Everyday Oral Surgery Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu: the power of decision making and mental strength to get into an OMS residency and thrive
Developing your mental strength is critical in landing and progressing through your residency. Today we speak with Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu, a resident at Case Western whose inspiring story reveals the power of resilience and mental fortitude. Early in our conversation, Emeka shares details about his background which include leaving Nigeria at 15 and working in northern Cyprus, Turkey, Latvia, and Poland before he settled in the U.S. After discussing his upbringing in a rural town, Emeka chats about what he most appreciates about American life. We then dive into the role that resilience and discipline have played in helping Emeka excel in dental school. He discusses ways that students can stand out from their peers as well as what he did to prepare himself for residency. Later, we explore the challenges faced by residents, with Emeka providing clear advice on how to overcome them. Linked to this, Emeka highlights the need to humble yourself and put in the extra time and work to correct your weaknesses. We wrap up our conversation by asking Emeka our final rapid-fire questions. Listeners will benefit from hearing about the impactful book that he recently read, as well as how valuable his relationship to God has been for his career. Tune in to hear more about why building your mental strength is so critical to your residency progress.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Chisohlm Emeka Chukwu.
- Emeka discusses the globe-trotting journey that led him to the U.S.
- How Emeka got his start in dentistry.
- Hear about the biggest things that Emeka did in dental school to land his residency.
- The importance of resilience and constantly seeking to improve yourself.
- Emeka shares his top advice on interviewing for a residency.
- Why Emeka accepted a residency position at Case Western.
- How Emeka overcame his residency challenges.
- Insights into how Emeka handles racist patients.
- The benefits that come from humbling yourself.
- Why you should put in the extra to strengthen your weaknesses.
- We ask Emeka our final rapid-fire questions.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Case Western Reserve University