Chicago Politics

Women Shaping Chicago: Olusimbo (Simbo) Ige, M.D., MPH

Description

Dr. Ige’s journey from global health to championing public health in Chicago is a testament to the power of compassion, courage, and determination. I’m proud to work alongside incredible women like Dr. Ige to strengthen our great city. Learn more about her story and impact.

Transcript

0:00 The moment when I made the decision to transition to public health was when I realized that if I wanted to make the most impact, I needed to transition from just treating to preventing. And public health is where prevention happens. Growing up in Nigeria, it's a very patriarchal society, and choosing to do medicine required a lot of courage. From an early age, my mother taught me that I could be anything, and that conviction has stayed with me till now.

0:32 The first phase of my career was working in the international global health context, working in sub-Saharan Africa. There was a lot happening in the United States around health equity. There was a lot that I've learned in the global context that could be applicable to me here. My children were growing up here. They were facing the same challenges with being people of color that many people were facing in low-income countries. So I thought I will use my knowledge in my own local community and give back that way. My advice to young women who are looking into public health, it is such a rewarding field.

1:07 Women are intuitive. They're empathic. And I think public health needs that kind of compassionate leadership. But don't expect things to be handed to you. Women have to fight for a seat at the table. And even if you're not invited to the table, take that chair and go sit at the table anyway.

Sources and methods: how we get and count this data · report an error