found that people from my ethnicity tend to speak freely to me about their concerns in the clinic. You are also an aspiration for others who may have not previously considered themselves in that role.

Do you have any advice for WP Doctors?

I advise WP doctors to embrace their differences and to leverage this uniqueness in advocacy, mentorship, and providing support in the WPMN community and within their home and work environments.

How has the Breast Clinical Credential programme has helped you?

The breast clinician credential has helped me remain in medicine where I continue to use the wealth of information I have gained over the years in service to the community. I have been able to completely heal from my burnout. I am once more able to find meaning and interest in my work. Having completed the credential, I am now invested in the mentoring of upcoming trainees. With new knowledge, ongoing research and increasing dedication, I continue to spread breast awareness in my work and personal life.