What inspired you towards a career in science?
Since a very young age, I have been fascinated with science. I would create science experiments from household items and would place them in the freezer. The next day, my mom would find all her dishes, glassware, and ingredients used for my experiments. In school, I took as many science courses as I possibly could and was fascinated with everything that I was learning. I would read my textbooks and write down questions that I had for my teachers. After school, I would spend countless hours with them picking their brains about all the material that I was reading in my textbooks. My innate interest in science is what led me to pursue medicine and biomedical research.
What did you study and where?
I am a native of Kentucky, where I graduated with honors and summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in biology and minors in chemistry and French from the University of Kentucky. After graduation, I matriculated into the combined MD/PhD program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine where I was the 1st African American female to complete the MD/PhD program. During my training, I have published numerous articles on dementia, cerebrovascular disease, and health inequalities among African Americans.
What was the topic of the first thesis you wrote?
My PhD thesis topic is titled “Studying Vascular Morphologies in the Aged Human Brain Using Large Autopsy Datasets.” See the link to read my entire dissertation https://uknowledge.uky.edu/neurobio_etds/19/
Why did you choose that topic?
In medical school, my favorite course was neuroscience. Therefore, I chose to complete my PhD project working in a neuroscience laboratory.
Which role do you have right now and what are you investigating?
Currently, I am a neurologist (PGY-3), neuroscientist, and health advocate at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. My current research interests focus on understanding the role of racism in neurological disorders. My recent publications have been featured in Nature and Nature Medicine. Moreover, I have received numerous awards for her activism work on campus and within the community. www.dreseosaighodaro.com
What are the most enjoyable and the less enjoyable aspects of your daily routine?
I really enjoy the times that I get to spend with my patients and my research mentees.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt during your career so far?
Perseverance is key in completing medical and research degrees. Effective mentorship is important in helping students navigate these difficult training programs.
What was the most challenging moment of your career, and how did you go through it?
One of the most challenging parts is the coursework which requires a lot of dedication and focus. I was able to develop study groups where we helped keep each other on track.
If you could travel in time, is there a career decision you would like to change and why?
I would make the exact same choices all over again because I love my career as a physician-scientist.
Do you have any regrets career-wise?
Nope.
Who are your role models?
My biggest role model is my father, who instilled dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic in me at a very young age.
Do you have a mentor?
I have several mentors across the globe who helped me with my career goals and aspirations.
If yes, what did the mentor(s) teach you?
My mentors taught me how to focus, complete tasks, and how to mentor others.
Which advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I would tell my 18-year-old self to keep pushing forward even when times get tough because it is worth it.
What is your advice for young students who are unsure/undecided about their careers?
I would advise young students who are undecided about their career path to keep exploring their interests, reach out to individuals in fields of your choice, ask questions, stay interested, and do not give up.
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