On May 8 a longtime dream is coming true for Edesiri Igbuya, 26, originally from Bronx, New York who now lives in Naugatuck, Conn.  “I have wanted to be a physician since I was five years old,” says Igbuya, a first-generation Nigerian-American who will be the first physician in her family.

Q. Why did you choose UConn and what drew you to medical school?
A. I chose UConn because of its positive reputation, its geographical proximity to my family, and most importantly, the sense of community I experienced during my interview day. UConn SOM manages to recruit hardworking and passionate students that shared the wonderful opportunities they’ve had when I came to my interview.

Q. What activities were you involved in as a medical student?
A. I was part of the Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) and was involved closely with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), where I served as Chapter Secretary for 2 years. I was also part of the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program and have held various leadership positions in this organization.

Q. What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
A. I was initially shocked at how many students from Connecticut and UConn attended the medical school! As someone that went out of state for college, it was surprising yet refreshing to meet so many people from Connecticut. It’s a testament to the positive experience many people have with the institution. I also very quickly felt welcome into the UConn family.

Q. Any advice for incoming medical students or those wishing to apply to medical school?
A. I would encourage incoming students to get to know their classmates and faculty- they’ll be a great resource and source of support over the four years. Be open to experiencing all of the things UConn has to offer: research, interest groups, organizations, community service, and socials. Lastly, embrace the challenge of medicine and understand that the journey in medicine is your own and ever-evolving. For those dreaming of medical school or a career in health care, I encourage them to be brave and follow those dreams. It’s also important to find people that will support you on this challenging yet rewarding journey.

 Q. What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
A. Everyone should make time for fun during their time at UConn! UConn SOM encourages students to prioritize education and wellness, so attend a basketball game with friends, or take a walk at the Reservoir minutes from the Health Center.

Q. What will always make you think of UConn?
A. The people I’ve met over the past four years will always remind me of UConn and the special community we have at our Farmington campus.

Q. What medical specialty are you entering?
A. I am entering the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  This field encompasses many of the aspects of medicine that I enjoyed during my medical school clerkships and did not want to go without. I love that OB/GYN combines preventive medicine and longitudinal care, women’s health, surgery, and advocacy.  OB/GYN is a field that is swiftly paced, constantly changing, physically demanding, and emotionally rewarding.

Q. Who inspired you most to enter medicine?
A. I have wanted to be a physician since I was five years old and first shared those words with my kindergarten class. As a first-generation Nigerian-American that will also be the first physician on both sides of my family, I did not know any doctors except for my pediatrician. However, I was fortunate to have family and teachers that inspired and encouraged me to pursue medicine.

Q. What does UConn School of Medicine mean to you?
A. UConn School of Medicine in my eyes is synonymous with excellence. I’ve met some of the hardest-working, empathetic, high-achieving individuals that I proudly call classmates. I’ve been taught by brilliant and supportive faculty. The community at UConn is unparalleled and has made the journey unforgettable.

Q. How has attending medical school at UConn prepared you to be a physician?
A. Attending UConn has made me feel well-prepared for residency. While the experience of the pandemic was unplanned, it taught me and my classmates to be adaptable, resilient, and resourceful, skills that will go far in our careers as physicians.

Q. What’s it like to be part of UConn, the largest producer of physicians for Connecticut, and the significant impact its public service has on the state’s health, workforce and its people?
A. The community of UConn extends far and wide. It’s humbling to know that I’ve been trained at an institution that creates such excellent physicians, many of whom we have access to during our preclinical and clinical years.

Q. What’s it going to be like to finally walk across the stage and get your M.D. this May?
A. Walking across that stage in May will be such a joyful and unforgettable experience.  And the walk is not a lonely one; as I walk across that stage, I’ll imagine that I am accompanied by my mother and father, who did not get a formal college or medical education but were able to teach me lessons on courage, perseverance, and work ethic. I’ll be walking with my sisters, who have been my biggest supporters. I’m honored to share this moment with everyone who helped me to earn my M.D. and the title, Dr. Igbuya.

UConn Health’s Commencement is May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.