Dr. Evuleocha: Thriving in a Male-Dominated Field
Credit: Iris Mannings | @irismannings
Inspiring Momkind was born from a desire to give our readers a peek inside the lives of powerhouse women who make it happen at work and home. To spotlight moms in all different industries, with the goal to uplift, inspire, and normalize our everyday realities. Simple, straightforward honesty from women who have seen and done it all. We've found that it is truly remarkable what seasoned moms will share and how they champion one another. With this series, we hope to make some of their tips, tricks, and soundbites visible to all of you who may be searching for similar encouragement.
Dr. Evuleocha, also known as "Dr. Ev," is a Double Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon. She is an educator, motivator, and leader in the healthcare industry and a wife, mother, and enthusiast for women's empowerment. An advocate for the minority population, Dr. Ev is a Nigerian American with four additional siblings, all of whom come from a family of immigrants. Her mission is to inspire others to be the best version of themselves, often quoting the great Maya Angelou in saying, "My mission is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
WM: Has healthcare always been a passion for you, or was it something you discovered later in your life?
Dr. Evuleocha: To be honest, I had two opposite interests when it came to my career. I wanted to be an actress or a doctor! I loved performance art (still do!) and was always heavily involved in choir, the drama club, and speech and debate. But I knew I had an interest in medicine as well.
I grew up in a small town in Louisiana and had always loved volunteering at hospitals in my area. Taking care of people was something that seemed to come very naturally to me. My father holds five degrees, with his highest being a doctorate, and my mother was a nurse, who instilled and nurtured my desire to be in healthcare. I also had several doctors that I shadowed in my early years, who further encouraged me. With a good foundation to work hard in life and focus on my education, I ultimately pursued a career in medicine.
WM: As a mother and a woman of color, what hurdles have you faced in becoming a surgeon, and what advice would you give to other women seeking a similar path?
Dr. Evuleocha: Believe the data. The invisible "penalty" that female surgeons receive for becoming a mother and the inherent, implicit bias that exists towards women and minorities is real.
Women have to overcome the odds that are held against them. The field of medicine, especially surgical specialties, is a boys club. I see it all the time - women who face discrimination in their place of work, all because we are blessed with the gift of bearing children. This results in female surgeons having higher rates of depression, job anxiety, and imposter syndrome. My advice to a woman interested in pursuing a path in medicine and surgery is to do it. If this is your God-given purpose, there is nothing that will stop you from achieving those goals. You CAN be a working mother and a working physician. You can succeed. The journey will not be easy, but so many have paved the way for you to walk. Therefore you must pursue your goals and not let anything or anyone tell you otherwise.
WM: What does a typical day look like for you?
Dr. Evuleocha: I typically work 11-12 hour days. As a specialized surgeon, I treat patients who suffer from foot or ankle problems, diabetics, limb salvage, and wound care. My weeks vary, depending on if I am "on-call" at the hospital. Call weeks require me to be available 24-hours a day for seven days in a row in the event of an emergent foot or ankle problem arising (typically fractures or infections that require hospital admission). Normally, I start the day very early if I have surgeries, then clinic (outpatient non-emergent care) is 8 AM – 5 PM. There are days I also have to see urgent patients during my lunch break or after work. Around 6 PM, I usually spend about an hour finishing up charts, sending orders for patients, or reviewing patient results.
Credit: Dr. Evuleocha | @dr.evfootdoc
WM: What are you hoping to build or achieve with your online community?
Dr. Evuleocha: My goal is to curate a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone to use their voice. I want to build trust, inspire others to pursue their goals, and not hold anything back during their time here on Earth. My social media is meant to inspire and influence others to be comfortable in their own skin and provide foot health and life hacks.
WM: You mention on Instagram that your mission is to help people put their "best foot forward in life – physically and mentally." What do you wish more people knew about proactively taking care of themselves in these ways?
Dr. Evuleocha: I wish people knew that all medical ailments prevent them from being their best. While it is important to take care of your health from head to toe (no pun intended!), mental health is just as important as physical health. Tapping into self-care, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, speaking positive affirmations about your daily life, and visualizing your goals all attribute to putting your best foot forward in life.
WM: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Dr. Evuleocha: Passionate, Believer, Healer
Credit: Iris Mannings | @irismannings
WM: What about motherhood?
Dr. Evuleocha: Fulfilling, Meaningful, Accountable
WM: What does being a mother, wife, and surgeon in 2021 mean to you?
Dr. Evuleocha: Having a family is one of the most important aspects of who I am. Balancing it all can be difficult, but it's achievable. We are human. I want to normalize the notion that you CAN be a mother, wife, and female surgeon. I want to normalize accepting that balancing it all can and will be difficult, and it's OK to ask for help. Be open to learning from others. Be open to making mistakes. Be open to constantly growing, and your career will thrive as you continuously evolve.
WM: What does the future hold for you professionally and personally?
Dr. Evuleocha: G-R-O-W-T-H. Mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. I believe that God is stretching me in more ways than I can imagine. I am so thankful for this online community and platforms such as Working Momkind that allow me to connect and visibly see mothers such as myself grow and thrive—despite the odds!
To connect with Dr. Evuleocha, you can find her on Instagram @dr.evfootdoc.
