VCU news

By Janet Showalter

As a child growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Abdulmojeed Ekiyoyo can vividly remember his mother mixing together homemade remedies to fight common ailments such as coughs, colds and rashes.

“She would rub the ointments on us or mix it in a special bath,” said Ekiyoyo, the middle of five children. “I thought that was normal. I didn't realize medical care was something we were supposed to have. Now I know it was something we couldn't afford.”

Those memories have had a lasting impression on Ekiyoyo, who goes by Abdul. After immigrating to the United States in 2006 at age 11, he knew he had a strong desire to become a doctor.

“When I arrived here, I witnessed numerous occasions where a doctor made a significant impact on a patient's life,” Ekiyoyo said. “I knew I wanted to become a doctor and provide care to all people, regardless of their background or insurance status.”

While the health care system is significantly better in the United States than in his homeland, Ekiyoyo sees room for improvement.

There are issues with underserved populations not getting the medical care they need. There is a lack of access that must be addressed.

“There are issues with underserved populations not getting the medical care they need,” he said. “There is a lack of access that must be addressed.”

That underserved population is everywhere, from rural communities where lack of transportation prevents people from seeing a doctor, to cities where rising medical costs keep health care out of reach for some.

“I don't know all the answers,” Ekiyoyo said. “Doctors alone can't solve the problem. There must be systemwide change. I want to be a part of that.”

Ekiyoyo graduated from the University of Maryland in 2016 with a degree in chemistry. He worked for two years as a scribe for an orthopedic surgeon before entering medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“We are lucky to have him,” said Donna Jackson, Ed.D., the School of Medicine's assistant dean for admissions and director of student outreach. “I really admire his resilience and his passion for medicine. He displays humanism and character at his core. That's the kind of student we want here at VCU.”

During Ekiyoyo’s time at VCU, he has traveled to Honduras on a mission trip and volunteers with local free clinics. He is also part of the school's International/Inner City/Rural Preceptorship program, which fosters the knowledge, skills and values needed by doctors to provide quality and compassionate care in underserved areas.

“My parents are the ones who instilled a strong work ethic in me,” Ekiyoyo said. “They worked hard to give my siblings and me a chance at a good life. They worked hard so that we could realize our dreams.”

Ekiyoyo is not sure of the specialty he will pursue after finishing medical school, but has a strong interest in gastrointestinal medicine.

“I do know that helping the underserved will be part of my future,” he said. “I want to be the kind of doctor who builds strong relationships with their patients. I want to provide the quality health care we all deserve.”

Ekiyoyo is a recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Hartranft Scholarship and the John A. Hashemi Scholarship. Learn more about the School of Medicine's 1838 campaign and the Make It Real Campaign for VCU.