Go for it. The world needs more women in this field. We bring a whole new detailed dimension to it. You are needed! Trust me.
Who is Dr. Lawrencia?
I am 29 years old, born and raised in Ghana. I belong to a close family of 7 and the last of 5 children. I am a pretty good listener and love listening to people and learning from others. I hardly forget things people tell me. 🙂 I have 3 elder sisters and a brother. I am happily married to a wonderful man. We’ve been married for about a year and a half. I love dogs and my husband and I parent a cute little pug whom we adore. I have been a medical doctor since 2014. In 2018, I went back to school to further my career, this time in a totally new environment; London!
Educational Background
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(Ghana)
Special Awards
How did you choose to pursue this field?
I was unsure about what career path to choose growing up. It varied from fashion designer to engineer to flight attendant to poet to ….you name it! lol. In high school, I use to do really well in all my Science subjects; so it was no surprise I started clinging more towards Science related subjects. Frankly speaking, I initially decided to pursue Medicine because it was the what “every good science student” was expected to aim for. However, when I started the course I realised how much it fitted with my personality and decided to stick with it and give it my very best.
Who was your inspiration or role model that guided you to this field?
I would say my entire family. They have believed in me ever since I can remember and have always made me feel I could achieve anything I wanted to. They have achieved a lot in their chosen fields. They instilled so much discipline and confidence in me and I will forever be grateful for such a solid support system.
Did you always have the desire to work in this field? If not, what was your intended field? Why did you change careers?
I thought of doing Engineering at first because I was very good in Physics and Mathematics. I later changed to Medicine because I felt it was the right thing for me to do. I really can’t explain why. It just felt right.
What do you love most about your job or career?
Being a doctor has shown me how fickle life and health can be. It has made me more appreciative of the little things in life like family, love and commitment. I am grateful for life and good health while I still have them and try my best to live a purposeful life pleasing to God
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job or career?
The fact that I get to help make people feel better, live healthier lives and sometimes get to save their lives. It’s the most rewarding experience ever
What things would you change about your job?
The crazy 36 hour shifts I use to have. Thank God I survived them! lol
What are the most difficult things or disappointing aspect of your job?
There were times when I felt I was not empowered enough to provide the best care for my patients. E.g. as a result of lack of equipment and other resources as a doctor in the public hospitals I worked in. Patients usually blamed the doctors for these inadequacies without realising the constraints we were facing. It’s really heart-breaking especially for those of us who still give off our best irrespective of the working conditions.
How have you combated the stigma of being a “woman of color” in STEM?
Now that I am schooling in the U.K. I have become a minority which was not the case when I was in Ghana. Before coming here, I already knew who I was, what I was capable of and came with the confidence that I was here to learn and improve upon myself. I came with a very positive mindset and attitude and so I really did not bother myself with people’s opinions of me from the beginning. I knew my work would speak for itself and my focus was to give off my best with no distractions from self-doubt.
What tips would you offer for anyone thinking about entering into your profession?
What advice would you give your younger self about your career journey as a “woman of color” working in a predominantly white, male-dominated field?
To relax and keep working hard. It will eventually pay off.
Can you provide some words of wisdom to young ladies thinking about entering a STEM field as a career choice?
Go for it. The world needs more women in this field. We bring a whole new detailed dimension to it. You are needed! Trust me.
What is your favorite quote?
If at first you don’t succeed, try reading the instructions”
– this quote is pretty self-explanatory I think lol
How has your family been a great influence or support system?
My family has been my support system since I was a child. They are always there for me and have been supportive and encouraging throughout my journey. My mom is a retired nurse and my dad is a retired marine engineer. My husband is also a medical doctor 🙂
What are your future goals related to your career?
Apart from practising as a doctor, I would also like to work with institutions aimed at improving health systems such as the Ministry of health, NGOs, WHO etc and also aspire to lecture someday to guide students in critical thinking
What are some interesting facts about yourself that you would like to share?
Follow Dr. Lawrencia:
Instagram: @dr.lawrencia
Contact Dr. Lawrencia for any further questions:
Email: azaslawrencia@gmail.com
I know Lawrencia on a personal level. She is such a focused, intelligent and kind hearted young lady. Keep up the good work Lawrencia.
Thank you for your kind words and we totally agree she is amazing! We were honored to share her story!