In this personal story of becoming, belonging and being seen, a psychiatry resident pulls back the curtain on the journey to becoming a doctor.

From childhood, Chika Oriuwa dreamed of being a doctor. She knew that she was destined to wear the white coat one day, no matter what it took. The high of being accepted to the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine in 2016 came crashing down when Oriuwa discovered she was the only Black student in her incoming class of 259 students. Oriuwa soon learned that medical school and a medical career are not immune to the systemic discrimination that permeates the fabric of our world.

Interwoven with descriptions of on-the-ground medical training, personal moments of doubt and success, and reflections on mental health and family expectations, Unlike the Rest is the moving and inspiring story of a young doctor’s journey through medical school and residency, where she found her calling in the science and in the patients, but also felt alone and lonely, and compelled to advocate for change, not only for those in training but for those in care. And while the risks in speaking up seemed great, to simply endure was unacceptable.

If you’ve ever doubted that you belong or struggled to find your voice, Unlike the Rest will inspire you to stay true to yourself and fight for what you believe in.

One of Time magazine’s “2021 Next Generational Leaders,” DR. CHIKA STACY ORIUWA, MD, is a medical trailblazer spearheading change in health care and beyond. She is an accomplished physician, a spoken word poet and an advocate for racialized and marginalized populations. Oriuwa draws on her personal and professional experience to share insight and actionable strategies for transformative leadership, mental health and wellness, and to ignite change to build a more equitable future for all.

Currently a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Oriuwa is a graduate of the school’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. In addition to her medical degree, Oriuwa has a master’s degree in health systems leadership and innovation from U of T. She also served on Indigo’s board of directors, informing their efforts in advancing equity and curating spaces of wellness and inclusion.

A recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honours, Oriuwa was named in Maclean’s Power 50 List in 2022 and was recognized as one of Best Health magazine’s “2020 Women of the Year.” She was also honoured in Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes campaign alongside five other women with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image to commemorate her contributions as a frontline health care worker. Recently, Oriuwa established the Dr. Chika Oriuwa Award for the Advancement of Black Health at Temerty Medicine to be awarded annually to a graduating medical student who has demonstrated their dedication to advancing health in the Black community.

Chika Stacy Oriuwa's profile page