These Rutgers Grads Are Completing Their Journey With Two New Titles: Doctor and Mom

Even before Nnenna Ukenna-Izuwa began her studies at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), she knew she wanted to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN).

Her cousin’s death from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy in Nigeria, where gynecologic care is not widely available, had inspired Ukenna-Izuwa to make a difference for women.

What she didn’t expect was to gain empathy for her patients after having a daughter, Ifunanya, in October 2022 and experiencing preeclampsia and postpartum depression.

“Now, I embrace every patient even more, cherishing them as if they were my own family,” she said. “This journey has deepened my understanding of human nature and resilience and allowed me to revel in the boundless joys of motherhood.”

This spring, Ukenna-Izuwa will celebrate her accomplishments both in the clinic and at home when she graduates from RWJMS on May 13, the day after Mother’s Day.

Other mothers collecting diplomas that day will include Jessenia Palacio-Meadows and Emefa Asare at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Among just 5 percent of U.S. medical students who are parents, all three women describe the experience as difficult but empowering.

“These graduates bring the same strengths to parenting that they have brought to their medical studies: the ability to multitask at a high level, a strong affinity for nurturing and caring for life, and an always helpful sense of humor and resilience,” said Carol A. Terregino, senior associate dean for education and academic affairs at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

“We are proud to support their success in the classroom and as unique individuals with busy lives,” added James Hill, associate dean for the Office of Student Affairs at NJMS.

Balancing studies with pregnancy and motherhood

Asare pursued motherhood because she and her husband, Alphonse Asare, not only felt that the time was right, but were concerned that fertility issues might arise if they waited.

The experience made her more patient with the people she treats in the clinic and helped her form her philosophy as a doctor. First, knowing how important family time is, she’s determined to be efficient with her activities and encounters while at work.

“I see medicine as a calling and a passion, but I don't want it to be the total sum of my identity,” she said. “I identify as both a mother and a physician.”

Beyond that, Asare strives to be sensitive to the struggles of female physicians who are juggling work and motherhood. She knows firsthand how difficult that can be.

While pregnant, Asare put off telling her program leaders because she didn’t want special treatment. That meant she didn’t decline when a resident led her class up numerous flights of stairs during rounds, or when she was asked to interact with potentially volatile psychiatric patients.

Ukenna-Izuwa and Palacio-Meadows faced challenges, too.

By arranging their classes and rotations around maternity leaves that spanned from six weeks to several months, all the women were able to graduate on time. But Palacio-Meadows struggled to finish her applications to pediatrics residencies, due just after her son, Emmanuel Meadows, was born in September 2023.

“I emailed the programs to explain why I was submitting late,” she said, and was relieved to garner not only congratulations, but interviews.

Rotations during pregnancy were also challenging, said Ukenna-Izuwa, who found that an OB/GYN clerkship gave her a uniquely rewarding ability to connect with her patients – but also an unsettling view of all that can go wrong with maternal-fetal health.

Both she and Asare found it difficult to spend hours on their feet as their pregnancies progressed.

“If I were to go back and do it all over again, I would advocate for myself,’’ said Asare, whose son Samuel was born in August 2022. “As a female practicing physician, I want to have that grace for others, encouraging them to speak up if they need accommodations.”

Building a support system

Ukenna-Izuwa and her husband, Chinomnso Gbazie, who is also a medical student, agree that support is just as important outside the clinic. They often call on her parents, sister or medical school friends to babysit when deadlines loom or schedules change.

Ukenna-Izuwa also leaned on her family when she faced complications after childbirth, but after that felt natural embracing her new role.

“I saw how my mom did it as a nurse with four kids who was an immigrant in this country with no family other than my dad,” she said. “When I became a mom, the instinct just clicked, and I was able to adjust. I hope my daughter sees me as an inspiration to go the extra mile to do whatever she wants to pursue.”

Following a difficult childbirth, Palacio-Meadows received help from her husband, James Meadows, and her mother, who spent nights with the family for three weeks. She was also grateful to have her sisters running errands for her and her friends and church community checking in.

“There’s no shame in asking for help,” she said, “especially if that means we can be more present to love these little people.”

Similarly, Asare relied on her husband and his mother, who visited from Ghana for 10 months.

“I was able to focus,” Asare said. “I was not worried about how my son was doing at home because I knew he was safe and in good care.”

But after her mother-in-law left, Asare completed some four-week “away rotations” at medical programs outside New Jersey.

“This meant having an efficient system in place to keep the home running while I was away,” she said. “I had food prepped, labeled and in the freezer, and I had a schedule made up. I realized I needed to be able to manage not only my time, but my resources.”

Planning for the future

Like Ukenna-Izuwa, who will be training at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, Palacio-Meadows wanted to stay close to her family as she completed her residency. She’s thrilled that her mother will not only care for her son while she’s at work but preserve the family’s heritage by teaching him Spanish.

“My son is such a priority and guided so much of this journey,” Palacio-Meadows said. “Thankfully, I matched at my No. 1 program, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.”

Meanwhile, Asare and her family will be relocating to Michigan so she can work as a urology resident at William Beaumont University Hospital.

“Although it’s male-dominated, my specialty tends to be family-friendly,” she said, “and my program is very supportive.”

As residents, the women will face grueling schedules, including overnight shifts. Palacio-Meadows is sad that she’ll miss some of her son’s milestones, but she’s confident about her plans.

“There was a point when I had so much anxiety about being apart from my son and wondered if my calling was actually to be a stay-at-home mom,” she said. “But on my first day back in the hospital, I was reminded why I'm doing this. I love hearing everybody’s different stories and being in a position to help. It's a reminder of how we're all connected, and it's truly a privilege.”