DR. ETTAMBA AGBORNDIP is a 2010 MiLEAD FELLOW from Cameroon. An outstanding medical doctor, Ettamba’s success in the medical profession validates our conviction that, gender is no barrier to success in any endeavor.
When we first met Ettamba, she was a hardworking 19-year old student at the University of Buea, Cameroon in the third year of her medical studies. During her student years, she was a passionate advocate working to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and female genital mutilation as a peer educator for a Non-Governmental Organisation called Women in Action. Women in Action targets women’s groups, single mothers, and female prisoners and is also involved in the making of a film about the prevention of these same health issues. Ettamba considered it critical that maternal and child health be improved and women be better empowered.
In a She.Leads.Africa feature article by MARRIANE ENOW TABI captioned – DR. ETTAMBA AGBORNDIP: ANYONE CAN EXCEL IN THE SCIENCES REGARDLESS OF THEIR GENDER, Ettamba talks about her school, her job and her vision for women.
She narrates how engaging her job is, and how her dedication to service sometimes keeps her at work for a continuous 24 hour period. She cites the long hours in class, late hospital hours and sometimes gruesome ward rounds, and having to miss out on family events as some of the challenges to being a doctor, but also emphasizes how fulfilled she feels when she saves people’s lives, and states there’s no amount of money which can replace the fulfillment she gets when a patient says; “thank you doctor”. That to us is a personification of a MiLead fellow – An outstanding leader with the power to lead and a commitment to serve.
In the article, Ettamba reminisces about her graduation day- a day which marked an official end to seven grueling years of medical school. She recalls the look of pride and fulfillment on the faces of her parents, and calls it priceless. She also remembers how helpful her teachers were, and attributes her success to them. “I wouldn’t be where I am without my teachers”, she says.
Ettamba’s vision is to “inspire women and young girls to make informed health decisions by educating them about the common pathologies affecting our communities”.
Her admonishment to young girls is for them to believe in themselves; work hard; and get orientation about desired fields so as to better prepare for the task ahead. She also advises them to have a mentor who can hold their hands and guide them especially when it gets difficult. This is in sync with Moremi’s belief in the power of mentorship.
Ettamba is famously quoted to have said, “Anyone can excel in the sciences regardless of their gender. It’s all about passion, hard work and determination”. Agreed!
Congratulations Dr. Ettamba Agborndip. Moremi Initiative is proud of your success.