Pulse EDITORIAL

As we get closer to our first annual meeting in Houston, we are excited to bring you more information on the itinerary that’s being put together! This month’s edition of the ACPA Pulse contains a tentative meeting program, information on the ACPA Ladies Breakfast and the Community Health Fair. We also highlight Mercy Ships, a floating hospital of volunteer medical professionals that will be docked in Douala, Cameroon from August 2017 through June 2018. We also spotlight one of our own, Dr. Daisy Ayim.

The ACPA Pulse is a monthly newsletter that highlights important events and achievements by the organization and its members. The ACPA Pulse welcomes submissions from the Cameroonian medical community at large. Submissions can be sent to the editor at ACPAPulseEditor@ACPA-CMR.org

Special thanks to the members of the Publications and IT committee: Dr. Christian Bime, Dr. Bertrand Fote, Dr. Alan Tita, Dr. Dione Mbame, Dr. Kingah Pascaland Dr Denis A. Foretia

ACPA Headquarters6557 Satilla Road

Blackshear, GA 31516www.ACPA-CMR.orgInfo@ACPA-CMR.org

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

editorial

2

On this issue of the ACPA pulse, we celebrate all the new medical students, residents, and fellows who are current or future ACPA members. Congratulations to all who have moved to the next phase of training or who have recently completed training. July is a very important month on the calendar of medical and graduate medical education in the USA. Any Physician in North America will recount many fond and not so fond tales of their July experiences. As you embrace this wonderful journey, know that the ACPA, with the extensive experience within its membership, is at your disposal. No matter where you are in the Americas, chances are there is a senior ACPA member near you. Please seek them out, call them, and ask for advice.

The next two issues of the ACPA Pulse will highlight the ACPA first annual general assembly meeting that took place in Houston, TX from April 21st to 23rd, 2017. We also spotlight a medical student ACPA member, now Dr. Martha Teke. Read about her remarkable journey as she navigates through the American health care training maze. Her experiences and counsel are worth the read. You will not be disappointed. In the August issue of the ACPA Pulse, we will have an extensive summary of the rich content presented by various panelists and presenters during the annual general assembly meeting of the ACPA. Look out!

The ACPA Pulse will be a monthly Newsletter to highlight important events and achievements by the organization and its members. The ACPA pulse also welcomes submissions from the Cameroonian medical community at large. Each issue will be released at eh beginning of the month. Contact me directly at Journal@ACPA-CMR.org

Special thanks to the members of the Publications and IT committee:

Dr. Christian Bime, Dr. Alan Tita, Dr. Bertand Fote, Dr. Dione Mbame, Dr. Kingah Pascal, and Dr. Denis A. Foretia

ACPA’s first annual meeting: A resounding success

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) held its first annual general assembly in Houston, TX from April 21st to 23rd, 2017. After a successful inaugural meeting in Atlanta, GA in November, the onus was on Houston 2017 to realize the promise and vision set in Atlanta. By all accounts, Houston 2017 definitely delivered in grand style.

Attendance at the first annual meeting was impressive. Over fifty members, representing the full spectrum of ACPA’s membership were at the meeting. There were medical students, residents and fellows, foreign medical graduates (FMGs) looking to get into residency, attending physicians in private practice and academia present. A wide range of specialties, from

primary care and medical subspecialties to general surgery and surgical subspecialties, and emergency medicine were represented. All corners of the US were represented with members flying in from the Far West (California, Washington), the Mid West (Illinois, Minnesota), the North East (New York, New Jersey, Maryland), the South East (North Carolina, Virginia,

Cont’t on page 4...

Georgia, Florida, Kentucky), and the South West (Arizona, Texas). Beyond the aesthetically pleasing and diverse attendance, the core of the meeting was on point with the mission and vision of ACPA. It was full of substance highlighted by presentations given by experts, and discussions carefully put together by the Programs Committee to benefit all constituents of ACPA. Mr. Philip Okala, COO of Penn Medicine gave a talk on value based and alternative payment models. He gave a detailed breakdown of MACRA and its implications to the bottom line – reimbursement – to physicians and practices. Those in private practice who will most

be affected by these changes were definitely enlightened. Dan Michalk, President and Founder of Water Way Wealth gave an equally enlightening talk on financial planning and estate management. He highlighted key concepts in financial planning that are critical to every member that was present in the room. Dr. Daisy Ayim, an OB/Gyn physician in private practice, gave a talk in business management. Dr. Ayim focused on critical steps and challenges that must be navigated in order to establish a successful solo practice. It was of great interest to members considering opening a private practice. Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem and Dr. Valentine

Nfonsam held a round table discussion with medical students and residents in which they shared strategies for success in medical school, residency and beyond, including getting onto residency and fellowship programs. Feedback from the students and residents who attended the session was amazing. They wished it was much longer and overwhelmingly expressed their satisfaction in their decision to come to Houston. Dr. Enaka Yembe of the Yembe foundation, Dr. Anne Burnley Ekiti of the Patcha Foundation, Mr. Craig Sharver of Mercy Ships, and Mrs. Rosemary Atanga of the Atanga Kidney Foundation gave presentations and led discussions

around doing mission trips in Cameroon. They highlighted the work of their foundations in Cameroon and discussed opportunities and challenges. Many ACPA members have identified giving back to Cameroon via mission trips and other ways as one of their top priorities and reasons for joining ACPA. To cap a day of enriching discussions, Dr. Ellen Friedman of Baylor College of Medicine gave an eye opening talk on work – life balance and physician burnout. It was clear that everyone in the room had an interest in the techniques of preventing physician

burnout that she presented. The response from delegates during each of these discussions was strong evidence that ACPA had succeeded in its effort to have a truly meaningful meeting, where every member got something out of it to take home. There was a lot of engagement from the members. The only likely disappointment at the conclusion of each session was time.The meeting also gave ACPA an opportunity to take care of some housekeeping business. There was an executive council meeting on Friday evening, by-laws discussions and amendments on

Saturday, and nominations for offices and the Board of Directors. Elections shall be held electronically. Committee reports also highlighted the work that ACPA is doing day in and day out to grow its mission and achieve it vision. All members were urged to sign up for at least one committee.The local Houston community also benefited from the ACPA annual meeting. A community health fair was organized by ACPA on Sunday at St. Nicholas Parish Hall in Houston, TX. Participation at the health fair was beyond everyone’s imagination. Hundreds of Houstonians attended the fair

and took advantage of the expertise and benevolence of the ACPA members who ran the fair. It was so successful that ACPA’s executive director’s office has been swamped with calls asking for when and where the next health fair will be. As they say, all work and no play made Jack a dull boy. ACPA, therefore, stepped it up on the social front. A welcome reception at the home of Drs. Barnabas and Gwendoline Fote on Friday evening started the social program. It was more like ITEM ONE instead of ITEM ELEVEN. Members were treated to some fine cuisine with a variety of delicious African meals as they trickled into town. They were also treated to some warming live

music by DJ Skipper. It was a classic affair that showcased the true meaning of southern hospitality. That was just the beginning of the entertainment for the weekend. MC Bendrix Tabu capped Saturday evening with a glaring comedy performance at the dinner banquet. His jokes were so sweet that members who suffered from diabetes probably needed an extra dose of insulin. In fact, our spine surgeons in the house had to do some extra work on members who laughed so hard that they fell off their seats and hurt their backs. All this was in the backdrop of a sensuous buffet dinner.In all, the first annual ACPA meeting was an overwhelming success. Members who attended the meeting were glad they made

that investment. Those who did not make it certainly missed out. As ACPA President, Dr. Denis Foretia put it, “this is a great stepping stone to build on.” We can only expect bigger and better things in the future as ideas kept pouring in from members. In fact, Programs Committee chair, Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi, is already soliciting topics and ideas for the next meeting. The 2018 ACPA annual meeting shall also be held in Houston, TX from April 20th to 22nd, 2018. Atlanta, GA shall host the 2019 annual meeting from April 19th to 21st, 2019. Mark your calendars today and book your flights now. Don’t miss out on this wonderful journey that ACPA is embarking on. Affaire a suivre!

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

3

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) held its first annual general assembly in Houston, TX from April 21st to 23rd, 2017. After a successful inaugural meeting in Atlanta, GA in November, the onus was on Houston 2017 to realize the promise and vision set in Atlanta. By all accounts, Houston 2017 definitely delivered in grand style.

Attendance at the first annual meeting was impressive. Over fifty members, representing the full spectrum of ACPA’s membership were at the meeting. There were medical students, residents and fellows, foreign medical graduates (FMGs) looking to get into residency, attending physicians in private practice and academia present. A wide range of specialties, from

primary care and medical subspecialties to general surgery and surgical subspecialties, and emergency medicine were represented. All corners of the US were represented with members flying in from the Far West (California, Washington), the Mid West (Illinois, Minnesota), the North East (New York, New Jersey, Maryland), the South East (North Carolina, Virginia,

Cont’t on page 5...

Georgia, Florida, Kentucky), and the South West (Arizona, Texas). Beyond the aesthetically pleasing and diverse attendance, the core of the meeting was on point with the mission and vision of ACPA. It was full of substance highlighted by presentations given by experts, and discussions carefully put together by the Programs Committee to benefit all constituents of ACPA. Mr. Philip Okala, COO of Penn Medicine gave a talk on value based and alternative payment models. He gave a detailed breakdown of MACRA and its implications to the bottom line – reimbursement – to physicians and practices. Those in private practice who will most

be affected by these changes were definitely enlightened. Dan Michalk, President and Founder of Water Way Wealth gave an equally enlightening talk on financial planning and estate management. He highlighted key concepts in financial planning that are critical to every member that was present in the room. Dr. Daisy Ayim, an OB/Gyn physician in private practice, gave a talk in business management. Dr. Ayim focused on critical steps and challenges that must be navigated in order to establish a successful solo practice. It was of great interest to members considering opening a private practice. Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem and Dr. Valentine

Nfonsam held a round table discussion with medical students and residents in which they shared strategies for success in medical school, residency and beyond, including getting onto residency and fellowship programs. Feedback from the students and residents who attended the session was amazing. They wished it was much longer and overwhelmingly expressed their satisfaction in their decision to come to Houston. Dr. Enaka Yembe of the Yembe foundation, Dr. Anne Burnley Ekiti of the Patcha Foundation, Mr. Craig Sharver of Mercy Ships, and Mrs. Rosemary Atanga of the Atanga Kidney Foundation gave presentations and led discussions

around doing mission trips in Cameroon. They highlighted the work of their foundations in Cameroon and discussed opportunities and challenges. Many ACPA members have identified giving back to Cameroon via mission trips and other ways as one of their top priorities and reasons for joining ACPA. To cap a day of enriching discussions, Dr. Ellen Friedman of Baylor College of Medicine gave an eye opening talk on work – life balance and physician burnout. It was clear that everyone in the room had an interest in the techniques of preventing physician

burnout that she presented. The response from delegates during each of these discussions was strong evidence that ACPA had succeeded in its effort to have a truly meaningful meeting, where every member got something out of it to take home. There was a lot of engagement from the members. The only likely disappointment at the conclusion of each session was time.The meeting also gave ACPA an opportunity to take care of some housekeeping business. There was an executive council meeting on Friday evening, by-laws discussions and amendments on

Saturday, and nominations for offices and the Board of Directors. Elections shall be held electronically. Committee reports also highlighted the work that ACPA is doing day in and day out to grow its mission and achieve it vision. All members were urged to sign up for at least one committee.The local Houston community also benefited from the ACPA annual meeting. A community health fair was organized by ACPA on Sunday at St. Nicholas Parish Hall in Houston, TX. Participation at the health fair was beyond everyone’s imagination. Hundreds of Houstonians attended the fair

and took advantage of the expertise and benevolence of the ACPA members who ran the fair. It was so successful that ACPA’s executive director’s office has been swamped with calls asking for when and where the next health fair will be. As they say, all work and no play made Jack a dull boy. ACPA, therefore, stepped it up on the social front. A welcome reception at the home of Drs. Barnabas and Gwendoline Fote on Friday evening started the social program. It was more like ITEM ONE instead of ITEM ELEVEN. Members were treated to some fine cuisine with a variety of delicious African meals as they trickled into town. They were also treated to some warming live

music by DJ Skipper. It was a classic affair that showcased the true meaning of southern hospitality. That was just the beginning of the entertainment for the weekend. MC Bendrix Tabu capped Saturday evening with a glaring comedy performance at the dinner banquet. His jokes were so sweet that members who suffered from diabetes probably needed an extra dose of insulin. In fact, our spine surgeons in the house had to do some extra work on members who laughed so hard that they fell off their seats and hurt their backs. All this was in the backdrop of a sensuous buffet dinner.In all, the first annual ACPA meeting was an overwhelming success. Members who attended the meeting were glad they made

that investment. Those who did not make it certainly missed out. As ACPA President, Dr. Denis Foretia put it, “this is a great stepping stone to build on.” We can only expect bigger and better things in the future as ideas kept pouring in from members. In fact, Programs Committee chair, Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi, is already soliciting topics and ideas for the next meeting. The 2018 ACPA annual meeting shall also be held in Houston, TX from April 20th to 22nd, 2018. Atlanta, GA shall host the 2019 annual meeting from April 19th to 21st, 2019. Mark your calendars today and book your flights now. Don’t miss out on this wonderful journey that ACPA is embarking on. Affaire a suivre!

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

4

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) held its first annual general assembly in Houston, TX from April 21st to 23rd, 2017. After a successful inaugural meeting in Atlanta, GA in November, the onus was on Houston 2017 to realize the promise and vision set in Atlanta. By all accounts, Houston 2017 definitely delivered in grand style.

Attendance at the first annual meeting was impressive. Over fifty members, representing the full spectrum of ACPA’s membership were at the meeting. There were medical students, residents and fellows, foreign medical graduates (FMGs) looking to get into residency, attending physicians in private practice and academia present. A wide range of specialties, from

primary care and medical subspecialties to general surgery and surgical subspecialties, and emergency medicine were represented. All corners of the US were represented with members flying in from the Far West (California, Washington), the Mid West (Illinois, Minnesota), the North East (New York, New Jersey, Maryland), the South East (North Carolina, Virginia,

Cont’t on page 6...

Georgia, Florida, Kentucky), and the South West (Arizona, Texas). Beyond the aesthetically pleasing and diverse attendance, the core of the meeting was on point with the mission and vision of ACPA. It was full of substance highlighted by presentations given by experts, and discussions carefully put together by the Programs Committee to benefit all constituents of ACPA. Mr. Philip Okala, COO of Penn Medicine gave a talk on value based and alternative payment models. He gave a detailed breakdown of MACRA and its implications to the bottom line – reimbursement – to physicians and practices. Those in private practice who will most

be affected by these changes were definitely enlightened. Dan Michalk, President and Founder of Water Way Wealth gave an equally enlightening talk on financial planning and estate management. He highlighted key concepts in financial planning that are critical to every member that was present in the room. Dr. Daisy Ayim, an OB/Gyn physician in private practice, gave a talk in business management. Dr. Ayim focused on critical steps and challenges that must be navigated in order to establish a successful solo practice. It was of great interest to members considering opening a private practice. Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem and Dr. Valentine

Nfonsam held a round table discussion with medical students and residents in which they shared strategies for success in medical school, residency and beyond, including getting onto residency and fellowship programs. Feedback from the students and residents who attended the session was amazing. They wished it was much longer and overwhelmingly expressed their satisfaction in their decision to come to Houston. Dr. Enaka Yembe of the Yembe foundation, Dr. Anne Burnley Ekiti of the Patcha Foundation, Mr. Craig Sharver of Mercy Ships, and Mrs. Rosemary Atanga of the Atanga Kidney Foundation gave presentations and led discussions

around doing mission trips in Cameroon. They highlighted the work of their foundations in Cameroon and discussed opportunities and challenges. Many ACPA members have identified giving back to Cameroon via mission trips and other ways as one of their top priorities and reasons for joining ACPA. To cap a day of enriching discussions, Dr. Ellen Friedman of Baylor College of Medicine gave an eye opening talk on work – life balance and physician burnout. It was clear that everyone in the room had an interest in the techniques of preventing physician

burnout that she presented. The response from delegates during each of these discussions was strong evidence that ACPA had succeeded in its effort to have a truly meaningful meeting, where every member got something out of it to take home. There was a lot of engagement from the members. The only likely disappointment at the conclusion of each session was time.The meeting also gave ACPA an opportunity to take care of some housekeeping business. There was an executive council meeting on Friday evening, by-laws discussions and amendments on

Saturday, and nominations for offices and the Board of Directors. Elections shall be held electronically. Committee reports also highlighted the work that ACPA is doing day in and day out to grow its mission and achieve it vision. All members were urged to sign up for at least one committee.The local Houston community also benefited from the ACPA annual meeting. A community health fair was organized by ACPA on Sunday at St. Nicholas Parish Hall in Houston, TX. Participation at the health fair was beyond everyone’s imagination. Hundreds of Houstonians attended the fair

and took advantage of the expertise and benevolence of the ACPA members who ran the fair. It was so successful that ACPA’s executive director’s office has been swamped with calls asking for when and where the next health fair will be. As they say, all work and no play made Jack a dull boy. ACPA, therefore, stepped it up on the social front. A welcome reception at the home of Drs. Barnabas and Gwendoline Fote on Friday evening started the social program. It was more like ITEM ONE instead of ITEM ELEVEN. Members were treated to some fine cuisine with a variety of delicious African meals as they trickled into town. They were also treated to some warming live

music by DJ Skipper. It was a classic affair that showcased the true meaning of southern hospitality. That was just the beginning of the entertainment for the weekend. MC Bendrix Tabu capped Saturday evening with a glaring comedy performance at the dinner banquet. His jokes were so sweet that members who suffered from diabetes probably needed an extra dose of insulin. In fact, our spine surgeons in the house had to do some extra work on members who laughed so hard that they fell off their seats and hurt their backs. All this was in the backdrop of a sensuous buffet dinner.In all, the first annual ACPA meeting was an overwhelming success. Members who attended the meeting were glad they made

that investment. Those who did not make it certainly missed out. As ACPA President, Dr. Denis Foretia put it, “this is a great stepping stone to build on.” We can only expect bigger and better things in the future as ideas kept pouring in from members. In fact, Programs Committee chair, Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi, is already soliciting topics and ideas for the next meeting. The 2018 ACPA annual meeting shall also be held in Houston, TX from April 20th to 22nd, 2018. Atlanta, GA shall host the 2019 annual meeting from April 19th to 21st, 2019. Mark your calendars today and book your flights now. Don’t miss out on this wonderful journey that ACPA is embarking on. Affaire a suivre!

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

5

The Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the Americas (ACPA) held its first annual general assembly in Houston, TX from April 21st to 23rd, 2017. After a successful inaugural meeting in Atlanta, GA in November, the onus was on Houston 2017 to realize the promise and vision set in Atlanta. By all accounts, Houston 2017 definitely delivered in grand style.

Attendance at the first annual meeting was impressive. Over fifty members, representing the full spectrum of ACPA’s membership were at the meeting. There were medical students, residents and fellows, foreign medical graduates (FMGs) looking to get into residency, attending physicians in private practice and academia present. A wide range of specialties, from

primary care and medical subspecialties to general surgery and surgical subspecialties, and emergency medicine were represented. All corners of the US were represented with members flying in from the Far West (California, Washington), the Mid West (Illinois, Minnesota), the North East (New York, New Jersey, Maryland), the South East (North Carolina, Virginia,

Cont’t on page 7...

Georgia, Florida, Kentucky), and the South West (Arizona, Texas). Beyond the aesthetically pleasing and diverse attendance, the core of the meeting was on point with the mission and vision of ACPA. It was full of substance highlighted by presentations given by experts, and discussions carefully put together by the Programs Committee to benefit all constituents of ACPA. Mr. Philip Okala, COO of Penn Medicine gave a talk on value based and alternative payment models. He gave a detailed breakdown of MACRA and its implications to the bottom line – reimbursement – to physicians and practices. Those in private practice who will most

be affected by these changes were definitely enlightened. Dan Michalk, President and Founder of Water Way Wealth gave an equally enlightening talk on financial planning and estate management. He highlighted key concepts in financial planning that are critical to every member that was present in the room. Dr. Daisy Ayim, an OB/Gyn physician in private practice, gave a talk in business management. Dr. Ayim focused on critical steps and challenges that must be navigated in order to establish a successful solo practice. It was of great interest to members considering opening a private practice. Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem and Dr. Valentine

Nfonsam held a round table discussion with medical students and residents in which they shared strategies for success in medical school, residency and beyond, including getting onto residency and fellowship programs. Feedback from the students and residents who attended the session was amazing. They wished it was much longer and overwhelmingly expressed their satisfaction in their decision to come to Houston. Dr. Enaka Yembe of the Yembe foundation, Dr. Anne Burnley Ekiti of the Patcha Foundation, Mr. Craig Sharver of Mercy Ships, and Mrs. Rosemary Atanga of the Atanga Kidney Foundation gave presentations and led discussions

around doing mission trips in Cameroon. They highlighted the work of their foundations in Cameroon and discussed opportunities and challenges. Many ACPA members have identified giving back to Cameroon via mission trips and other ways as one of their top priorities and reasons for joining ACPA. To cap a day of enriching discussions, Dr. Ellen Friedman of Baylor College of Medicine gave an eye opening talk on work – life balance and physician burnout. It was clear that everyone in the room had an interest in the techniques of preventing physician

burnout that she presented. The response from delegates during each of these discussions was strong evidence that ACPA had succeeded in its effort to have a truly meaningful meeting, where every member got something out of it to take home. There was a lot of engagement from the members. The only likely disappointment at the conclusion of each session was time.The meeting also gave ACPA an opportunity to take care of some housekeeping business. There was an executive council meeting on Friday evening, by-laws discussions and amendments on

Saturday, and nominations for offices and the Board of Directors. Elections shall be held electronically. Committee reports also highlighted the work that ACPA is doing day in and day out to grow its mission and achieve it vision. All members were urged to sign up for at least one committee.The local Houston community also benefited from the ACPA annual meeting. A community health fair was organized by ACPA on Sunday at St. Nicholas Parish Hall in Houston, TX. Participation at the health fair was beyond everyone’s imagination. Hundreds of Houstonians attended the fair

and took advantage of the expertise and benevolence of the ACPA members who ran the fair. It was so successful that ACPA’s executive director’s office has been swamped with calls asking for when and where the next health fair will be. As they say, all work and no play made Jack a dull boy. ACPA, therefore, stepped it up on the social front. A welcome reception at the home of Drs. Barnabas and Gwendoline Fote on Friday evening started the social program. It was more like ITEM ONE instead of ITEM ELEVEN. Members were treated to some fine cuisine with a variety of delicious African meals as they trickled into town. They were also treated to some warming live

music by DJ Skipper. It was a classic affair that showcased the true meaning of southern hospitality. That was just the beginning of the entertainment for the weekend. MC Bendrix Tabu capped Saturday evening with a glaring comedy performance at the dinner banquet. His jokes were so sweet that members who suffered from diabetes probably needed an extra dose of insulin. In fact, our spine surgeons in the house had to do some extra work on members who laughed so hard that they fell off their seats and hurt their backs. All this was in the backdrop of a sensuous buffet dinner.In all, the first annual ACPA meeting was an overwhelming success. Members who attended the meeting were glad they made

that investment. Those who did not make it certainly missed out. As ACPA President, Dr. Denis Foretia put it, “this is a great stepping stone to build on.” We can only expect bigger and better things in the future as ideas kept pouring in from members. In fact, Programs Committee chair, Dr. Emmanuel Enohmbi, is already soliciting topics and ideas for the next meeting. The 2018 ACPA annual meeting shall also be held in Houston, TX from April 20th to 22nd, 2018. Atlanta, GA shall host the 2019 annual meeting from April 19th to 21st, 2019. Mark your calendars today and book your flights now. Don’t miss out on this wonderful journey that ACPA is embarking on. Affaire a suivre!

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

6

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

Dr. Bonaventure Ngu, MD - Co-chair of 2017 ACPA annual conference welcomes delegates

Dr. Ngu thanked the executive board and programs committee for choosing

Houston to host the first ever annual conference. He specifi-cally thanked Drs. Gwen and Barnabas Fote for hosting the delegates at their home during the welcome dinner. He recognized Dr. Efua Leke-Fon-lon, co-chair of annual confe-rence for an outstanding job putting together the health fair.

Other Houston members of ACPA were duly recognized.

The executive director of ACPA, Ngwebi Fobi was acknowledged for her hard work and dedication. Dr. Ngu encouraged all delegates to network and make sure that by the close of deliberations, all attending ACPA members know each other on a first name basis. After all, the theme for this first annual conference is “Unity and Networking”.

7

8

Association of Cameroonian Physicians in the AmericasMonthly Newsletter

ACPA Annual Meeting * April 21-23, 2017 * The Woodlands, Texas

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

A healthy heart- the gift that keeps on giving

Cont’t on page 10...

We are midway through 2017 and Christmas and New Year have come and gone. Summer is almost here. The gifts that we gave others for the holidays have long been used but, the perfect gift this year should be a healthy heart. This should be the gift that you give not just to yourself but to your loved ones. It is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. Many people suffer from heart disease and they don't even know it, hence the reason that it is called the silent killer. Symptoms may not be evident until the disease is far advanced or it is too late. Heart disease is a broad term that could cover the various ailments that could affect the heart like Coronary artery disease (heart attack), congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, and various dysrhythmias (irregular rhythms) like atrial fibrillation and such. In a simplistic way think of your heart as a house and the coronary vessels as the pipes, the valves as the doors and the rhythm issues as a malfunctioning electrical system.

I'll be focusing here on Coronary artery disease (CAD). There are several risk factors for Coronary artery disease (heart attack) and the non-modifiable risk factors include age (men 45 years or older and women 55 years or older are at a higher risk that younger men and women of having a heart attack),

certain diseases (auto-immune conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus) and a family history of a heart attack especially in first degree relatives. Other risk factors that are modifiable include tobacco use, untreated/uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high triglycerides, Diabetes, lack of exercise, Obesity, stress, illegal drug use (stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines).

With that is mind, if there is narrowing or a blockage in any of your vessels including your coronary arteries which are the arteries that carry blood containing oxygen and nutrients to your heart, your heart will be unable to get oxygen and nutrients because of this blockage. These blockages are caused by plaque which slowly

narrow the diameter of the coronary arteries till they are fully blocked. A blood clot can also block the coronary arteries preventing blood flow to the heart muscles. Without this, the heart muscle will die. This is what manifests as a heart attack. Plaque can occur as a result of high cholesterol. Symptoms of a heart attack can include, difficulty catching your breath, chest pain, chest pressure or a squeezing or

aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back, numbness and tingling in your arms especially your left arm, jaw pain, back pain, nausea, Indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, lightheadedness or sudden dizziness. Sometimes, you have no symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, some people will start to feel these symptoms when their arteries are partially blocked and others will feel nothing until there is complete blockage.

If you start having unexplained chest pain, or any of the other symptoms above you should chew 4 tablets of baby Aspirin (81mg X 4 =324 mg) or 1 tablet of 325mg Aspirin and chew it as you dial 911 or summon for help. This will keep your platelets from sticking together and forming a clot which will make the blockage worse. As a matter of fact in my opinion, every adult over 40 years old should be taking one Enteric

coated Aspirin (81mg) every day. It is called enteric coated because it will not cause damage to your stomach and give you ulcers. If you take Aspirin on an empty stomach it can cause stomach ulcers, so when you do take Aspirin please eat first before you take it.

More importantly, you should do your best to keep from getting a heart attack in the first place, after all prevention is better than a cure. Depending on your age and risk factors and family history you should get a fasting lipid panel (cholesterol check), EKG (Electrocardiogram), Hemoglobin A1c and Glucose (both to see if you have diabetes) and other basic blood work depending on what else is going on with you. Depending on the outcome of the above tests, your doctor may go further and get an Echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart) to better look at the heart structure. Other tests that can further clarify things include a Stress test (where you run on a treadmill to see if this will reproduce symptoms like chest pain). The stress test can also be done by injecting a medicine that will cause your heart to beat faster and mimic exercise on the heart and the symptoms can be reproduced in this way. A stress test can be combined with EKG and with imaging where the Cardiologist is better able to see exactly which coronary vessel and the corresponding muscle section of the heart may be blocked. If the results are concerning or if they are inconclusive, the Cardiologist may then choose to proceed to a left heart catherization where he will directly

be able to see if there are any blockages and if so where. During a left heart catherization, the cardiologist can identify and fix the problem using stents. Time is muscle and sometimes, it’s too late to repair the damage. If there are too many blockages, or if the blockages are in certain areas, you may be referred for open heart surgery.

Are you wondering who should get the above tests? Good question! Anyone over 25 should get a

cholesterol check and possibly a glucose test and an EKG. Anyone over 40 should definitely get the cholesterol check, EKG, glucose testing and basic blood work looking at their electrolytes and kidney function and complete blood count. In addition, they should be

taking Aspirin 81mg every day. If there is a strong family history of heart attacks in your mother, father or siblings, then you should be screened sooner and followed more closely as you may have a higher risk of getting coronary artery disease than others.

In conclusion weight loss, exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week and reducing carbohydrate, fat and alcohol intake will help reduce your

risk of CAD. Stopping smoking, keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure within normal limits and getting your checkups routinely in addition to taking your medications as prescribed will also help reduce your risks as well. If at all possible, avoid stress. If that’s not possible then yoga, exercise, meditation and pursuing your hobbies are good ways of dealing with stress. Also please learn CPR as you never know when and where these lifesaving skills may be needed.

References:www.mayoclinic.org/diseases.../heart-attack/basics/risk-factors/con-200195Http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/caregiver/resources/what

iscardiovascular disease/

Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO RRT Board Certified

in Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine Fellow

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

9

We are midway through 2017 and Christmas and New Year have come and gone. Summer is almost here. The gifts that we gave others for the holidays have long been used but, the perfect gift this year should be a healthy heart. This should be the gift that you give not just to yourself but to your loved ones. It is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. Many people suffer from heart disease and they don't even know it, hence the reason that it is called the silent killer. Symptoms may not be evident until the disease is far advanced or it is too late. Heart disease is a broad term that could cover the various ailments that could affect the heart like Coronary artery disease (heart attack), congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, and various dysrhythmias (irregular rhythms) like atrial fibrillation and such. In a simplistic way think of your heart as a house and the coronary vessels as the pipes, the valves as the doors and the rhythm issues as a malfunctioning electrical system.

I'll be focusing here on Coronary artery disease (CAD). There are several risk factors for Coronary artery disease (heart attack) and the non-modifiable risk factors include age (men 45 years or older and women 55 years or older are at a higher risk that younger men and women of having a heart attack),

certain diseases (auto-immune conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus) and a family history of a heart attack especially in first degree relatives. Other risk factors that are modifiable include tobacco use, untreated/uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high triglycerides, Diabetes, lack of exercise, Obesity, stress, illegal drug use (stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines).

With that is mind, if there is narrowing or a blockage in any of your vessels including your coronary arteries which are the arteries that carry blood containing oxygen and nutrients to your heart, your heart will be unable to get oxygen and nutrients because of this blockage. These blockages are caused by plaque which slowly

narrow the diameter of the coronary arteries till they are fully blocked. A blood clot can also block the coronary arteries preventing blood flow to the heart muscles. Without this, the heart muscle will die. This is what manifests as a heart attack. Plaque can occur as a result of high cholesterol. Symptoms of a heart attack can include, difficulty catching your breath, chest pain, chest pressure or a squeezing or

aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back, numbness and tingling in your arms especially your left arm, jaw pain, back pain, nausea, Indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, lightheadedness or sudden dizziness. Sometimes, you have no symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, some people will start to feel these symptoms when their arteries are partially blocked and others will feel nothing until there is complete blockage.

If you start having unexplained chest pain, or any of the other symptoms above you should chew 4 tablets of baby Aspirin (81mg X 4 =324 mg) or 1 tablet of 325mg Aspirin and chew it as you dial 911 or summon for help. This will keep your platelets from sticking together and forming a clot which will make the blockage worse. As a matter of fact in my opinion, every adult over 40 years old should be taking one Enteric

coated Aspirin (81mg) every day. It is called enteric coated because it will not cause damage to your stomach and give you ulcers. If you take Aspirin on an empty stomach it can cause stomach ulcers, so when you do take Aspirin please eat first before you take it.

More importantly, you should do your best to keep from getting a heart attack in the first place, after all prevention is better than a cure. Depending on your age and risk factors and family history you should get a fasting lipid panel (cholesterol check), EKG (Electrocardiogram), Hemoglobin A1c and Glucose (both to see if you have diabetes) and other basic blood work depending on what else is going on with you. Depending on the outcome of the above tests, your doctor may go further and get an Echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart) to better look at the heart structure. Other tests that can further clarify things include a Stress test (where you run on a treadmill to see if this will reproduce symptoms like chest pain). The stress test can also be done by injecting a medicine that will cause your heart to beat faster and mimic exercise on the heart and the symptoms can be reproduced in this way. A stress test can be combined with EKG and with imaging where the Cardiologist is better able to see exactly which coronary vessel and the corresponding muscle section of the heart may be blocked. If the results are concerning or if they are inconclusive, the Cardiologist may then choose to proceed to a left heart catherization where he will directly

be able to see if there are any blockages and if so where. During a left heart catherization, the cardiologist can identify and fix the problem using stents. Time is muscle and sometimes, it’s too late to repair the damage. If there are too many blockages, or if the blockages are in certain areas, you may be referred for open heart surgery.

Are you wondering who should get the above tests? Good question! Anyone over 25 should get a

cholesterol check and possibly a glucose test and an EKG. Anyone over 40 should definitely get the cholesterol check, EKG, glucose testing and basic blood work looking at their electrolytes and kidney function and complete blood count. In addition, they should be

taking Aspirin 81mg every day. If there is a strong family history of heart attacks in your mother, father or siblings, then you should be screened sooner and followed more closely as you may have a higher risk of getting coronary artery disease than others.

In conclusion weight loss, exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week and reducing carbohydrate, fat and alcohol intake will help reduce your

risk of CAD. Stopping smoking, keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure within normal limits and getting your checkups routinely in addition to taking your medications as prescribed will also help reduce your risks as well. If at all possible, avoid stress. If that’s not possible then yoga, exercise, meditation and pursuing your hobbies are good ways of dealing with stress. Also please learn CPR as you never know when and where these lifesaving skills may be needed.

References:www.mayoclinic.org/diseases.../heart-attack/basics/risk-factors/con-200195Http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/caregiver/resources/what

iscardiovascular disease/

Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO RRT Board Certified

in Internal Medicine/Critical Care Medicine Fellow

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

‘‘ If you take Aspirin on an

empty stomach it can cause

stomach ulcers, so when you do

take Aspirin please eat first before you take

it. ’’

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

10

SPOTLIGHT on a medical student member of the ACPA

An interview of ACPA Student member and soon to be Resident member- Martha Teke, RN, BSN by Dr. Shirley Ayuk-Takem, DO, RRT.

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

Cont’t on page 12...

11

Cont’t on page 13...

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

12

Cont’t on page 14...

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

Dr. Jacob Sama,Associate/Resident

Yvan Rostand Songue, Student

Dr. Serge Awasum, Founder’s Club

Dr. Nicole Fobi-Nunga, Upgraded Founder’s Club

Dr. Foma Munah Kenne, Associate/Resident

Dr. Vanessa Ngakeng, Full/Regular

Dr. Irene Wakam, Founder’s Club – Upgraded

from Regular Member

Blance Echari, Student

Dr. Austine Mengnjo, Founder’s Club

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

JULY 2017

13

Founder’s Club

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

Dr. Eliel ArreyDr. Shirley Ayuk-TakemDr. Constantine ChienkuDr. Chimi Linda Fosso

Dr. Walter FotoDr. Corentine Kwende Ako

Dr. Jean Jacques Nya Ngatchou

Dr. Irene Wakam

We don’t want to miss your special day, send us your

birthday: NFobi@AC-PA-CMR.org

The ACPA Membership

Committee wishes a Happy Birthday to the ACPA Members celebrating in June

and July!

Founders’ Club membership shall be open to Full and Associate members who are pioneer members of the Association from the time of its creation until the first full year of its legal existence. Founder’s Club members receive a

membership certificate, Founder’s Club membership cards, and special recognition at organization meetings and events. Founders’ Club members are required to make a minimum one-time donation of $1000 to receive the distinction.

14

Current Membership List

Shirley: Tell us about yourself. Who is Martha Teke and what are you

passionate about?

Martha: A brief summary of my journey. I am a f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n Cameroonian-American born in Erie, PA. At 9, my parents made the excellent decision to send me to Saker Baptist College where I completed to the O – Levels with 10 papers. I called this decision excellent because it was in Saker that I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ which is the foundation and purpose for who I am and what I do. Also, Saker taught me discipline, respect, resilience, camaraderie and my culture in a way that no other environment could and I will forever be grateful to my parents for that decision. I returned from Saker at 13 and enrolled in Collin County Community College so I could stay close to home in my early college years due to my age. I subsequently left home and pursued an RN, BSN at the Texas A&M College of Nursing graduating Magna Cum Laude. My passion had always been for medicine from childhood desires from various role

models to my health-care experiences in Cameroon with malaria. I knew health-care in Cameroon needed to change when I had to be admitted and saw the scarcity of resources in terms of personnel and equipment. Therefore, I continued to pursue medicine after nursing and matriculated to Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine of where I am currently a

4th-year medical student who recently matched to General Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Shirley: Who are your role models and why?

Martha: First and foremost, my parents, specifically my Mother. Being immigrants from fairly humble beginnings from the streets of Kumba and Tiko, my parents sought out for a better future in a foreign land and have been successful in their own right. I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, self-confidence and the mentality of “excellence” to which I strive to uphold today. Secondly, Dr. Austin Ogwu, an

internist who has served as a pillar, role model and huge source of advice and strength along the way. My personal statement for medical school highlighted his effects on my life and I will forever be grateful. Last but not least, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, an OB/GYN based in NY/NJ. I encountered Dr. Thornton after I read her best-selling novel “The ditch-diggers daughters.” It highlighted the dreams of her

father; father to 5 African-American girls. As a ditch-digger, he dreamt that all of his children would become doctors in the 1960’s. This was an environment that did not support African-Americans, talk less of becoming physicians. Regardless the obstacles, he encouraged his kids to strive and aim high and 3 of them are physicians today. Dr. Thornton’s memoir of her Father impacted me so much that I reached out to her, and luckily she responded! From there blossomed a great relationship of mentorship where she has encouraged me to reach for the moon, and if I miss it, I may catch a star. Her journey as a Professor at Cornell was highlighted in her next best-seller “Something to Prove.” From both books and multiple conversations, she has inspired me to pursue my dreams and be relentless in my accomplishments regardless the obstacles.

Shirley: So fellow ex-Sakerette, tell us about your Saker days. Was it a difficult transition?

Martha: Oh, my Saker days! Many fond memories come to mind. Coming directly from America served to be a difficult transition initially. The “elements” were all against me. My skin adversely reacted to the weather and insects like “critchee,” gave me a poor welcome. Nevertheless, Dr. Luegenia Ndi is my cousin and she was in Form 5 at the time and helped me adjust to this new environment. My Mother who is an ex-Sakerette tried to guide my expectations as much as possible, but no amount of coaching could prepare me for what I was to face. Taking cold showers, having

trimmed hair, manual labor were amongst my culture shocks. On the other hand, the respect built and personal relationships gained were priceless. As stated above, with Saker’s Christian background, I dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at that young age which has been the pivot of my life. The discipline harnessed in each student is impeccable. I can give a detailed account of my schedule of my Saker days even in my sleep because of such a regimented structure. Coming from America, I was also shocked when my grades were read in the class after my first test. However, I would not trade this experience for the world. Saker plays a huge role into who I am today. It has given me a cultural perspective and world view that no amount of teaching could give me. Also, Saker made education the responsibility of the student and not the teacher or the parent which I quite frankly think the lack thereof has crippled the education system here in America.

Shirley: Was it hard graduating from Saker at 13 years old and nursing school at 17 years old?

Martha: My age didn’t prove to be a negative factor until I started attending college here in U.S. At age 13, I was in class with 18 and 19-year-olds. To dodge the social stigma by my peers, I kept my age a secret till I was in nursing school. Nursing school had multiple activities that required me to drive. Unfortunately, due to my age, I hadn’t obtained a driver’s license and depended on my classmates for transportation at times. I had to tell them why I needed their help, thus telling them my age. Talk about building humility!!!

Overall, I wouldn’t have obtained my Bachelor’s degree without the dedication of my loving Mother. While in College Station, TX, my Mother would drive from Dallas, TX every 2 weeks to deliver food and beverages while taking my laundry and trash to be cleaned when she returned to Dallas. She did this religiously to take away that burden so I could concentrate in school. As stated above, my parents are my role models, not just because of their attributes, but also because of their sacrifices for their children.

Shirley: Why/when did you decide to be a doctor? How did your nursing background come

into play?

Martha: The decision sparked early in life due to my admiration for the “white coat” and status that physicians upheld in the community. I was always very interested in the sciences as a child, but medicine seemed to be the best avenue to channel this interest. Then while in Cameroon, I developed malaria which served to be an eye-opening experience. I encountered health-care with scarce resources, especially in terms of medical personnel. For a clinic/hospital with over 40 patients, there was 1 physician tasked to take care of all the patients. In my view, that was unacceptable and that further fueled my passion for medicine. Under the advice of my parents, I pursued a nursing degree prior to medicine. Their rationale was “good nurses make great doctors,” and looking back, I have found that to be true. My years of experience with patient care greatly helped me during medical school, especially

during my clinical/clerkship years. Nursing provided me the holistic perspective which doctors are blinded to at times. As a nurse, you must be a team player to have the best patient care, and that has helped me as I integrated myself into the OR setting. So needless to say, nursing has been a huge blessing that will help me to become an effective physician. Medicine was always the goal, but nursing served as a great path to that goal.

Shirley: Tell us about your medical school, and why did you

choose it?

Martha: I attend Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine. Whoop! For all the Aggies out there. There were multiple reasons I chose this institution; first, for the money. My school offered me a full-ride academic scholarship for all 4 years of medical school with a small allowance for room and board. I was blessed to be accepted to 6 of the 7 medical schools that I interviewed at, but Texas A&M offered the best package. Secondly, I obtained my RN, BSN degree from Texas A&M and was already very familiar with the people and environment. Key support systems like my church and friends were in College Station, so it was not a hard transition into medical school. Thirdly, it was close enough to home for frequent visits, but far enough for optimal concentration. I knew in order to be successful in medical school, I had to isolate and discipline myself and College Station was the best environment to do just that.

Shirley: Why did you choose surgery as your specialty?

Martha: My path to Surgery has been a mix of faith, events, and interest. Having a nursing background, I came into medical school very opposed to the surgical field and surgeons in general. I actually wanted to be an interventional Cardiologist initially. However, when I began my 3rd-year clerkships, I realized I didn’t enjoy internal medicine as much as I had once thought and quite frankly I began to think that medicine (being a doctor) was not for me because I had no interest in the other specialties as well. This

feeling stopped when I had my surgery clerkship; it was a whiff of fresh air. Anatomy playing right in front of me during a CABG procedure was fascinating. I also enjoyed the definitiveness of surgery and the instant gratification when your patient told you “thank you” after you have removed their source of pain or treated their ailment. Furthermore, I enjoyed the fact that I could become an expert in my field if I just put in the work to practice. Even with those compelling arguments, I was still torn in my pursuit of surgery till my Father had a severe cervical spine injury in December of my 3rd year. My experience in the SICU with my Dad and his surgeon gave me perspective and helped my resolve for surgery. Within surgery, Pediatric surgery intrigued me the most as it was the perfect culmination of surgery and my love for children. Lastly, I desire to do medical missions, and I know there is a great need for surgeons and Pediatric surgeons around the world. I want to answer that call.

Shirley: What are your expectations for residency?

Martha: I begin Parkland’s (UT Southwestern’s) General Surgery residency in June, and I chose this program because of their volume, diversity in patient population and fellowship opportunities. I look forward to taking advantage of all of that they have to offer. One of my mentors told me that it is best to be pruned and molded in residency than to be a grossly unprepared surgeon in practice. I believe Parkland will help me achieve the excellence in my field that I desire for myself and my patients. Apart

from clinical practice, I would like to be involved in research opportunities at my institution as well.

Shirley: Do you have a mentor, if yes why did you choose this

person?

Martha: Honestly, I have had multiple mentors and I think the more the merrier as long as you are driven enough to maintain the relationships. Every mentor has had a unique perspective to offer of which I have greatly appreciated. Funnily enough, my Father’s spine surgeon is one of my mentors. I also have a Pediatric surgeon and multiple general surgeons who have helped guide me on this path.

Shirley: What advice do you have for the high school

students/college students reading this article right now who aspire

to be a doctor?

Martha: First, YOU CAN DO IT! Second, if it hasn’t been done, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE THE FIRST. Third, the biggest obstacle

to reaching your goals is YOU; not the nay sayers or the difficulty of the path, but your insecurities in your abilities. Believe me, these are principles that I am still developing till date, but they have taken me a long way. Medicine is a great field that has multiple avenues that can harness your unique talents and abilities. Most of all, you get to serve and tap into human life in a way that no other profession can. The journey is tough at times but doable and I challenge you to let your dreams soar and pursue it. As stated above, mentorship is extremely important as you pursue this path and I encourage that you find one as early as possible who can help direct you and encourage you when the path is not ideal and the challenges are many.

Shirley: What are you hoping to get out of the ACPA?

Martha: Firstly, I was very impressed with the first annual congress and I give a big salute to all who were involved in its planning. Prior to the Congress, I was unsure of what to expect.

Being a medical student, networking and mentorship were very big on my list as well as finding a way to support other medical students in the U.S. During the Congress, I was also exposed to various opportunities on how to help Cameroonians back home; that’s a cause that I am passionate about. I formerly thought I won’t get involved in medical missions till I complete residency, but with the opportunities offered at ACPA, I look forward to getting involved in it sooner.

Denis Foretia, MD, PresidentBertrand Fote, MD, Secretary

MAL Fobi, MD, TreasurerNgwebifor Fobi, Executive Director

ACPA Headquarters6557 Satilla Road

Blackshear, GA 31516www.ACPA-CMR.orgInfo@ACPA-CMR.org

FIRST NAME LAST NAME CITY STATE

Stella Achenjang Lexington KYJude Akly Silver Spring MD

Ronald Ambe Conroe TXChenwi Ambe Albequerque NM

Eliel Arrey Houston TXOmerine Aseh Round Rock TX

Ata Atogho Miramar FLSerge Awasum The Woodlands TX

Benedict Awo Suwanee GADaisy Ayim Houston TX

Shirley Ayuk-Takem Millville NJChristian Bime Tucson AZ

Je�rey Chenyi Russellville ALConstaintine Chienku Marshall VA

Blanche Echari Pikesville MDSusan Egbe - Tanyi Kannapolis NCPatrick Elangwe Chicago IL

Emmanuel Enohmbi Waxhaw NCArnold Etame Tampa FL

Mathias A. L. Fobi Stone Mountain GANicole Fobi-Nunga Marietta GAAchu Fongong Mofor Columbus SC

Bertand Fonji Orlando FLDenis Foretia Baltimore MD

Chimi Linda Fosso Sugar Land TXBertrand Fote Waxhaw NCBarnabas Fote Spring TX

Walter Foto Puyallup WAClaudia Fotzeu-Toukam Atlanta GA

Catherine Itoe Houston TXMelanie Ketchandji Tulsa OKPascal Kingah Spring TX

Corentine Kwende Ako Southlake TXEfua Leke-Fonlon Houston TX

Awungnjia Leke-Tambo Houston TXNina Lum London KY

Dione Mbame White Plains NYSusan Mbu Pensacola FL

Eric Mbua Lithia Springs GAEmmanuel Menga San Antonio TX

Gwendoline Menga-Fote Spring TXAustine Mengnjo Sinking Spring PA

FIRST NAME LAST NAME CITY STATE

Fri Mofor-Eta Gallipolis Ferry WVFoma Munoh Kenne Chicago IL

Luegenia Ndi Lubbock TXFombe Ndiforchu Carson CA

Cassandra Ndiforchu Carson CAAriane S. Neyou Pickerington OHVanessa Ngakeng Atlanta GA

Bonaven-ture Ngu Houston TX

Amy-Jo Nkemnkia Fuquay NCNso Nso Aurora ILJean

Jacques Nya Ngatchou Seattle WA

Emilie Nyeck Austin TXEmmanuel Ozimba Phenix City AL

Judith Peyechu-Ambe Conroe TXElna Saah Lansing MI

Jacob Sama Baltimore MDEdwin Shadzeka Lebanon PA

Yvan Rostand Songue Houston TX

Clement Tabe Austell GANelson Tajong Spring TXRonny Tchokonte Houston TXMartha Teke Frisco TXRemy Teqwimuah Friendswood TX

Danielle D Tientcheu Houston TXAlan Tita Birmingham ALIrene Wakam Ventura CAEnaka Yembe Frisco TX

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